WASHINGTON—During this year’s Mid-Winter Conference which brings hundreds of veterans to Capitol Hill annually, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) announced the names of seven dedicated veterans’ advocates being honored for their outstanding efforts and achievements on behalf of the men and women who served. Federal executives, senators, representatives, congressional staffers and other veteran advocates are eligible for the honors that recognize commitment and excellence in service to veterans, their families and survivors.

“The recipients of this year’s advocacy awards have illustrated an unmatched commitment to fighting for the best interests of veterans and their families. Veterans are a non-partisan issue and these honorees worked tirelessly to ensure our nation keeps its promises to the men and women who served and sacrificed,” said DAV National Commander Dave Riley. “It is a great honor to present these individuals with awards that recognize their critical contributions in the areas of veterans health care, benefits, policy and legislation.”

WHO: Outstanding Federal Executive of the Year: The Honorable Dr. David M. Shulkin, Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary, for his exemplary leadership and service to ill and injured veterans while serving as Under Secretary of Health during a challenging time of transition and growth within the VA.

Outstanding Senate Legislator of the Year: The Honorable Jon Tester, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, for his bipartisan efforts to improve veteran access to medical care, particularly for those in rural areas, as well as address the VA claims and appeals backlog.

Outstanding House Legislator of the Year: Congressman Gus Bilirakis, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, for his work across party lines to engage stakeholders on combatting the opioid epidemic with a commitment to ensuring veterans have safe alternatives for pain management.

DAV Special Recognition Awards: Dr. Baligh Yehia, Deputy Under Secretary for Community Care, VHA, for his outstanding efforts to provide timely, high quality care that meets the unique needs of ill and injured veterans; Ms. Nancy Schlichting, chairperson, Commission on Care, for her leadership of the 15-member Congressionally-mandated group in developing recommendations to strengthen the VA healthcare system; Ms. Laurel Sakai, general counsel, Senator Richard Blumenthal, for her efforts to advance legislation promoting parity in services for women veterans; and Ms. Suzanne Gordon, journalist and author, for her investigative journalism and writing documenting the importance of maintaining a comprehensive and robust VA healthcare system.