The MassGOP announced the formation of a “veterans coalition” in honor of the observance of Veterans Day to help the state’s minority party find qualified political candidates from among the military population.

According to state Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale, the group will led by a pair of party committee members who are themselves veterans and tasked with addressing issues important to the state’s hundreds of thousands of veterans, military retirees, and their families.

“With mounting conflicts around the globe, it is more important than ever to recognize the service and sacrifice so many have made to keep our nation safe. My hope is this coalition leads to an increase in awareness and advocacy amongst our elected officials on veterans issues,” Carnevale said when announcing the group.

The coalition, according to the party chairwoman, will also serve as a bench from which to call up conservatives to seek office on behalf of the party, which does not control any parts of the state’s government.

“We will also look to recruit candidates from the coalition membership to continue their service by running for elected office at all levels,” Carnevale said.

That’s in keeping with the Chairwoman’s stated objectives when she was running for the job in January. Carnevale said then that the party would be better served in finding candidates who could tackle issues impacting their constituents, instead of starting fights over national hot-button issues.

Republican State Committee Members Nathan Bech, of Hampden District, and John McCarthy, of Second Essex District, will lead the coalition.

Beck currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served on active duty as an enlisted soldier before receiving his commission and was a member of the elite Tenth Mountain Division with service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.

McCarthy graduated from Norwich University before he was commissioned as an artillery officer. He served tours in Vietnam as a forward observer, fire direction officer and firing battery executive officer, where he earned a bronze star for his wartime service. He later joined the 101st Airborne Division as a reservist.

“I am incredibly thankful for Nathan and John’s service to our country, our party, and their willingness to lead this vital effort,” Carnevale said.

Massachusetts is home to over 240,000 military veterans, according to Executive Office of Veterans Services.