Democrat Bob Statchen of Stonington, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the 18th District state Senate seat, announced Monday that he is the first candidate in Connecticut to receive the endorsement of VoteVets.org during this election cycle.

“Vote Vets is an important national organization with over 500,000 supporters that works to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans’ care and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families," Statchen said. “I am proud that this organization has shown its faith in me and my campaign.”

In his written endorsement letter to Stachen, Jon Soltz, the group’s chairman stated, “We at VoteVets are always thrilled to see veterans like you continuing to serve after uniform. In these turbulent political times, our veterans, communities and country need leaders like you who will continue to serve the nation and put the country first.”

Additional endorsements for Statchen can be found at Statchen2018.com/endorsements.