Solomeno Endorsed by VoteVets in Run for Surrogate

For Immediate Release
7/13/16

Army Veteran Selected for PAC’s Prestigious Emerging Leaders Program

HAZLET -- Despite Vincent Solomeno being away for annual active duty training with the Army National Guard, his campaign for Monmouth County Surrogate today received a big boost: VoteVets.org, a political action committee, endorsed the U.S. Army veteran and selected him for its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program.

“Having veterans represented at all levels of government could not be more critical than it is now,” said Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org. “We believe that veterans have a special voice and experience that is badly needed at every level of government.”

A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 31, is currently conducting his annual active duty training. A platoon trainer, he is tasked this month with mentoring future officers at phase one of the Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School.

While Solomeno is away, Monmouth County Democrats have launched the #OnDutyForVinny campaign, which encourages supporters to volunteer extra time and post to social media.

“As Vincent hangs up his candidate’s suit and steps into a captain’s uniform, he needs our help,” said Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal. “During this time, he will not be able to raise money, knock on doors, walk in parades or do other political activities. In his absence, we are ramping up operations by doubling the number of phone banks and door knocking.”

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik accepted the VoteVets.org endorsement on Solomeno’s behalf. He said, “As an Army officer, Vincent deployed overseas to protect our country and he did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I know I speak for him when I say ‘thank you’ to VoteVets. He will make an excellent Monmouth County Surrogate who protects not only veterans but all residents.”

An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy.

Started in 2006 and backed by over 400,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans' care, and every day issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.

For more information on the endorsement and #OnDutyForVinny, please visit www.vincentsolomeno.com/OnDutyForVinny.