Blinded Vets Foundation Hosts 26th Annual Congressional Awards Ceremony

Flag Week Activities Include June 12 and June 14 Events

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF) hosts its 26th annual Congressional Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, preceded by its annual Flag Day Picnic on June 12.  The Congressional Awards Ceremony will take place in Room 345 of the Cannon House Office Building, while the picnic will be held in Silver Spring, MD.  Both events are part of the Foundation's Flag Day observances honoring Members of Congress, the media, and volunteers.

"This is a special time of year for the Foundation," said BAVF President John Fales of Silver Spring, MD, "for it centers on the day our country pays tribute to the American flag.  It also gives us the opportunity to honor those in Congress and the media who have helped the millions of men and women who were willing to put their lives on the line in defense of our flag and for all it stands, as well as thank some of the many, many volunteers who have helped the Foundation since its beginning."

At awards ceremonies on June 14, U.S. Representatives Jeff Miller (R-Florida) and Phil Roe (R-Tennessee) will receive the Foundation's George "Buck" Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service. A special recognition award will be presented to Rep. Bob Filner (D-California).  The BAVF's Carlton Sherwood Media Award will be presented Maria Stainer of the Washington Times and writer David C. Hugel.  Volunteers Co. Marvin Harris (Military Officers Association) and veterans' advocate Aaron Smith will receive the BAVF's George W. Alexander Memorial Volunteer Award, with the Foundation's Corporate Award going to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Washington, DC).

The Foundation's annual patriotic picnic attracts political figures, area civic leaders, veterans' services organization representatives, and the BAVF "family" of disabled and visually impaired veterans.  Flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol will be presented to many guests.  This year's picnic will honor long-time veterans' advocate Clarence Bacon.  As always, the picnic's famous hot dogs will be prepared and served by the gregarious Chef Lakis, a longtime Washington, D.C. fixture who has since retired from his cart at the northeast corner of 18th and K Streets, N.W.

The Blinded American Veterans Foundation assists blinded ad sensory-disabled veterans in attaining their full potential through research, rehabilitation, and re-employment.  It offers employment networking and rehabilitation and resource counseling, and provides funding for rehabilitation centers.  Other programs include a speaker's bureau, placement services, and compilation of related statistics.  It also conducts research, educational, and charitable programs.  This valuable service is performed strictly with volunteers and without a paid staff.

SOURCE Blinded American Veterans Foundation