A California congressman known for his work with veterans’ issues was presented with a prestigious award from the VFW this week.
Democratic Rep. Mike Levin, whose district straddles San Diego County and Orange County received the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2024 Congressional Award for Legislator of the Year for his legislative work to support veterans, service members, their families, and survivors.
“I am honored to present this award to such a staunch advocate for our military and veteran communities,” said VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento.
“Rep. Levin exemplifies the values of service and advocacy that we at the VFW strive to live every day… [his] commitment to the well-being of military personnel and veterans is clear. His leadership among peers in this arena makes him the most deserving of this award.”
“It is an incredible honor to receive the VFW 2024 Congressional Award,” said Levin.
“As the representative of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the grandson of a World War II veteran, I take personally and am guided by the struggles of veterans and their families.”
The VFW has given the Congressional Award annually to one member of either the House or the Senate since 1964 for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military service personnel.
Per the VFW, Levin has authored legislation to help veterans ease back into civilian life, access affordable housing, receive workforce training to land well-paying jobs, and more. He has also secured federal funds to improve the quality of life for the military locally, including more than $250 million to Camp Pendleton..
He also serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Past recipients of the award include Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kansas), Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery (D-Mississippii), Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana), among many others.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization that advocates for rights and benefits for both veterans and military service members who are active duty, in the National Guard, or in the reserves.
