Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Senator Johnny Isakson with 2018 Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership Award

News provided by

Mar 08, 2018, 03:48 ET

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today presented Sen. Johnny Isakson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, with its 2018 Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership Award. Chairman Isakson has championed one of Paralyzed Veterans' top legislative priorities for its members—the expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Comprehensive Family Caregiver Program to pre-9/11 veterans. Additionally, Isakson has marshalled the most thoughtful and comprehensive reform plan for VA community care of the 115^th Congress.

Senator Johnny Isakson (far right) receives 2018 Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership Award from Paralyzed Veterans of America. (L-R) David Zurfluh, Paralyzed Veterans' National President; Paul Stewart, National Director, Southeastern Chapter; Larry Dodson, Paralyzed Veterans' National Secretary; and Carl Blake, Paralyzed Veterans' Executive Director (standing)

"Because of Chairman Isakson's stewardship, caregiver expansion has never been more possible," said David Zurfluh, national president of Paralyzed Veterans. "We're proud to present Chairman Isakson with our Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership Award. We're grateful for his support and can't think of anyone more deserving."

"I want to thank Paralyzed Veterans of America for this honor," said Isakson. "Improving and expanding the VA's caregiver program remains a top priority of mine, and I appreciate Paralyzed Veterans of America's contributions to this effort. I look forward to our continued work with Paralyzed Veterans of America to help move forward the Caring for Our Veterans Act, legislation that includes an expansion of the caregiver program, and get it enacted into law."

Paralyzed Veterans' Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership Award is named for the Honorable Gordon Mansfield, former Acting Secretary of the VA and Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans. The award reflects upon his services as the former Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the VA, and Paralyzed Veterans' first associate executive director of government relations. The late Mr. Mansfield was a combat-injured Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

About Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America