Senator James M. Inhofe Honored by Military Order of the Purple Heart with the 2011 Inspirational Leader Award

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Each year, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is honored to pay special recognition to a National leader who best demonstrates inspirational leadership and distinguished service to our nation’s veterans. This year’s Special Leadership Award is presented to Oklahoma Senator James M. Inhofe, a distinguished Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.”

As a champion of the military, veterans and their families throughout his congressional service, Senator Inhofe has dedicated himself to ensuring that our nation’s military personnel and veterans continue to receive the best possible compensation and care and has voted more than sixty times to increase federal funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to ensure that veterans receive the services they need and have earned.

One of Senator Inhofe’s most significant accomplishments was the introduction of a Senate amendment that authorized the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to receive advanced appropriations for medical services which enabled the VA to fulfill its mission of caring for veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. In addition, Senator Inhofe championed the elimination of the offset from the Survivor Benefit Program and the Dependent Indemnity compensation that survivors receive. He also introduced or supported legislation to ensure that America meets its obligations to those suffering from traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder and other serious medical or mental conditions.

Senator Inhofe’s actions and support of America’s Armed Forces and veterans are in keeping with the highest ideals of the congress and reflect most favorably upon himself, the U.S. Senate and the United States of America.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.