SACRAMENTO — The Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council, recently announced State Senator Lou Correa (Orange County) as their “Legislator of the Yearâ€. This organization has over 3,500 members and is the California union of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).Â
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,†said Senator Lou Correa. “I am proud to support the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve in our armed forces. They are the heroes whose sacrifices keep our country safe and defend our freedom. These man and woman deserve our utmost respect and honor.â€
Senator Correa has developed a strong record in support of America’s service men and women. Throughout his legislative career, Senator Correa has consistently been one of the strongest supporters for the rights and opportunities of all our armed forces personnel, especially for our war veterans. This year, Senator Correa authored Senate Bill 1296 to train peace officers who are emergency first responders on how to recognize and interact with war veterans and other persons suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Additionally, Senator Correa introduced Senate Bill 1075 this year to enhance education benefits to military personnel.  Both legislative measures are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
“We very much appreciate all Senator Correa has done for veterans and the military over his legislative career and all his support for veterans as the Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs,†said Pete Conaty, who represents military organizations including the VVA in California. The VVA was founded in 1978 to promote, support, and aggressively advocate on the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, the next generation of America’s war veterans, and to also serve local communities.  The VVA is the only national Vietnam veteran’s organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. Nationwide, the VVA has over 50,000 members. Â
In the past, Senator Correa has been honored as “Legislator of the Year†by veterans’ organizations including: the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Department of California. Additionally, he has received the “Charles Dick Medal of Merit†by the National Guard Association of the United States.
Senator Correa represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, Buena Park, and Fullerton.