ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for her work to support veterans by protecting access to rural health care, holding the VA accountable in the wake of scandal, expediting the process for disabled veterans to get the services they need, and supporting Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
Collins received the prestigious award at the Sept. 14 Congressional Medal of Honor Society 2018 Convention, which was held at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
“When the men and women of our armed forces return home, we all have a duty to welcome them all the way home. I am deeply honored to receive this award for my efforts to fulfill this obligation,” said Collins.
“As a member of the subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Veterans Affairs, I have long worked to ensure that veterans receive the highest quality health care that is convenient and close to home. I have also advocated for veterans by supporting military caregivers, expanding educational benefits, and reducing veteran homelessness,” she said.
“I will continue to work hard to ensure that these brave men and women receive the benefits that they have earned through their service to our nation.”
Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Afghanistan in 2010, presented the award to Collins.
Also recognized for their work to support veterans were Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Fox News anchor Chris Wallace and comedian Jay Leno. One of the co-chairs of the convention is Phebe Novakovic, the Chairman and CEO of Bath Iron Works’ parent company, General Dynamics.
Approximately 600 people attended, including Medal of Honor Recipients and their guests, honorees and their guests, sponsors, and first responders to the June Capital Gazette shooting and victims’ family members.
