"I am honored and humbled to receive this award.  These men and women here bravely served our country in the military; it is my privilege to see that I do my job to repay them for their admirable service," said Lipinski.

As a Member of Congress, Lipinski helped pass the Veterans Benefits Improvements Act which would provide specially adapted housing assistance to soldiers transitioning to veteran status and creating a scholarship program for veterans seeking careers assisting in the rehabilitation of blind veterans

He helped pass the Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, which extends vocational rehab benefits to soldiers who are hospitalized or who are receiving outpatient services with a permanent disability as a result of injury in the line of duty.

Also, Lipinski helped pass the SBA Veterans' Program Act, which will expand entrepreneurial resources for our nation's veterans.

In Congress' most recent appropriations bill, Congressman Dan Lipinski secured $487,000 for Catholic Charities for a proposed St. Leo's Residence to provide all aspects of rehabilitation to homeless veterans with the goal of them self sufficient.

(January 28, 2008)

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