National Veterans Organization Names Feingold Legislator Of The Year

Press Release

The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) has recognized U.S. Senator Russ Feingold as its "Legislator of the Year" for his outstanding contributions to veterans. The NACVSO presented Feingold with the award prior to his July 11th Ashland County listening session in Ashland, Wisconsin. Among the reasons for the award was Senator Feingold's success in passing legislation as part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 to provide grants to state and local governmental entities to conduct outreach to veterans and help them obtain the care and benefits to which they are entitled. This provision was based on a Feingold bill to award grants to entities with expertise in veterans' matters that already have a presence in local communities, especially in rural areas where the VA may not have a presence.

"I am honored to receive this award from an organization dedicated to the men and women who served this country in uniform," Feingold said. "My work on behalf of Wisconsin's veterans has resulted in some of my most important achievements during my career as a U.S. Senator. Whether it is fighting for more Vet Centers to help Wisconsin veterans, improving outreach so veterans are aware of the benefits they have earned or ensuring veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner, I will continue to do all I can on behalf of these courageous Americans."

"About 15 years ago when the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) really started working Capitol Hill trying to get legislation introduced that would help veterans, it was decided that the Congressman or woman that worked the hardest for veterans would be recognized with an award. This is not an annual award but rather an award that is earned by that person for their outstanding contributions to veteran's issues…Outreach and claims processing improvements are essential if we are to fulfill the obligation proclaimed by Abraham Lincoln: "To care for him, who shall have borne the battle and for his widows and orphans...' This is our focus and passion," said James Young, President of the NACVSO.

Feingold has an extensive record of advocating on behalf of veterans. Among his most recent efforts are:

* Establishing New Vet Centers in Wisconsin - Senator Feingold led the Wisconsin congressional delegation's effort to establish new Vet Centers in Wisconsin. Vet Centers help veterans transition back to civilian life by providing service members, veterans and their families information about programs designed to assist them and counseling for PTSD. A new Vet Center opened in Brown County in August 2009, and one is set to open in La Crosse County in 2010.
* Helping Wounded Warriors - Senator Feingold worked to enact legislation to ensure that members of the Guard and Reserves who are injured in the line of duty are not separated from the military before their injuries have been evaluated and they have received the care and compensation they deserve.
* Protecting Service Members from Burn Pit Toxins -- After being contacted by a Wisconsinite who served in Iraq and was exposed to potentially hazardous smoke created by the burning of mass amounts of trash on a U.S. base in Iraq, Senator Feingold pushed to prohibit the burning of dangerous substances at bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. The military has since issued regulations prohibiting the burning of harmful substances in burn pits and the VA has proposed regulations that will ensure that any veterans who become ill as a result of exposure to the smoke receive care and compensation.
* Ensuring Funding for Veterans Care -- Senator Feingold cosponsored the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which became law in October 2009 and will ensure that funding for the Veterans Administration (VA) is provided on a timely basis.

More information on Senator Feingold's extensive record of helping veterans is available at http://feingold.senate.gov/issues_veterans_facts.html.

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