WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today presented the Chronic Pain and Rehabilitation Program in Tampa with the highest honors given by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for programs assisting combat-injured veterans.
“Through their devoted and innovative pursuit of the most effective ways to relieve – if not eliminate – chronic pain, they have improved the lives of veterans and, in fact, all Americans,” Principi said.
Specifically cited by the Secretary were clincial director Dr. Michael E. Clark, coordinator of the chronic pain program Susan J. Hagan, and clinical psychologist Dr. Ronald J. Gironda, all employees of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.
The team received the 2004 Olin Teague Award, given by VA for 24 years for “extraordinary contributions by VA employees in the rehabilitation and improvement in the quality of life for war-injured veterans.”
The award is named after the late Rep. Olin Teague, who represented Texas‘ sixth district in Congress for 32 years. A highly decorated World War II veteran, he served for 18 years as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He retired in 1978 and died in 1981.
# # #
###
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
