SoldierStrong co-founder and chairman Chris Meek issued the following statement following the death of former U.S. Senator and 2000 Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman today:
“Joe Lieberman was one of the original advisory board members of SoldierStrong, demonstrating his care and concern for the men and women who served our country in defense of our freedom. His commitment was all the more apparent when I recall our conversation about my invitation to him. ‘Chris, I don’t like advisory boards,’ he said, ‘l but I can’t say no to you.’ His willing to join the SoldierStrong advisory board gave us much greater credibility and helped the organization grow into the nonprofit with national reach and influence that it is today. His decision showed the way for other national voices to join SoldierStrong, including Dr. Kathleen Hicks, who is the current Deputy Secretary of Defense, and former U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Nancy McEldowney. Joe Lieberman was a voice for the people of Connecticut during his service in the U.S. Senate. He will be greatly missed, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at SoldierStrong are with his wife, Hadassah, their daughter, Hana, his two children, Matt and Rebecca, from his first marriage, and stepson, Ethan Tucker.”