DENVER -- A Boulder, Colo., Iraq war veteran is one of 10 supporters selected Friday to be backstage with Sen. Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in two weeks.

John Volkmar is a graduate student at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

After almost 10 years of service and two tours in Iraq, Volkmar left the Army to serve the country in other ways, including working to develop an effective national energy policy.

"John is currently taking classes towards his MBA, so that he will be able to help stop the influence of special interests in Washington and change the relationship between our country’s dependence on foreign oil and our flawed foreign policy approach," the Obama campaign said.

The 10 voters selected for backstage access for Obama’s speech on Aug. 28 represent the diversity of Obama supporters and come from all across the country. The 10 supporters were selected from 10 different states, and each will be able to bring one guest. The supporters will receive airfare, accommodations, and will attend two days of convention activities -- including a private meeting with Obama before his historic speech at Invesco Field.

"Sen. Obama is focused on opening up the convention, his acceptance speech and the democratic process to more people than ever before. Supporters are responsible for building this movement and for bringing this campaign so far -- and Barack looks forward to sharing this moment with them," said campaign manager David Plouffe.

The others selected are Anne Rector, Indianapolis, Ind.; James T. Fondriest, Massillon, Ohio; Eric Melder of Pennsylvania; Holly Stebing of Anchorage, Alaska; Barb Sackman of Fallon, Mont.; Kayla Whitaker, of Fargo, N.D.; Marsha Shearer of The Villages, Fla.; Lenny Julius, Emerald Isle, N.C.; and Trinace Johnson of Richmond, Va.