WASHINGTON – Former soldiers of the 506^th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army today presented U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) with the Distinguished Member of the Regiment award, honoring his service to the nation during the Vietnam War and his ongoing efforts to enhance the lives and well-being of veterans in North Florida.

Congressman Boyd served in the U.S. Army’s 506^th Infantry Regiment, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.  He has received previous military commendations for his service to the country, including the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge, as well as additional military and civilian honors.

“My time with the soldiers of the 506^th is something I will never forget.  I am extremely honored to receive this award from men I stood shoulder to shoulder with in combat, and I am humbled to be inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment,” said Congressman Boyd. “Today there are a number of brave men and women fighting to protect the freedoms and liberties that make our country the greatest in the world.  I will continue fighting to see that these soldiers have the tools they need to finish the job and that they have the support and services they deserve once they return from duty.”

As a United States Representative, Congressman Boyd has fought consistently to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the services and support they deserve.  Boyd was instrumental in providing the largest single funding increase in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the speed and quality of care veterans and those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive.  He helped enact the largest expansion of the GI Bill since it was first introduced in 1944, restoring the promise of a full four-year education to men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.  Boyd also supported legislation that would ensure military reservists are not forced to take a pay cut when they are called up to active duty in support of their nation, and he has brought federal funding back to the district to open new veterans clinics throughout the district, ensuring that veterans in North Florida have easier access to these services.

In a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Boyd was presented with the award by men he served beside in Vietnam, including: Major General James McConville, Army Chief of Legislative Liaison; Bob Seitz, Colonel (retired), member of the Board of Directors of the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association; Chris Garrett, Secretary of the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association; and Mr. Ben Peters from Panama City.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2010