In recognition of his strong support for national service, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will receive the inaugural John S. McCain Service to Country Award from Voices for National Service, a diverse coalition of national service programs, state service commissions and individual champions who work to ensure Americans of all ages can serve and volunteer in their community.

The award is being presented to Senator Isakson in recognition of his life-long devotion to country through citizen and public service and for exceptional leadership in advancing national service to solve community problems. It will be formally presented to him by Cindy McCain, who is coming to Washington, DC on February 12, 2019, to participate in the 16^th Annual Friends of National Service Awards.

Senator Isakson joins a bipartisan group of distinguished leaders in government, business, and journalism from across the nation being honored, including Senators Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jack Reed (D-RI), Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Joe Courtney (D-CT), New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and First Lady Valerie Sununu, and Mark Donovan, President of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Senator Isakson firmly believes that service is an obligation of citizenship, and that by giving back to your country, Americans can learn something about themselves, each other, and the world around them,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “Like his friend and colleague, the late Senator John McCain, Senator Isakson has worked to protect, expand and improve service opportunities at home and abroad.”

“For his efforts to build bipartisan support for national service programs and for the individuals who voluntarily chose to devote a year or more of their lives to service, Voices for National Service is proud to present Senator Johnny Isakson with the inaugural John S. McCain Service to Country Award.”

“John McCain’s life and work left an indelible mark on history, and I’m incredibly honored to have earned this prestigious award named in his honor from an organization that is so highly respected by so many,” said Senator Isakson. “To have Mrs. Cindy McCain present this special award is particularly meaningful for me. It is my privilege to serve, and I can hope that I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Senator Isakson is a champion of both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps and in 2011, he sponsored the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act to provide better security and protection measures for Peace Corps volunteers. In 2018, Senator Isakson introduced legislation with Senator Michael Bennet to exclude the AmeriCorps education award from federal income tax.  The Isakson-Bennet bill will ensure that the post-service scholarship remains a valuable and compelling incentive for young people to serve.

Senator Isakson’s commitment to making sure America takes care of those who dedicate their lives to serving our country extends to veterans too. As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he is working to improve the quality of care at VA healthcare facilities, protect veterans’ benefits, and provide access to education and training to help veterans make a successful transition to civilian life.