PHOTOS: Peters Receives U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award, Addresses Navy Supply Corps School Graduates

NEWPORT, RI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, received the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award. Peters – who was previously recognized for the award last year by the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumni Program – was recognized for his dedicated service to Michigan following his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

“Without question, my experience as a supply corps officer has helped shape who I am. And I still use what I learned as a supply corps officer in representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Peters. “I was deeply honored to receive this recognition. Whether it’s ensuring our military is prepared to complete their mission safely and effectively against evolving threats – or honoring our servicemembers and veterans – I’ll always work to ensure we are Ready for Sea to keep Americans safe.”

Prior to receiving the award, Peters addressed supply corps officers graduating from their Basic Qualification Course at the Navy Supply Corps School in Newport, Rhode Island.

“Defending freedom requires having the means to do so – and supply corps officers all carry major responsibilities in ensuring our Navy continues to be the most powerful naval force the world has ever known,” said Senator Peters. “It was an honor to address Supply Corps School graduates. Each and every one of them have stepped up – raised their hands to take an oath to serve our country – and potentially put themselves in harm’s way. We are forever grateful for their service.”

“Senator Peters' military service as a Navy Supply Corps Officer and deployments abroad have had a lasting impact on him. He has stood up for our nation’s military and made veterans a priority,” said Rear Admiral (retired) Mike Lyden, Chairman of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation.

Image courtesy of Senator Peters' office

Image courtesy of Jessica Wharton, U.S. Navy Supply Corps School

Image courtesy of Senator Peters' office

Senator Peters receives the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award and addresses graduates of the Navy Supply Corps School. To download photos, please click here.

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 year, 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 and passed out of the Senate his 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.

Last year, 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 in 2020. Peters also fought for and helped secure a measure in the national defense bill 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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