Veterans of Foreign Wars Honors Senator Collins with Prestigious 2017 Congressional Award
Only one member of Congress is selected each year in recognition of significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform
VFW National Commander Brian Duffy: “Senator Collins has a long record of looking out for you—the veterans of America…she is one of our biggest advocates here in Congress”
Noted on WAGM: As a member of the VA appropriations subcommittee that provides funding for the VA, Senator Collins has worked hard to reduce the number of homeless vets in our country
 This week, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) honored U.S. Senator Susan Collins with the 2017 Congressional Award. The highly prestigious award, which was presented by VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, was given to Senator Collins in recognition of her “unwavering support of veterans, service members and their families,” as well as for “strengthening America through strong national security programs.” For more than 50 years, the VFW's Congressional Award has been presented annually to one Member of Congress for significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform.
Joining National Commander Duffy was a strong contingent of Maine VFW members, including Maine Commander Steven SanPedro. Maine has more veterans per capita than all but two other states in the country.
 At the award presentation ceremony, National Commander Duffy told Senator Collins, “On behalf of the 1.7 million Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary, I’m pleased to recognize you for all your great work on behalf of America’s veterans. You have a very impressive history of helping veterans…I’m proud to be here today to give you this award along with the officers from the state and the national level.”
Upon accepting the award, Senator Collins said, “I am deeply honored to be named the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2017 Congressional Award. I am especially delighted to be here with the national and Maine leaders of the VFW Auxiliary. Each of you, through your service to our nation in uniform and to our veterans through this great organization, makes me proud to be an advocate for veterans as well as a life member of the VFW Post in my hometown of Caribou.”
 “Out of all of the awards that I have received, this one is particularly special to me,” Senator Collins continued. “As many VFW and Auxiliary members from Maine know, my father is a WWII veteran who was wounded twice in the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. It was from him that I learned to honor and respect our veterans.”
Following the award ceremony, Senator Collins was recognized at a reception hosted by the VFW.
“It’s our honor to welcome Senator Collins, a life member of the VFW Auxiliary up in Caribou, Maine,” said National Commander Duffy upon introducing Senator Collins. “Please give a warm VFW and Auxiliary welcome to one of our biggest advocates here in Congress, Senator Collins.”
 Commander Duffy described in considerable detail Senator Collins’ distinguished record that led the VFW to bestow the organization's Congressional Award on her. He said the Senator's presence and leadership on the Appropriations Committee, including the subcommittees responsible for defense and veterans spending, as well as the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence Committees, helped to support veterans and safeguard the country.
He also commended Senator Collins’ efforts to secure passage of critical quality of life programs, such as extended TRICARE coverage, military pay increases, and more community-based outpatient clinics, programs which uphold the highest ideals and principles of the VFW. This year, the VFW and Auxiliary is taking on the challenge of mental health among veterans and increasing support for women veterans, issues Senator Collins has long championed.
 Moreover, National Commander Duffy highlighted Senator Collins’ efforts to ensure that veterans have convenient access to high-quality health care. Senator Collins is co-leading a bipartisan group of Senators to authorize pending leases for vital medical facilities across the country. These facilities, including one in Portland, will allow veterans to receive outpatient care without the stress and difficulty of traveling to larger VA medical centers, which may be located far away from their homes.
Senator Collins has also worked hard to reduce the number of homeless veterans. As the Chairman of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, she has fought to ensure the continued funding of the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, which provides thousands of new housing vouchers to veterans each year. Thanks to Senator Collins’ efforts, real .JPG) progress has been made on this issue, with homelessness among veterans declining 47 percent since 2010.
In addition, Senator Collins is working with the VFW on a bill to improve access to VA preventive care, the Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act. Ensuring our veterans receive preventive care, in the same manner as is currently provided by the Department of Defense, can not only cut medical costs down the line by preventing disease and disability, but also maintains the health and well-being of veterans.
“Senator Collins has a long record of looking out for you—the veterans of America,” said National Commander Duffy at the reception. “Much needs to be done, and thanks to the leadership of Senator Collins, much will be done to help our veterans.”
In Case You Missed It
 Click HERE to read about Senator Collins receiving the VFW Congressional Award in the Portland Press Herald.
 Click HERE to read about Senator Collins receiving the VFW Congressional Award in the Fiddlehead Focus.
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