Washington, D.C.—Last evening, Congressman Steve Buyer (IN-04) was honored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) with the distinguished Public Service Award for his dedication and services to our nation’s veterans.  The Secretary of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), James B. Peake, presented Congressman Buyer his service award.

“I am very humbled to have received such a distinguished award from an organization whose cause is so great.  PVA has long recognized the value sports can hold for these young men and women, and they have my undying admiration for all they do in this regard, not just for chair-bound veterans, but for the hope their programs give to all Americans living with spinal cord-related disabilities,” remarked Buyer.  “I believe that sports therapy is among the most valuable rehabilitative tools we can provide our wounded warriors.”

Congressman Buyer’s long-time advocacy of sports therapy brought the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Olympic Committee together to allow disabled veterans to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.  Without Congressman Buyer’s efforts, the 13 veterans that competed in Beijing in September would not have had that opportunity. 

Along with Congressman Buyer, Senator Chuck Hagel was also honored at last evening’s award ceremony.  Congressman Buyer serves as the Republican Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and also serves as a Colonel in the Army Reserves.

###