Rep. Phil Roe accepts the Appalachia Service Project Medal of Distinction from ASP president and CEO Walter Crouch last week in Washington D.C. CONTRIBTUED
A reception was held in Washington D.C. last week in honor of Appalachia Service Project’s 50 years of home repair outreach to low-income families in Central Appalachia, and to present Congressman Phil Roe, First Congressional District of Tennessee, with an ASP Medal of Distinction.
Congressman Roe has been a supporter of ASP’s mission in East Tennessee, as well as the organization’s work throughout Central Appalachia.
“The generosity the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) has shown to low-income families in Central Appalachia for the past 50 years is truly inspiring,” Roe said. I have seen their work up close in many communities but was particularly grateful for and impressed by their work after the floods in Dry Creek in 2012. It’s an honor to be recognized by ASP as we celebrate the 18,347 families who have received assistance through ASP, as well as the 419,067 volunteers who have given their time and energy to help families have safe and warm homes.
“I’m proud of the hope they bring to our community, and I look forward to seeing more reliable, affordable housing for low-income families in the First District.”
Upon presenting Roe with the Medal of Distinction at the reception, Appalachia Service Project CEO, Walter Crouch remarked, “This Medal of Distinction is given to him as a token of appreciation for all the hard work and support he has given us over the years. Anytime we call Dr. Roe’s office he is responsive because he knows that our heart is in serving the people of Tennessee who are in the most need, and he is always there and always supportive.”
Appalachia Service Project strives to eradicate substandard housing in Central Appalachia through home repair and replacement. The home repair program brings in more than 15,000 volunteers each year from around the country to complete repairs across 26 counties in 5 states—Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
Military Order of the Purple Heart National Commander Neil Van Ess (right) presents Rep. Phil Roe with an award. CONTRIBUTED
Roe recognized by Military Order of the Purple Heart
Congressman Phil Roe was honored this past week by the Military Order for the Purple Heart for his dedication to veterans.
The organization presented Roe with the Outstanding Leadership award for his work as the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
“The Military Order of the Purple Heart is an incredible organization, and I’m honored to receive this special recognition,” Roe said in a statement. “During our discussions about how best to bring accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs and expand GI Bill benefits, they were tireless advocates on behalf of the brave men and women who have been wounded in combat. Because of their efforts, any service member who receives a Purple Heart is now eligible for GI Bill benefits.”
MOHP National Commander Neil Van Ess presented Roe with the award.
