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For Immediate Release Contact: Betsy Hart
August 26, 2008 (202) 226-8555

AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION TO PRESENT THE L. MENDEL
RIVERS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO REPRESENTATIVE STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN

Award Recognizes Champions for Quality of Life and Benefits Issues for
Military, Veterans and their Families

San Antonio, Texas – The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) will present the L. Mendel Rivers Award of Excellence to Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin at the Professional Airmen's Conference and Air Force Sergeants Association's 45th Annual Convention today during the Legislative Platform Ceremonies.

Over the past 36 years, the L. Mendel Rivers Award of Excellence, named in honor of the former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee during the Vietnam War and champion of the "ordinary" servicemember, has been presented to members of Congress that have focused on the quality of life and benefits of service for members of the military, their families, retirees, and veterans. In addition to members of Congress, high ranking Air Force officers have also received the award, including General John Michael Loh who testified in favor of keeping Ellsworth Air Force Base open during the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission hearing in Rapid City.

"I am both humbled, and very grateful, to join such a distinguished group of recipients of the L. Mendel Rivers Award for Excellence. As a patriotic American who loves her country, I want to thank the Air Force Sergeants Association for the freedoms their service has secured and congratulate them for their tremendous work on behalf of the enlisted men and women of the Air Force, retirees, veterans, and their families. Their work as the 'Voice of the Enlisted' has helped to improve dramatically the quality-of-life of Air Force personnel and their families."

"It is a privilege and an honor to present Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin with this prestigious award on behalf of the Total Air Force enlisted personnel and their families. Representative Herseth Sandlin distinguished herself as South Dakota's At-Large Member of Congress and Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. She championed legislation fulfilling the sacred commitment this nation has to those, past and present, who serve America. She is a trusted leader on Capitol Hill, true friend to Airmen and their families, and humble servant." said Richard M. Dean, CMSgt (Ret) and AFSA Chief Executive Officer.

"Those serving in our armed forces deserve to be protected as best we know how – not just with weaponry, armor, and equipment, but also health care, education, and support for the families who await their return. Servicemembers deserve to be remembered not just when they are serving, but when they come home, as they transition to civilian life and as they age. As Chair of the Veterans' Affair Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I look forward to continuing to work with the Air Force Sergeants Association as we strive to ensure the people who have invested their lives in the service of our nation receive the benefits they have earned and deserve," Herseth Sandlin said.

For her unwavering dedication and steadfast concern for enlisted Airmen and their families, the Air Force Sergeants Association proudly presents the 2008 L. Mendel Rivers Award of Excellence to Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

Press Opportunities: Grand Hyatt San Antonio 600 E. Market Street, San Antonio, Texas, USA 78205

1-210-224-1234 Contact: Andrea Sanford 301-399-0583

###

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.