WASHINGTON – The movers and shakers of the entertainment industry will be honored for their support of veterans in the 8th Annual American Veterans Awards television program on Sunday, February 9.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Anthony J. Principi will honor actor Gerald McRaney for his work as chairman of the VA National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans campaign in 2002. He has agreed to continue serving as chairman in 2003.
“I am pleased to honor Gerald McRaney for his support of veterans,” Principi said. “He has spent countless hours visiting hospitalized veterans and encouraging others to join him in volunteering to help veterans.”
The show will air on The History Channel Sunday, February 9, at 7 p.m., EST.
Additionally, the Woman of the Year Award will be presented to actress Bo Derek for her work as the Honorary National Chairperson for VA rehabilitation special events. Willie Nelson will present the Veteran of the Year Award to Kris Kristofferson. The show will also honor those in the military and veterans communities for their service to the nation.
The airing of the American Veterans Awards show coincides with the kickoff of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, an annual celebration at VA health care facilities honoring the men and women who served their nation. Community and state officials, military and veterans organizations, and youth groups often join with the public during the National Salute Week to visit patients in VA hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Members of the public are encouraged to call their local VA health care facilities to participate in the 2003 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. At the VA medical centers, they should ask for the voluntary service office, which coordinates the event.
