VoteVets Endorses Manan Trivedi

from the inbox:

VoteVets.org PAC, a national organization of veterans, representing over 105,000 members is endorsing Manan Trivedi, in his campaign for Congress, today.  Trivedi, an Iraq War Veteran, is running in the Pennsylvania Congressional district now represented by Jim Gerlach.

"Manan is a really remarkable man, with a great story and incredible experience," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran, and Chairman of VoteVets.org. "Manan’s experience in public policy, community service, and experience in war make him just the kind of person we need in Congress.  I know that his non-stop dedication to the people of his district will make him an exemplary Congressman, as well."

From 2001 to 2003, Trivedi served as the battalion surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment Marine Corps Infantry Battalion. His battalion was among the first U.S. ground forces to enter Iraq. Manan served on the front lines of battle, commanding a medical team that cared for over 1,200 of our troops and hundreds of Iraqi civilians. For his service, he earned the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Commendation Medal, and his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

But that’s not where his dedication to service started.  It actually began at a very early age. As a young boy, Trivedi won a national contest for launching a healthy eating initiative. In college, he received a community service award for his work with HIV/AIDS patients. As a physician, he has treated the poor and uninsured in the inner city.

After his service in Iraq, Trivedi received a Master’s degree in health policy. He drew on his experience with combat medicine to become one of the early researchers to investigate the unique mental health issues affecting our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He went on to serve as health policy advisor to the Navy Surgeon General and was an assistant professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

Founded in 2006, the mission of VoteVets.org Political Action Committee is to elect Veterans to public office, with a focus on Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and hold public officials accountable for their words and actions that impact America's 21st century troops and veterans. Though VoteVets.org PAC is non-partisan, candidates it backs must support VoteVets.org's core mission and beliefs.