Peters Recognized as U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumnus
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was recognized by the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Board of Directors as the 60th Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumnus. The Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumni Program recognizes individual Supply Corps Officers who have distinguished themselves after their Naval career. Peters was recognized for his dedicated service to Michigan following his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition. My time as a Supply Corps Officer has shaped who I am personally and as an elected official,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “During my time in the Navy Reserve, I served with some of the most patriotic individuals I’ve ever met. For us, it never mattered what our political ideology was – we focused on working together to accomplish our goals. The dedication of those I served with in the Navy Reserve reinforced in me that we must keep the promises we’ve made to those who have worn the uniform and served our country. Joining the Navy Reserve was one of the best decisions I have ever made – and the lessons I learned will continue guiding my work.”
Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve and was commissioned as a supply corps officer. He served for over a decade in units at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His reserve duty included time in the Persian Gulf region supporting Operation Southern Watch. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status.
Peters has long been an advocate for Michigan’s servicemembers and veterans. Last month, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act into law. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted.
Peters also introduced the bipartisan CADETS Act to expand the Student Incentive Payment Program eligibility age for financial assistance to cadets who attended one of the six State Maritime Academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve at their time of graduation. In return for their commitment to serve, cadets can receive up to $32,000 in this incentive payment funding over four years to help offset the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and living costs.
This past January, Peters’ bipartisan bill to strengthen transparency and communication for veterans and caregivers participating in the VA’s caregiver program was enacted into law. Also, Peters’ bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans and allow them to use their GI bill benefits to secure a registered apprenticeship was signed into law last year. In last year’s defense bill, Peters fought for and helped secure a measure to expand the Department of Veterans’ Affairs list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism.
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