WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been recognized as the 2024 “Legislator of the Year” by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding legislative efforts and achievements by a member of Congress in improving the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans. Senator King was selected for this award due to his advocacy for bills to promote smoother military transitions, enhance career training opportunities, and strengthen practices and standards concerning blast injury prevention and care.

“Our veterans have made countless sacrifices to defend and serve our nation,” said Senator King. “We have a solemn duty to return that service to them long after they hang up their uniform. From helping our veterans navigate the transition to civilian life to ensuring they have accessible, affordable care, we have made tremendous strides together. But there is still much work to be done to step up for those who wore the uniform. I want to thank the Wounded Warrior Project for this award and will work with anyone in Congress on behalf of our veterans in Maine and across the nation.”

“Senator King has been a dedicated advocate for wounded warriors and the entire veteran community, and his leadership is a model for other members of Congress,” said Wounded Warrior Project CEO, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt. “His work supports the Armed Forces and veterans every single day, and WWP is honored to be able to work with him in Congress and recognize his outstanding efforts on behalf of everyone who is wearing or has worn the uniform.”

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. Senator King also contributes to the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress initiative to collect and preserve the stories of American veterans; he most recently interviewed an Army National Guard veteran from Pittsfield, Maine. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community.

###