As a tribute to the military began, retired Air Force Maj. General Scott Gration had a confession for the audience at Invesco Field.
“Until recently, I was a Republican,” Gration said, then assured the audience, “you’ll be happy to know that I’m looking forward, to voting for Barack Obama in November.”
Gration said he came to Mile High by way of an upbringing in the Congo, where his parents were missionary teachers. The family had to be evacuated and ended up as refugees.
“So I learned at an early age to value freedom and the ideals of American,” Gration said.
Gration served in the Air Force more than 30 years, he said, serving in combat with many who stood with him on the stage for the tribute. He met Barack Obama in 2005, he said, while working as director of strategy, plans and policy at the U.S. European Command.
“He asked tough questions, and he didn’t settle for easy answers,” Gration said. “It was the same way of thinking that led him to get it right when he opposed the war in Iraq, when he warned of its consequences. That’s the judgement of a leader.”
Gration also traveled with Obama to Africa, he said, where he “saw a leader with the understanding to build new bridges over old divides.”
In Nairobi “I saw a leader with the courage to confront corruption directly with the president of Kenya.”
In Djibouti, Obama played basketball with the troops, Gration said.
Having served under six commanders in chief, Gration said, “I know that leadership does matter. That’s why I’m enthusiastically supporting Barack Obama.”
