Press Releases

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to announce Maine veteran Travis Mills as one of 20 finalists for the society’s Citizens Honors Award. 

“To be selected as a finalist for this national award is a great honor in itself—and a fitting one for a veteran who has inspired so many,” said Pingree. “Travis Mills’ hard-fought physical recovery after being critically injured by an IED in Afghanistan demonstrates a resilience and inner strength we can all learn from. But the way he has used this experience to help other injured veterans and their families find peace and healing is also amazing. My congratulations and gratitude  go to Travis and his entire family for being such an inspiration.” 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Citizen Honors Awards recognize Americans whose exceptional courage and selfless service embody the values of the Medal of Honor: courage and sacrifice; commitment and integrity; citizenship and patriotism.

From the finalists, four citizens and one organization will later be selected to receive the Citizen Honors awards from living Medal of Honor recipients.

In 2012, Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills sustained a quadruple amputation in an IED attack while serving on his third tour in Afghanistan. The story of his long recovery at Walter Reed Hospital and his family’s support has inspired millions across the country. He has since started the Travis Mills Foundation and, in 2017, opened a retreat center in Rome, Maine, offering a range of restorative activities for veterans and their families, free of charge.

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