Chet Edwards For Congress

April 2, 2008

Edwards Honored by American Legion with Distinguished Public Service Award Given to Only One Member of Congress

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Chet Edwards was honored by the American Legion this week with the Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor given by the nation’s largest veterans organization. In his first year as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee in 2007, Edwards authored $11.8 billion in increased veterans’ health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“It is a privilege to work alongside the American Legion to improve health care and benefits for America’s veterans, and I am deeply humbled by this honor,” said Edwards. “There is much more work to do, but I am proud of the unprecedented $11.8 billion VA increase last year. Our veterans deserve every dime of that funding.”

The American Legion’s Distinguished Public Service Award has been presented annually to only one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans. American Legion Commander Marty Conatser presented the award to Edwards on April 1st in Washington D.C. during their annual conference.

"The American Legion thoroughly appreciates Congressman Edwards’ assistance in achieving this record appropriation for America’s veterans," said American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser. “Chet was steadfast in getting additional funding for the VA. I thank him for his friendship, and I thank him for what he does for us.”