20th Annual Armed Services YMCA Recognition Luncheon

Alexandria, VA, May 10, 2007 -

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization supporting the families of junior enlisted military personnel, today honored Rep. John Carter, R-TX, for his outstanding commitment to meeting the needs of America’s military families. He received the Military Family Congressional Champion Award at ASYMCA’s 20^th Annual Recognition Luncheon on Capitol Hill.

“Rep. Carter is a true leader in advancing issues concerning military families,” said ASYMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). “As the Congressman representing the Fort Hood area, the world’s largest military base, Rep. Carter has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to improving life for America’s military families through his work in Congress, local veterans groups in Texas, and casework through his district office. ASYMCA is grateful to have him as a partner in our mission of improving the quality of life for America’s military families.”

As a member of the House Military Quality of Life Subcommittee, Rep. Carter works to ensure soldiers’ and their families’ needs are being provided for to the greatest extent possible. He introduced the Military Spouses Employment Act in 2006, which would expand the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit to provide employers with tax incentives to hire qualified military spouses. Rep. Carter is reintroducing the bill in this Congress to help level the playing field for military spouses and prevent them from being penalized for their frequent moves.

"I am honored to be presented with this award from such a prestigious organization" said Congressman Carter. "The Armed Services YMCA is a leader is supporting our military personnel and their families, and I am proud to work with this and similar groups that serve our fighting men and women."

ASYMCA also presented Raytheon Program Achievement Awards for the best new program and most innovative program; six Community YMCA Awards sponsored by Raytheon; and 26 scholarships to student art and essay contest winners. Additionally, ASYMCA honored “Volunteer of the Year” Moses Robbins, whose support has helped expand the Backdoor Boutique at Camp Lejeune, and Rep. John Carter of Texas, who received the 2007 Military Family Congressional Champion Award. For more information about ASYMCA awards, a complete list of winners and excerpts from winning essays, please visit www.asymca.org/c8.html.

ASYMCA operates more than 150 program centers around the globe. The ASYMCA has consistently provided educational, recreational, social and spiritual programs to military members and their families since the Civil War. The ASYMCA, an affiliate of the YMCA of the USA, is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. For more information, please visit www.asymca.org.