Retired Navy Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr., a Vietnam War veteran and former chair of the Uniformed Services University (USU) Board of Regents, has been selected to receive the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal for his distinguished service to the nation. The honor, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, is presented to individuals whose contributions to the country have been exceptional. Alvarez joins an exclusive group, becoming one of only 184 individuals in history to be awarded this significant recognition.
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Alvarez’s journey began in 1964 when he was shot down over Vietnam and spent over eight years as a prisoner of war. His resilience and courage during his captivity became a symbol of the sacrifices made by POWs. After his release, Alvarez continued his military service, eventually retiring as a Navy commander in 1980. He later earned a law degree from George Washington University. His post-military career included leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he helped advance veterans’ healthcare programs. Alvarez’s expertise was also recognized by President George W. Bush, who appointed him to a task force dedicated to improving healthcare delivery for veterans.
In addition to his contributions to veterans’ healthcare, Alvarez played a significant role in public service and healthcare education through his position on the USU Board of Regents. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he served on the board for more than two decades, including two terms as chair, helping to shape the university’s mission of training military healthcare leaders. Alvarez’s commitment to service extends through his family, with his wife, Tammy, leading the Friends of USU organization and his son, Bryan, being a USU graduate.
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The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded through an Act of Congress and is presented in a formal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Alvarez’s medal will be cast in gold and designed specifically to commemorate his achievements. While the medal is not intended to be worn, it will serve as a symbol of his enduring contributions to the country. The bill for Alvarez’s recognition was introduced by Congressman James Panetta, who represents Alvarez’s hometown of Salinas, California. When informed of the honor, Alvarez expressed his surprise, stating, “Holy cow! I just had the wind knocked out of me!”
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
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