Senator Bob Dole Receives Paralyzed Veterans’ Highest Honor

Posted By PVA Admin on June 2, 2017
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The highest honor bestowed by Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans, PVA), the Speedy Award, recognizes significant contributions to improving the lives of America’s paralyzed veterans. Recently, at its 71st Annual Convention in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Paralyzed Veterans presented this year’s Speedy Award to Senator Robert J. Dole.

“I am proud to receive the prestigious Speedy Award from my friends at Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Senator Dole in his acceptance speech. “While I served in the U.S. Senate, I had the pleasure of working with PVA, an organization I have always respected.”

Established in 1956, the Speedy Award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in the field of paraplegia. As a longtime friend and supporter of Paralyzed Veterans and all veterans, Senator Dole has received national acclaim for his governance on behalf of the disadvantaged and disabled. He is a premiere spokesperson on issues involving veterans, and is respected on both sides of the aisle.

“Receiving the Speedy Award is a true honor—it’s not often one has the opportunity to speak to a room full of heroes. I want to express my deepest appreciation for such a meaningful award,” concluded Dole.

Senator Dole served 35½ years in the U.S. Congress, and holds the record as the longest serving Republican leader.

He was first elected to Congress from his home state of Kansas in 1960, and to the U.S. Senate in 1968. After serving as chairman of the Republican Committee for a year, President Gerald Ford tapped him as his vice presidential running mate in 1976. Following that election, Senator Dole served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for four years, before being elected as Senate Majority Leader in 1984.

Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Dole has received many prestigious awards and commendations for his work, including the Presidential Citizens Medal; Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress; and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, which is awarded by the president to persons deemed to have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interest of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Today, Senator Dole serves as special counsel in Alston & Bird’s Legislative & Public Policy Group in Washington, DC, and is one of the most sought-after advisors in the public policy arena.

Editor’s Note: Paralyzed Veterans of America thanks Senator Dole for his attendance at this year’s National Convention, and his continued commitment to America’s veterans and the disabled community.

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