Veterans Group Names Assemblymember Mariko Yamada Legislator of the Year

The American Veterans (or AMVETS) of California has named Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D - Fairfield) as a 2011 Legislator of the Year.  The AMVETS Legislator of the Year honor is awarded to legislators who have gone the extra mile to support California’s veterans and their families. 

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from the veterans of California,” said Assemblymember Yamada.  “Thank you for this recognition, but the true thanks must go to all current and past service men and women who have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms.  Be sure to observe Veterans Day on Friday by thanking those who have served.”

AMVETS selected one Assemblymember and one Senator for the award.  Assemblymember Yamada was the chosen Assembly awardee, while Senator Lou Correa (D -Santa Ana) was selected from the Senate.   Both were awarded for their longstanding support of veterans, service members, and their families during their legislative careers, as well as their leadership on the Veterans Affairs Committees of their respective houses.

Assemblymember Yamada has championed veterans and veteran’s causes since she began her public service in local government.  In the Legislature she has served on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs since 2009, continuing her commitment to address the issues facing our young veterans returning home from current wars.

As the Chair of the Aging and Long Term Care Committee, she examines the complex needs of the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam generation of veterans.  In 2011, she authored AB 784 which sought inclusion of adult day services for two adult day facilities co-located with the William J. “Pete” Knight Veterans Home of California, Lancaster; and the Veterans Home of California, Ventura.

She also sponsored ACR 158 in 2010 recognizing May as Women Veterans Recognition Month.  In the community, Assemblymember Yamada has hosted two veterans’ forums, with two more planned for the upcoming year.  These forums allow veterans to learn about and apply for state and federal benefits earned through their military service.  She will also be speaking at Veteran’s Day ceremonies in Woodland and West Sacramento on Friday.

AMVETS Department Legislative Chair Lorraine Pass stated that “Assemblywoman Yamada understands our issues and is not afraid to spend the extra time it takes to dig down into a complex issue like PTSD or women veterans.  She is a great asset to the veterans committee.” 

Assemblymember Yamada and Senator Correa will be presented the awards at the AMVETS’ Annual Capitol Legislative Day event on February 29, 2012.