AMVETS HONORS SIX CHAMPIONS OF VETERANS’ SERVICE
National Organization hosts 54TH annual Silver Helmet Awards

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2008— On Saturday, March 29, AMVETS will honor six recipients of the prestigious Silver Helmet Award at the Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The Silver Helmet, commonly called the “Veterans’ Oscar,” will be presented during an awards banquet at 7 p.m., concluding the AMVETS Spring National Executive Committee meeting.

This year AMVETS will honor champions of veterans’ service from across the country for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of our veterans and their families.

“Each of the recipients has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the veterans’ community,” said AMVETS National Commander John P. “JP” Brown III. “Whether speaking up for veterans who need a voice, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or simply saying ‘thank you’ to the troops overseas, I applaud this year’s recipients for their dedication to our military men and women.”

This year’s awardees include Anthony Altieri for his work supporting Illinois AMVETS, Dr. John Kopchick for his contributions to diabetes research and the AMVETS Diabetes Research Institute at Ohio University, John Lynch for his work on behalf of New York’s homeless veterans, Sen. Patty Murray for her contributions to the national veterans’ community and her constituents in Washington state, Morrill Worcester for his national program laying wreathes at veterans’ cemeteries, and Shauna Fleming for her millions of “thank you” letters to troops serving overseas, through her non-profit group “A Million Thanks” and the America Supports You program with the Department of Defense.

The Silver Helmet, a unique silver replica of a WWII GI helmet, was first presented in 1954 to Gen. George C. Marshall at the AMVETS 10th Anniversary Dinner in recognition of his contributions as a soldier, statesman, and American. Today, the award recognizes excellence and outstanding accomplishment in the fields of Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional and civil service.

The Silver Helmet Awards Banquet is held annually in conjunction with the AMVETS Spring National Executive Committee meeting. In addition to AMVETS members, the audience includes cabinet members‚ members of Congress and military officials who come to pay tribute to the recipients of the award and AMVETS.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Media Contact:

National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301)683-4073
jagg@amvets.org

Deputy Communications Director
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4038
rgallucci@amvets.org