Ann Campbell & Gen. John Campbell, Holly Petraeus Receive Easter Seals Advocacy Awards

WASHINGTON - May 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Easter Seals Serving DC | MD | VA presented Advocacy Awards to Mrs. Ann Campbell and Gen. John Campbell, 34^th Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and Hollister “Holly” Petraeus, Assistant Director for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Head of its Office of Servicemember Affairs, at its annual Advocacy Awards on May 6 at Marriott Wardman Park,  Washington, DC.

The event focused on “Saluting the Military Family” and recognized individuals, corporations and foundations that have transformed the landscape for people with disabilities and special needs. The evening fundraiser generated more than $530,000—the highest in its 10-year history— to support Easter Seals programs that assist military families.

“Effecting good has been a reality for Easter Seals for nearly 100 years,” stated Easter Seals President and CEO Lisa Reeves as she addressed the 450 attendees. “Every day we leverage our experience delivering intensive, direct services to individuals with disabilities and special needs to innovate, to collaborate, and to tackle the toughest challenges, which include helping military, veterans and their families reintegrate into the community.”

Holly Petraeus was recognized for her volunteerism, her advocacy and her tireless work with legislators and federal agencies to ensure military families are gaining the tools to achieve financial stability and independence. While accepting the award, she told the audience, “I’ve been fortunate to be able to find opportunities to help military families.”

During Advocacy Awards Dinner Chair Phil Panzarella’s remarks, he lauded the Campbells’ service and commitment to the Army Family Covenant, and volunteer efforts, through which the Campbells have made a difference in the lives of thousands of soldiers and their families. “General Campbell is known not only as a great combat leader, but for his humility and compassion for those serving under his command,” Panzarella remarked. “And Ann has been with him every step of the way, and has devoted herself to advocacy for soldiers, their families, veterans and wounded warriors.”

Accepting the award on behalf of active and veteran military service members and their families, Gen. Campbell noted, “The work Easter Seals does for military families is important to preserving the strength of our nation. The military is both a reflection of our society and a leader at taking on the toughest challenges our nation faces—suicide, alcohol and drugs, post- traumatic stress—but we need the continued support of great organizations like Easter Seals to care for the men and women of our military service who have sacrificed so much.”

In closing, Ann Campbell referenced last year’s award winner Gary Sinise’s acceptance remarks where he quoted Winston Churchill, reiterating his call to everyone to “do their bit” to restore peace and tranquility. “John and I are humbled to have the opportunity to continue to serve our men and women in the military and to do our bit.”

Easter Seals Serving DC | MD | VA provides services to ensure all people with disabilities and other special needs, including wounded warriors, veterans, and their families, have equal opportunities to lead full and productive lives.
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From left, Ann Campbell, Holly Petraeus and Gen. John Campbell, Easter Seals Serving DC | MD | VA 2014 Advocacy Award recipients