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We Surround Rochester
Aug 28, 2010, Washington DC
David Bellavia, a local Iraq war hero, confirmed to News 10NBC that he will run for Congress. This would make for an interesting race against Jon Powers, an Iraq war veteran from Erie County. It could be one of the most watched races of the election season.
Staff Sergeant David Bellavia lives in Batavia, NY and is a Republican and Conservative. Captain Powers grew up in Clarence, NY and is a Democrat. Both men want to fill the seat that Tom Reynolds is leaving.
Staff Sgt. Bellavia will file the proper paperwork and make the announcement next week. He will also meet with Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain sometime in April.
You may know Bellavia’s name. He wrote a book called “House to House – An Epic Memoir of War.” He’s 32, lives in Batavia and grew up in the Orleans County town of Waterport, NY. He spent six years in the Army, more than of year of that in Iraq, which is chronicled in his book.
Right now Staff Sgt. Bellavia is in Minneapolis, a stop he’s made traveling with a group of veterans, The National Heroes Tour, who are telling their stories across the Nation.
As for his lack of political experience, it doesn’t concern Bellavia. “When you literally realize that your life depends on character and consistency and motivating you find out that.” says Bellavia “You know what politicians don’t often times make the best leaders. Leaders are born, leaders are bred and I was baptized by fire and I think that I’m doing this because I believe I’m being called to serve.”
Jack Davis, the man who has run against Tom Reynolds twice before is considering a run again. Retired lawyer Alice Kryzan has already declared she is in the race.
Staff Sgt. Bellavia is being recommended for the Medal of Honor. He’s a father of two and the husband of News 10NBC reporter Deanna King.
All POW-MIA
6 responses so far ↓
1 DanNY // Mar 26, 2008 at 11:38 am
I just got wind of this today from the New York Soldiers Angels website and am very happy to hear that since her initial report last week that David has decided to take the leap!
He will join two other OIF veterans running for Congressional office this year in New York State. Kieran Lalor (19th CD) and Lee Zeldin (1st CD).
Check out the website http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com/
for links to the campaign websites for our New York Heroes and others around the country acting to make a difference!
Great reporting!
Dan Maloney
NY State Coordinator
Gathering of Eagles
2 rochester_veteran // Mar 26, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Thanks Dan! This is exciting! When Rep. Tom Reynolds announce his retirement, the same group of insiders were announced as possible candidates to run for the 26th District US Congressional seat. I know of the Iraq Vets for Congress and ran a story of them on here, back in January. I wondered why we couldn’t get an Iraq War veteran to run, one who’s pro-victory and my prayers were answered with David Bellavia running for that seat!!! David is up for the Medal of Honor and he’s an inspirational speaker who will represent the interests of our country faithfully!
3 phantomlord // Mar 26, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hmm… I like what I see so far, I can’t wait to hear more from him, as well as the other veteran who is a Democrat.
It’ll be nice to have one race this fall where my voice will actually count for something and where I’m likely to have a candidate I can stand behind.
4 Freedom Fighter // Mar 26, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I hear you. The folks in that district are lucky to have him running.
Thanks for the link Dan.
5 concretebob // Mar 26, 2008 at 9:12 pm
RV, you wanna come down 8 April for the DC event? You know you have a driver.
SSgt Bellavia is the most down to earth individual I have ever had the pleasure to hear. I have several friends across the country who have already met this young Warrior while on the Vets for Freeddom Heroes Tour and they all say he is a natural leader, an outstanding speaker, and very easy to talk to.
I can see this young man as a Congressman, in the well of the House, speaking from the heart on matters of concern to veterans and America.
He gets it.
Bob Miller
Special Events Coordinator
Gathering of Eagles
6 rochester_veteran // Mar 27, 2008 at 8:17 am
Bob,
Thanks for the offer, but I can’t make the rally in April 8. I had to make a choice between Eagles Muster and the rally in support of General Petraeus on April 8. Like most of the rest of us, I have limited resources and can’t do everything that I’d like to do. My youngest still needs graduation portraits taken and we need to get this taken care of before he actually does graduate in June!
David Bellavia will make an excellent Congressman! Here’s a statement from David on what his motivation is for running for Congress:
Leaders are born, leaders are bred and I was baptized by fire and I think that I’m doing this because I believe I’m being called to serve.”
He’s not doing this for personal gain, he’s doing it because he’s being “called” to office. This is the type of person we want representing us in Congress!
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