CAMDEN — Representative Owen Casas was recently presented with the American Legion 2017 Legislator of the Year Award for his dedication to veterans issues at the state level.

Casas, who is a member of American Legion War Memorial Post 30 in Camden, currently serves on Maine Legislatures Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. He served 4.5 years of active duty in the US Marines and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006.

The award was presented on behalf of the Department of Maine by Vice Commander Matthew Jabaut at Post 30’s June meeting.

“I am honored to receive this award and very much appreciate the Department of Maine recognizing my advocacy for veterans,” said Casas, in a news release. “I have learned much from the other veterans in the legislature and want to recognize all of their efforts as well.”

The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization. The Legion is  committed to mentoring youth, sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.