WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 – Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Dahlia Melendres, has received an exemplary service award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).  National Commander for the MOPH, Bruce McKenty presented the award to Melendrez for her service to the committee during the 112^th Congress. 

 During the 112th Congress Melendres was instrumental in helping to enact legislation that assists service members transitioning from military to civilian life to receive retraining assistance through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Educational and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.  The legislation also assists veterans in obtaining gainful federal employment.   Dahlia’s work on legislation enacted in 2012 improved outreach and transparency for veterans and members of the Armed Forces, enabling them to make informed choices on which schools to attend to further their careers.