WASHINGTON – The efforts of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the wake of destruction by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were further recognized Monday when the Department received the prestigious Public Spirit Award from the American Legion Auxiliary.
VA Secretary R. James Nicholson accepts the Public Spirit Award from the American Legion Auxiliary February 27th in Washington, D.C.
The annual award was accepted on behalf of the Department by the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who also lauded VA employees for their heroic sacrifice during Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast six months ago.
“My VA colleagues responded to that epic tragedy with selflessness and heroism,” said Nicholson in accepting the award. “VA employees acted heroically even in the face of catastrophic personal loss.”
The Public Spirit Award is historically given to individuals, but American Legion Auxiliary National President Carol Van Kirk nominated the entire Department for being what she called “an example of a true success story.”
The award from the American Legion Auxiliary follows earlier recognition for VA’s response to Hurricane Katrina, including Senate Resolution 263, a commendation to agency employees for their efforts during the storm.
Past recipients of the Public Spirit Award include Ronald Reagan, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell.
