Standing on the grounds of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Capt. Jerry Coffee, a POW from the Vietnam War and nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, today announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Standing on the grounds of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Capt. Jerry Coffee, a POW from the Vietnam War and nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, today announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

/Politics News Articles/ - HONOLULU, HI, July 19, 2006 - Standing on the grounds of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Capt. Jerry Coffee, a POW from the Vietnam War and nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, today announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. He was joined by Governor Linda Lingle, Lieutenant Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, his wife Susan Page and supporters.

"I stand in awe here as I reflect upon the names of those soldiers, sailors and Marines from Hawai'i who gave their lives for our country in previous conflicts," says Capt. Coffee. "I'm in awe of the courage and commitment Americans have had and still have today as we continue to fight enemies who would harm us and the freedoms we believe are the inalienable rights of all people. I have seen the face of our country's enemies up close and know that we must always be vigilant."

"I stand respectful of my fellow citizens of Hawai'i, and humbly offer my services to represent them well in the United States Senate. I am independent and will provide balance and a new voice. My years of service to our country in the Navy as well as in the private sector have prepared me to take on the many challenges that face our state and our nation. "

Coffee retired from the U.S. Navy as Captain after 28 years of service, during which he spent 7 years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. Capt. Coffee has also enjoyed a successful career as an inspirational speaker worldwide and was recognized by the National Speakers Association's with the highest award for excellence in speaking. He is a weekly columnist for Midweek Magazine and author of Beyond Survival, detailing his years in the POW camp. In 2004, Capt. Coffee ran for the State House of Representative's District 33. He narrowly lost the election by less than one percent of the vote.

"I have always known Capt. Jerry Coffee to have a heart for the people of Hawai'i," said Governor Linda Lingle. "From serving his country proudly in Vietnam, to giving back to the community in Hawai'i, he has made a tremendous difference in the lives of people around the world. I can think of no better person to represent our great state at the national level than Jerry Coffee, an American hero who has led a life and career of honor, integrity, and courage."

Capt. Coffee currently serves on the City Charter Commission and is the Chairperson of the State Civil Defense Advisory Council, as well as a lifetime member of the Navy League. He was named the Honolulu Council of the Navy League's 2005 "Patriot of the Year." He will be the keynote speaker at the Naval Academy in Annapolis on July 14, and will also meet with longtime friend and fellow P.O.W., Senator John McCain in Washington, D.C. Capt. Coffee then will embark on a mission to remote parts of Africa to serve in an orphanage and plant immune system boosting vegetables for vulnerable families through Heart for Africa until August 8.

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