Representative John Szoka and Representative Holly Grange Respond to Governor-elect Cooper’s Appointment of Ken Eudy | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Representative John Szoka (R- Cumberland) and Representative Holly Grange (R- New Hanover) issued the following statement this morning:

    "It is very concerning that Governor-elect Cooper's pick for senior adviser, Ken Eudy has publicly expressed negative opinions and degrading comments toward our state's military servicemen and women," said Representative Grange. "Our active-duty and retired military represent the best of the United States and have made countless sacrifices for the betterment of North Carolina."

    "As a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army and elected official representing Fort Bragg, the most populous military base in the world, I am deeply offended and disheartened over Mr. Eudy's comments toward our state's bravest men and women," Representative Szoka stated. "It is an honor to represent our state's most fearless individuals as well as their families and for Mr. Eudy to blatantly dismiss their service with statements such as the above is saddening to me."

    In an interview with The News & Observer, Eudy doubled-down on his disrespectful comments toward United States military members without a sign of remorse. "It is gravely concerning that Eudy would use our state's amazing teachers as a political prop to cover up his shameful comments toward our military," said Representative Szoka.

    Background:

    North Carolina is home to over 130,000 active-duty military personnel and over 774,000 veterans. The North Carolina General Assembly has 37 members who have served in various branches of the military.

    In an article written by Mr. Ken Eudy, he states: "I sit simply because I think it odd that, of all the categories of Americans that we honor, we honor warriors." (Link to article)

    Statement is endorsed by the following Members of the House of Representatives, who've all served, or are currently serving in the United States military:

• Rep. Chris Whitmire
• Rep. Mike Speciale
• Rep. Roger West
• Rep. George Cleveland
• Rep. Paul Stam
• Rep. Leo Daughtry
• Rep. John Blust
• Rep. John Faircloth
• Rep. Kelly Hastings
• Rep. Bill Brawley

• Contact: Emily Weeks
•     Emily.Weeks@ncgop.org