[Nfbf-l] National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Bill to Be...

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Press Release:  
Subject:  National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of Bill to 
Benefit  Disabled Veterans


National  Federation of the Blind Applauds
Introduction of Bill to Benefit Disabled  Veterans 

Urges Senate to Act Swiftly on Inclusion of Disabled  Veterans 
in Space Available Program 
Baltimore, Maryland  (February 19, 2013): _The National Federation of the 
Blind_ (http://www.nfb.org/) , the oldest and largest nationwide organization 
of  blind people in the United States, today applauded the introduction of 
S. 346  by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV).  If 
passed,  the bill will reverse the exclusion of 100 percent service-disabled 
veterans  from the military’s Space Available program, which allows 
active-duty  military, Red Cross employees, and retired members of the armed services 
to  travel on military aircraft if there is space available.  A companion  
bill, H.R. 164, has been introduced in the United States House of  
Representatives by Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). 
"These veterans  embody the definition of patriotism and sacrifice," said 
Senator Tester. "This  bill is a common-sense way to honor their service and 
improve their quality of  life by increasing their access to the benefits 
they have  earned." 
_Dr.  Marc Maurer_ (http://www.nfb.org/marc-maurer-bio) , president of _the 
 National Federation of the Blind_ (http://www.twitter.com/NFB_voice) ,  
said: “We thank Senators Tester and Heller for taking action to reverse the  
exclusion from the Space Available program of veterans who have acquired  
disabilities while honorably serving their country.  These brave men and  women 
are entitled to the benefits that they would have received had they been  
able to complete their service and retire from the Armed Forces.  We urge  
the Senate to act swiftly to advance this important  legislation.” 
"Extending  space-available military air travel to 100 percent 
service-connected disabled  veterans would send the message that our country truly 
honors their service  and sacrifice, something they richly deserve," said DAV 
National Commander  Larry A. Polzin.  "The DAV thanks Senators Tester and 
Heller for  introducing this important legislation." 
The National Federation of the Blind  needs your support to ensure that 
blind children get an equal education, to  connect blind veterans with the 
training and services they need, and to help  seniors who are losing vision 
continue to live independent and fulfilling  lives. To make a donation, please 
go to _www.nfb.org_ (http://www.nfb.org/) . 

### 
About the National  Federation of the Blind 

The  National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and 
most  influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the 
United  States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and  
equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology,  
and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision  
with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need  
your support.  To make a donation, please go to _www.nfb.org_ 
(http://www.nfb.org/) . 
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