Three Aiken residents, all family members, are on a committee spearheaded by Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush that aims to scope veterans needs across the Palmetto State.
The former governor of Florida visited Aiken last month and now, his Veterans for Jeb Steering Committee is tasked with advising the South Carolina campaign on veteran's issues and encouraging stakeholders to join Bush.
Jim Lorraine, a retired Lt. Col. in the Air Force, and former special assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is joined on the committee by his wife, Rebecca, and his sister, Barbara McKnight. All three have served in the U.S. Air Force, and Lorraine said he became a Jeb Bush supporter after touring presidential libraries earlier this year.
In February, Lorraine made it through a pool of more than 1,000 U.S. citizens and eventually became one of 60 U.S. scholars who toured the libraries and attended workshops as part of a national effort to build up leadership skills.
During the opportunities, Lorraine got to hear Bush speak on various issues.
"I told my wife I really liked what he had to say and since she was already a supporter, we knew we'd be able to make a contribution," Lorraine said.
But even before that, Lorraine was already a Bush fan while residing in Florida during Bush's years heading up the state.
"I saw firsthand how he led the state and I have confidence that he can do the same with our country," Lorraine said.
The steering committee is comprised of leaders with decades of experience in uniform. Jim said the group will work together across the state articulating issues that are impacting veterans.
"We are to identify solutions and make presentations to the steering committee," he said. "Specifically for this area, we'll be a focal point for veterans in the Aiken community who are interested in supporting Jeb." Bush stopped in Aiken on July 22. Here, he addressed education, national security and employment opportunities. Bush is seeking to be the third member of his family to serve as head of state.
Lorraine added, "I served in the military under George H. and George W. I respect their ability to make decisions and I know Jeb has the same values and background."
Editor's Note: This article was updated to correct an earlier version. The Aiken Standard regrets the error.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the paper since June 2013. He is originally from Vidalia, Ga., and a graduate of Georgia Southern University.