Boccieri wins veteran recognition

Boccieri is a major in the Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — State Sen. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-33rd, has received the Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council.

The award is given annually by the veterans group to the individual who it believes best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

“This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates,” Boccieri said. “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.”

In his presentation to Boccieri, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke said: “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, Boccieri, a candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District, said, “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.”

Boccieri is a major in the Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna. A pilot who flies C-130 cargo planes, he has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He and his wife, Stacey, have four children.