OH-16: Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year"

Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year" from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, was selected as the recipient for this year's Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council's "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year." The award is presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council annually to the individual who best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured, and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

Senator Boccieri has been a tireless advocate for veterans since first elected to the Statehouse in 2000. He has been successful in working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefiting Ohio's veterans. Recently, Boccieri passed legislation like the Military Injured Relief Fund which sends grants to injured soldiers. He also led efforts to bolster job protections for veterans in the workplace after many were losing them while serving abroad, and Boccieri also worked to strengthen enforcement of a 300 foot perimeter for protesters at military funerals.

In his presentation, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke, stated:

"You listened to veteran issues and followed through to do something about it. All veterans in Ohio are better off this year than they were last because of you. The entire membership of Buckeye State Council congratulates you."

Accepting the award, Senator Boccieri said:

"This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates. I am proud of my record in the Statehouse and have always made veteran issues a top priority. But the real heroes are the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our blessed nation, and didn't make it home. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that soldiers receive the resources they need the moment their boots hit the ground. I'll also continue to fight for the benefits in medical aid and the education benefits they earn when they return home."

Senator John Boccieri is currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is a pilot and flies C-130 cargo planes. Senator Boccieri has fourteen years of experience in the United States Air Force and has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those missions were flying the wounded and the fallen out of Baghdad, Iraq.