NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER OF AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR HONORS SHAHEEN FOR SECURING MEDALS FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE POWS

(July 14, 2014 - Manchester, NH - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) meets with the New Hampshire Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War)

(Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) this afternoon was honored for her efforts to secure medals for New Hampshire POWs at the monthly meeting of the New Hampshire Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War. At the event Shaheen also discussed her efforts to expand health care opportunities for New Hampshire veterans.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms,” said Shaheen. “Those who have been held captive or paid the ultimate sacrifice also deserve a special place in our hearts.”

“One of the best parts of my job is being able to help cut through red tape to get veterans the recognition they deserve. I’m honored to have worked with the New Hampshire Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War to help award Purple Hearts to our Granite State veterans.”

In 2009, the New Hampshire Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War requested Shaheen’s assistance securing Purple Heart medals for New Hampshire POWs who had died while in captivity, many during World War II and the Korean War. Shaheen worked with then president of the New Hampshire Chapter, Allan Gavan, to secure the medals. Gavan passed away in 2013, but not before 60 Purple Hearts were obtained for POWs from New Hampshire.