WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lung Cancer Alliance President & CEO, Laurie Fenton Ambrose issued the following statement today:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081016/LCALOGO )

The death today of Congressman John Murtha (D-PA) is a great loss for our country, our military men and women and for the lung cancer community.

Congressman Murtha, who chaired the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, will be extolled -- and rightly so -- as one of the greatest congressional leaders ever on defense and security issues. He was proud of his service as a former Marine and equally proud of his reputation as a fearless and tireless champion of military men and women. He was also a compassionate champion on the issue of lung cancer and its disproportionate impact on those who served our country. Chairman Murtha established and funded the first lung cancer research program within the Department of Defense.

We will never forget his compassion and support. Lung Cancer Alliance extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Joyce and his family.

Media Contact:
Kay Cofrancesco
202-463-2080
kay@lungcanceralliance.org