This Annual Congressional Award for Meritorious Service is presented to Senators and Representatives who, in the opinion of the BAVF, have made significant contributions toward furthering the Foundation’s efforts on behalf of sensory disabled American veterans.

It is named in “Buck’s” honor, in recognition of the more than 40 years of tireless effort he devoted to the sensory disabled.

“Buck” Gillispie was a pioneer in the field of blind rehabilitation and was the mentor of John Fales for many years “Buck” would meet with Corporate Presidents and other hiring officials encouraging them to hire a Blinded Veteran.  One indication of the esteem in which he is held among blinded veterans is the bronze plaque which now stands at DVA’s Rehabilitation Center in West Haven, CT, where he once served as chief, officially renaming the Center in his honor.

Previous recipients of the George “Buck” Gillispie Congressional Award include: The Hon. Jodey Arrington, M.C., The Hon. Charlie Crist, M.C., The Hon. Seth Moulton, M.C., The Hon. Brad Wenstrup, M.D., The Hon. Duncan D. Hunter, M.C., The Hon. Janice Hahn, M.C., The Hon. Dan Benishek, M.C., The Hon. Tulsi Gabbard, M.C., The Hon. J. Randy Forbes, M.C., The Hon. Mike Michaud, M.C., The Hon. Martha Roby, M.C.