LAKE JACKSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign today announced the national “Veterans for Ron Paul” coalition to energize supporters of Dr. Paul who were members of the U.S. armed forces.

The coalition aims to recruit men and women who served in the armed services and who want to actively help elect Dr. Paul the Republican nominee for the presidency.

“Out of the entire Republican field of candidates and including President Obama, Congressman Ron Paul is the only candidate for the presidency who has served in the military,” said Iowa House Rep. Glen Massie (R-Des Moines).

“Dr. Paul is a man of unimpeachable integrity whether this is measured against his character or his decades-long record of public service. I am certain Iowa’s veterans will answer the call for the mission of supporting Ron Paul for president just as they have answered the solemn call to serve their country in times of urgent need,” said Rep. Massie, who serves on the “Veterans for Ron Paul” national advisory board.

Rep. Massie is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and in May he became the first Iowa legislator to endorse Dr. Paul for the Republican nomination.

“As a veteran, I am proud to lend my support to this military-friendly initiative in support of Dr. Paul,” said Iowa Campaign Chairman Drew Ivers.

“Active-duty men and women recently demonstrated their support for Dr. Paul by contributing much more to his presidential campaign than they have to those of other Republican candidates. Now America’s veterans, too, have a chance to showcase their enthusiasm for Dr. Paul’s candidacy and we expect an outpouring of interest among this group as well,” said Mr. Ivers.

Mr. Ivers is a combat-wounded U.S. Army veteran and was awarded a purple heart for injuries he sustained while serving in Vietnam.

As a first basic step, those wanting to join the “Veterans for Ron Paul” coalition should visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Veterans.