Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), will hold a press conference on the House Wounded Warriors Program today, Monday, March 9, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.

The Wounded Warrior Program was established to create fellowships that provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within the House of Representatives.  To date, 9 “wounded warriors” are currently working for Members of Congress as part of the fellowship program with a goal of having 25 fellows by the end of 2009.

Daniel Lasko, an Afghanistan veteran, is currently serving as a fellow in U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz’s office. After graduating Easton Area High School, Lasko enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sworn in the morning of September 11th, 2001. In 2004, Lasko served in the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, whose mission was to find and capture Taliban insurgents north of Kandahar. Lasko has been awarded numerous medals, including: Purple Heart, Combat Action, Overseas, National Defense, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct, Afghan Campaign. 

WHO:         Speaker Nancy Pelosi            
Daniel Lasko, Wounded Warrior fellow, Office of U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz
   Members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz           
Admiral Patrick W. Dunne, Undersecretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Patricia Orsini, Director of the Wounded Warrior Program                 

WHEN: Monday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. 

PRE-SET: 1:30 p.m. 

WHERE: East Front House Steps, The Capitol, Washington, D.C. 

NOTE: Please call House Radio/TV Gallery at 202-225-5214 if you have any questions regarding broadcast coverage.

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