OLYMPIA — State Rep. John McCoy, an Air Force veteran, received the Distinguished Veteran Leadership Award on Feb. 27. McCoy was recognized by the NAACP Snohomish County Branch for his work on behalf of all veterans.

“In my 20 years with the Air Force I learned to value each and every person that’s served our country,” said McCoy, D-Tulalip. “Veterans deserve a level of services and benefits to recognize their sacrifice, and it’s important to look at how their needs are different and address each of them.

“We really can’t repay veterans for their service, but we can do right by them.”

McCoy was presented with the award at the Freedom Fund Awards Banquet, held Saturday at the Tulalip Resort and Casino.

In a letter from the group to McCoy, the cited him as “someone who has worked diligently to ensure that all veterans are provided the benefits and services they earned through honorable service to our county,” and thanked him for his “continued leadership and commitment to veterans, their families and the community.”

After attending the event, McCoy then returned to Olympia today continue voting on bills on the House floor. The current legislative session is scheduled to end March 11.