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THE PERSON chosen to be the next pres- ident will face extremely difficult challenges over the next few years.

The choices the president makes will undoubtedly upset many Americans in both parties, if our out-of-control economy is to be brought back into balance after eight years of rampant spending under an administration that has done little to provide leadership on economic issues. Now more than ever, true leadership and courage is needed to affect the change in policies we so very much need to change course, and to heal the economic woes faced by so many Americans throughout our great nation.

As a Virginia small-business owner, veteran, and Latino, I'm voting for Sen. Barack Obama for the same reasons as millions of other Americans: because I believe this country desperately needs change. Obama will change our economic policies to help middle-class families, promote the growth of small businesses, and increase funding for veterans' affairs, so no member of our armed services goes without the medical treatment he or she needs and deserves.

As a 26-year veteran of the United States Navy, I have had the opportunity to serve this country under the leadership of Democrats and Republicans alike. I served at the highest levels in both Democratic and Republican administrations. In the ruins of 9/11, I commanded the construction and operation of the Navy's newest and most capable warship. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to lead some of America's bravest men and women, and the privilege to serve my country.

After eight years of the Bush administration, however, I have never seen our military so overstretched and poorly managed.

And it is a disgrace when America's soldiers risk their lives for their country, and that country fails to provide them adequate medical care upon their return home. This includes treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder--one of the hallmark injuries of the Iraq war. It is a discredit to this nation that we let Walter Reed Hospital fall into disrepair and provided substandard medical care to those who have served our country.

MILITARY SUPPORT

Unfortunately, Sen. McCain has voted against increases for veterans' health care. He even opposed bipartisan legislation to update the GI Bill because he thought it was "too generous." In addition, he voted against providing automatic cost-of-living adjustments for members of our armed forces.