Del. Rich Anderson and Sen. Bryce Reeves Honored by Veterans

Woodbridge, VA – At a September 18th dinner and ceremony at Ft. Belvoir, 200 members and guests of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) recognized two Virginia legislators responsible for shepherding military and veteran bills through the Virginia General Assembly.

That night, MOAA members recognized Virginia Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51st) and State Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-17th) as co-recipients of the organization’s “2013 Virginia Legislator of the Year Award.”  The award recognizes Anderson and Reeves for their work as co-chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veteran Caucus and their leadership in passing legislation that helps Virginia’s 830,000 veterans. 

Since 2011, Anderson has chaired the General Assembly Military and Veteran Caucus. He was joined by Reeves as co-chair in 2012. The body serves as the legislative clearing house for bills that are introduced on behalf of veterans and military missions based in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Caucus plays a central role in maintaining Virginia’s national reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country.

In accepting the award, Reeves stated that “it’s been a singular honor to work on behalf of Virginians who have worn the uniform of our country.  Virginia has a nationally recognized reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country, and I’m pleased to be part of the leadership team that has worked to make that happen.” 

Speaking to the group, Anderson said that “as a 30-year Air Force veteran, I’m committed to quality-of-life initiatives for our veterans in Virginia.  I was pleased to carry legislation this year to formalize the Virginia Values Veterans program that has resulted in a commitment by 100 companies to hire 4000 veterans. To date, these companies have already hired 2,400.”

Anderson is a 30-year veteran of the Air Force and retired in 2009 as a full colonel. Reeves served for a dozen years as a U.S. Army Ranger before leaving active service in the grade of captain and beginning a career with the Prince William County Police Department. He later took up work in the insurance and financial industry.

Over the last year, Anderson and Reeves have been working with the Joint Leadership Council of Veteran Service Organizations, which represents Virginia’s 830,000 veterans. They are already looking ahead to the 2014 session of the Virginia General Assembly and have written a comprehensive veteran plan and accompanying legislation for introduction in January.