Indianapolis, IN—Tomorrow, Congressman Joe Donnelly will receive the Department of Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2007-2008 Legislator of the Year award for his work on behalf of America’s veterans.  The Indiana VFW did not present the award last year, making Donnelly the first recipient in two years.

“The Indiana VFW performs exceptional service on behalf of Hoosier veterans who have fought and sacrificed abroad for the very freedoms we hold dear as Americans.  As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I have valued their continued advice and guidance during my first term in Congress, and it is my honor to receive the Legislator of the Year award.”

During his tenure in Congress, Donnelly has been at the forefront of veterans issues.  Not only did he help enact the largest funding increase in history for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but he also introduced several pieces of legislation to improve medical care for soldiers with traumatic brain injury and to help disabled veterans more easily access the benefits they’ve earned.

Donnelly also voted to successfully block proposed out-of-pocket price increases for military and veterans health care, supported a pay increase for military personnel, and this week voted with the House of Representatives in passing a long overdue update of the GI Bill to ensure education benefits keep up with the rising costs of a college education.

Finally, Donnelly has helped to expand access to care for Hoosier veterans by working to open the country’s first Veterans Muti-Use Outreach Center in Logansport, which will provide an array of services under the same roof, and a new Community-Based Outreach Clinic in Goshen that is set to open this year.

“The commitment of our men and women in uniform must be matched and repaid by our commitment to them, and by our never forgetting those who have fallen in service for us,” Donnelly added. “I will continue to fight on behalf of all veterans.”

“The Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars is honored to be presenting the Legislator of the Year award to Congressman Donnelly,” said Thomas V.  Burks II, member of the National Legislative Committee and Chairman of the Indiana VFW. “We want to thank him for his ongoing support of veterans and their needs as they continue with life after their service.”

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