Blinded American Veterans Present Carter with Top Award

House Army Caucus Co-Chairman John Carter (R-TX) receives award from BAVF President John Fales

(WASHINGTON, DC) – U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-TX) has been awarded the 2012 George “Buck” Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service by the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF) during the group’s 27^th Annual Congressional Awards Reception in Washington. The Gillispie Award is presented annually to one Republican and one Democrat House Member, in recognition of the most outstanding individual efforts in support of disabled veterans.  U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) was the Democrat recipient of this year’s award.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award,” said Carter, “and I would like to receive it for all the groups and individuals who contributed to our legislative efforts for disabled and wounded veterans.   Without the help of so many folks, we would not have been able to accomplish the achievements we have, and I hope that we can continue these efforts in the years to come.  There is much left to do to insure that our disabled veterans have the resources and backing they need to succeed after their sacrifice for our country.”

Carter is in his second term as Co-Chairman of the bipartisan House Army Caucus, and represents the Fort Hood area in the House.  So far in the 112^th Congress, Carter has authored the Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act, H.R. 625, and the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act, H.R.1154.  The Fort Hood bill would treat all casualties of the November, 2009 attack under the same status as the 9-11 casualties at the Pentagon.  The Service Dogs bill guarantees that disabled veterans are approved to use their dogs at all VA facilities nationwide.

"We're honored to recognize Representatives Carter and Bishop for their steadfast support of veterans' rights and services," said BAVF President John Fales of Silver Spring, MD. "These national leaders continually stand up for the millions of women and men who have served or are now serving our country, and for their families. The entire veterans' community joins us in applauding these heroes for their friendship, trust, and constant devotion to veterans' issues."

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