MAJOR GENERAL ERNEIDO OLIVA ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Major General Erneido Oliva, USAR (Ret.), veteran of the Bay of Pigs invasion and former Deputy Commanding General of the Washington, D.C. National Guard, joined over 100 former generals and flag officers to endorse John McCain for President of the United States.

"John McCain is a true American hero whose record and experience defending this great nation are unmatched," said Gen. Oliva. "John McCain knows what it is to experience the cruelties of tyrannical regimes, and understands the need to stand firm in the face of evil. His leadership is impressive, and I am proud to stand with him."

John McCain thanked Gen. Oliva for his support, stating, "I am deeply honored to have earned the support of a patriot such as General Oliva. His leadership and courage under fire are inspirational, and I am grateful for his support."

General Oliva left his native country Cuba in 1960 to join the anti-Castro forces being organized in Guatemala. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Commander of Assault Brigade 2506, the Cuban exile brigade that landed at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961.

Released with his surviving comrades in an agreement with the U.S. government, he was commissioned into the U.S. armed forces, and has been a tireless advocate for the cause of a free Cuba. He was promoted to general of the line, U.S.A. Brigadier General, in 1984 and retired as a Major General of the District of Columbia National Guard in 1993.