Democrats announce veterans group

WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee said it established a group to consult on U.S. veterans affairs.

It also has set up a Web site supporting Democratic veterans seeking office.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean, in a release, said, "We want to send a clear message to our troops -- we stand with you while you are serving and we'll stand with you when your service is done ..."

The Democratic National Veterans and Militaries Families Council will be led by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy and Army reserve veteran Don Fowler, and "will seek ways to support a strong national defense, help Democratic veterans running for office and serve America's veterans and military families," the DNC release said.

The committee also said a page on the organization's Web site has been established to support the more than two dozen veterans who are seeking office this year as Democrats.