Blinded Vets Foundation Sets 26th Annual Congressional Awards Ceremony

National Awards Program to Honor U.S. Representatives Miller, Roe, and Filner

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF), at its 26th annual Congressional Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, will present its George "Buck" Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service to U.S. Representatives Jeff Miller (R-Florida) and Phil Roe (R-Tennessee).  A special recognition award will be presented to Rep. Bob Filner (D-California).  The ceremony will take place in Room 345 of the Cannon House Office Building.

"We're honored to recognize Representatives Filner, Miller, and Roe for their steadfast support of veteran's rights and services," said BAVF President John Fales of Silver Spring, MD.  "These national leaders continually stand up for the millions of women and men who have served or are now serving our country, and for their families.  The entire veteran's community joins us in applauding these heroes for their friendship, trust, and constant devotion to veteran's issues."

The BAVF will also present its Carlton Sherwood Media Award to Maria Stainer of The Washington Times and writer David H. Hugel.  Col. Marvin J. Harris (Military Officers Association of America) 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, D.C.).

The annual awards ceremony follows the Foundation's annual Flag Day Picnic on June 12.  This annual patriotic gala attracts political figures, area civic leaders, veterans' service 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.

Both events are part of the Foundation's annual Flag Week activities.

The Blinded American Veterans Foundation assists blinded and 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