March 22, 2011

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – At its annual conference in Washington D.C. today, the American Legion presented U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) with a special award recognizing his support for America's veterans. Congressman Altmire is the first individual to receive this award from the American Legion, which is the nation's largest veterans service organization.

"It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that has helped lead the way in supporting America's heroes," Congressman Altmire said. "As the proud representative of a Congressional district with tens of thousands of veterans, I will continue to do everything that I can to ensure that those who have served receive the full benefits that they have earned."

During the presentation, American Legion officials praised Congressman Altmire's longstanding support for the Pennsylvania American Legion's Housing for Homeless Veterans Corporation and his leadership in enacting laws to improve veterans' benefits. To date, seven different legislative initiatives that Congressman Altmire introduced to help veterans and military families have been signed into law. Congressman Altmire's laws will guarantee that wounded warriors receive their full enlistment bonuses, help veterans successfully start and run small businesses, improve education benefits for National Guardsmen, and more. For additional information on Congressman Altmire's veterans work, click here.

"Congressman Altmire's support for the Pennsylvania American Legion's Housing for Homeless Veterans Corporation and his success in creating laws that will benefit our nation's veterans is truly outstanding," Tim Tetz, the American Legion's Legislative Director, said. "On behalf of the American Legion, I want to thank Congressman Altmire for taking action to ensure that our nation's veterans receive the support and respect they deserve."