Virginia Senator Jim Webb Presented MOPH Inspirational Leadership Award

WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-February 10, 2009 - Each year, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is honored to pay special recognition to a National leader who best demonstrates inspirational leadership and distinguished service to our nation’s veterans.

This year’s Special Leadership Award is presented to Virginia Senator Jim Webb, a distinguished Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, a decorated combat Veteran of Vietnam, distinguished author, and former Secretary of the Navy, who has demonstrated exceptional concern for the combat-wounded and their families. Senator Webb is a strong advocate for ensuring that America meets its obligation to those men and women who wear and have worn the uniform for our nation’s military. He continually promotes a positive image of the veteran community by recalling the sacrifices made by veterans and their families and his dedicated efforts have resulted in significant and beneficial change in the earned rights of all veterans.

Senator Webb’s first official act as a U. S. Senator was to introduce legislation that would create a new GI Bill, modeled on the WWII GI Bill, for those serving in our military today. When the legislation was introduced few thought that it had a chance of passing. MOPH was an early supporter of this legislation. Due to the indomitable spirit and dedication of Senator Webb this legislation is now law.

As a result of this legislation our military personnel will be empowered to reach for their dreams and accomplish what their grandfathers did after WWII. The post WWII GI bill has been recognized as the greatest piece of legislation that contributed more to the rebuilding the U.S. economy than any other legislation ever passed. Senator Webb’ legislation will have the same impact on the current economy and will make it possible for today’s young warriors and their families to live the American dream.

EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD

Also honored this year with the Exemplary Service Award, is William Edwards, Legislative Assistant to Senator Jim Webb, who assists the Senator with his work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Foreign Relations Committees. During 2008, William was the lead staffer for the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill, a bill written by Senator Webb and introduced on his first day in the U. S. Senate in 2007. William was responsible for coordinating both policy and strategy with the Senate and House and Veterans’ Service Organizations, the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. Since passage of this historic legislation William has stayed actively involved to ensure that Senator Webb’s intent in this legislation is appropriately implemented. William is a Captain in the U. S. Army Reserve and is a veteran of three combat zone deployments. His service, both in uniform and as a Senate staffer, reflects all that is good and honorable about government service and reflects favorably upon Senator Webb, the U. S. Senate and the United States of America.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is unique among all Veteran Service Organizations (VSO’s) in that its membership is comprised entirely of Veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their country. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s Military History. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.

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