Blinded Vets Foundation Sets 28th Annual Congressional Awards Ceremony

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF), at its 28th annual Congressional Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 13, 2013, will present its George "Buck" Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service to U.S. Representatives Mike Michaud (D-Maine) and Martha Roby (R-Alabama).  The ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Room 334 of the Cannon House Office Building.

"We're honored to recognize Representatives Roby and Michaud for their steadfast support of veterans' 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 veterans' 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 George L. Skypeck, the noted military historical artist and poet, and John Harper, editor of Military.com. The Foundation's George W. Alexander Memorial Volunteer Award will be presented to Jonathan Wilson, Advocacy Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Christopher S. Holley, Veterans Benefits Counselor, Department of Veterans Affairs.  The Foundation's Corporate Award will be presented to Randy Ortanez, President, PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, Inc.

The annual awards ceremony precedes the Foundation's annual Flag Day Picnic on June 15.  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.  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 18^th and K Streets, N.W.

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

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 a 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