Greenville, SC – Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) will kick off the organization’s first “Defend the First” event on Monday, December 19 in Greenville. The event will feature Rep. Gowdy (R-SC), who will join CVA Executive Director Mark Lucas to discuss the threats facing free speech in America and the importance of protecting the First Amendment.
Special guest Brandon Coleman, one of the original whistleblowers at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix, will also join at the event. Coleman was retaliated against after speaking up about problems at the VA. He was issued a gag order and had his medical records tampered with by VA employees.
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Executive Director Mark Lucas issued the following statement:
“Freedom of speech has been the backbone of American democracy since our country was founded – but right now, it’s under attack. The government is using the private information of citizens to silence those who speak out against it, and a culture of censorship is crippling our country. We look forward to a thoughtful, insightful conversation about the importance of defending the First Amendment with Congressman Gowdy.”
The event starts at 6pm at the The Old Cigar Warehouse in Greenville. Doors will open at 5:30pm.
The event is free and open to the public and press. Media can RSVP to CVA Press Secretary Sarah Shriver at sshriver@cv4a.org.
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