Bo Derek Chairs Veterans Events

Since 11-24-04

From: "VA Media Relations"<va.media.relations@MAIL.VA.GOV >
To: <VANEWS-L@WWW.LISTSERV.VA.GOV>
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 8:49 AM
Subject: Bo Derek Chairs Veterans Events


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bo Derek To Serve as 2005 Honorary Chairperson of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events

WASHINGTON (November 24, 2004)- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi announced today that actress Bo Derek will serve once again as honorary chair of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events.

In this role since 200l, Derek has improved public awareness of veterans' issues, encouraged participation in the events and visited VA medical centers around the country.

"I am extremely pleased Ms. Derek will once again work with the department on these special events," said Principi. "She brings a strong voice and an unshakable commitment to our nation's heroes."

VA's rehabilitation events consist of four annual programs -- the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

"VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events promote the healing of body and spirit, which helps veterans improve their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life," said Derek. "I am deeply honored and moved to once again serve as the honorary chair of a truly noble cause on behalf of America's veterans."

No stranger to veterans' causes, Derek's father, Paul Collins, was a radio operator during the Korean War, and both her stepfather and her late husband, John Derek, were veterans.

Derek also participates in USO tours to support American troops, works with the Special Forces Association, which named her an honorary Green Beret, and helps the non-profit organization Canine Companions for Independence.

This past year, Derek also received the Communicator of the Year Award from the National Association of Government Communicators and the VA Secretary's Award recognizing her dedicated advocacy for America's veterans.