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Herseth Sandlin honored by Air Force association
August 27, 2008 | Argus Leader

The Air Force Sergeants Association presented its L. Mendel Rivers award to Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday at the Professional Airman’s Conference and AFSA’s 45 annual convention.

The award, named for the Vietnam era chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has been presented for the last 36 years to members of Congress who have focused on quality of life and service benefits for members of the military, their families, retirees and veterans.

Air Force officers have also received the award, including Gen. John Michael Loh, who testified in 2005 in favor of keeping Ellsworth Air Force Base open when it was marked for closure by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission.

Herseth Sandlin “championed legislation fulfilling the sacred commitment this nation has to those, past and present, who serve America,” said Richard M. Dean AFSA CEO.

Herseth Sandlin said members of the armed services and veterans deserve to be protected “not just with weaponry, armor and equipment, but also health care, education and support for their families who await their return. Service members deserve to be remembered not just when they are serving, but when they come home, as they transition to civilian life and as they age.”

Herseth Sandlin is chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

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