Former Naval Flight Officer and combat aviator Tom Royals, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District, launched a ‘Veterans for Royals’ Coalition Saturday, with veterans from every county in Maryland’s Sixth District participating.

“As a combat veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, I am confident Tom Royals is the fighter Maryland needs to ensure every veteran receives the benefits they earned in service to our nation,” said Veterans for Royals Chair, Dustin Burns. “Tom faced the enemy while on combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, and he has the experience and perspective to protect our country and veterans in Congress.”

During the event, veterans across Maryland’s sixth district weighed in their support for Royals:

“I support Tom Royals because he understands just how critical it is that American troops have the support they need to prevent the threats our country faces from foreign adversaries,” Bill Unruh said. “As a veteran who served in the US Navy, I trust Tom will work in Congress to give our troops the resources they need to protect our freedoms.”

“As a retired Army officer, I've been extraordinarily impressed with Tom and know how hard he will work with the Veterans Administration to ensure all veterans receive the care and services they've earned,” Darlene Robertson said. “I know Tom can go to Congress and make a real difference for veterans.”