Blinded Vets Foundation Sets 32nd Annual Congressional Awards Ceremony

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF), at its 32nd annual Congressional Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, will present its George "Buck" Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service to U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Brent Wenstrup (R-OH).  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 Moulton and Wenstrup 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 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 Michael Jernigan, a writer and motivational speaker, and Chris Plante, host of the Chris Plante Show on WMAL Radio.  The Foundation's George W. Alexander Memorial Volunteer Award will be presented to Gale Watson, National Program Director at the Veterans Health Administration, and Hal Koster, Executive Director of the Aleethia Foundation.  The Foundation's Corporate Award will be presented to Anthony Morella, J.D. Master of Ceremonies is the Hon. Connie Morella, former Member of Congress.

The annual awards ceremony follows the Foundation's annual Flag Day Picnic on June 11.  This 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 retired from his cart at the 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 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 a compilation of related statistics.  It also conducts research, educational, and charitable programs.  This valuable service is performed strictly with volunteers and no paid staff.

SOURCE Blinded American Veterans Foundation

Related Links

http://www.bavf.org