2025 Franklin D. LeValley Award
Congratulations to our 2025 Franklin D. LeValley Pillar of Excellence Award Recipient, Rep. Mike Levin!
During this year’s Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., the NACVSO Executive Board was proud to award Representative Mike Levin of California the 2025 Franklin D. LeValley Pillar of Excellence Award.
Each year, the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers presents this award to a partner who exemplifies our core values—dedication, collaboration, humility, and mentorship—through steadfast commitment to improving the lives of veterans and strengthening the role of those who serve them.
Representative Levin’s impact speaks for itself. As the original author of the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, or CVSO Act, he has championed this landmark legislation over three successive congressional sessions, working tirelessly with our legislative team to expand federal recognition and support for County Veteran Service Officers across the country. From his former role on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to his current seat on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Levin has always shown an unwavering commitment to veterans and the advocates who serve them.
Representing a district with a proud veteran tradition—including parts of San Diego and Orange County—Rep. Levin has elevated the voice of NACVSO and the communities we serve. “He’s a great partner and a tireless advocate,” said NACVSO Legislative Director Mike McLaughlin. “When it came to the CVSO Act, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
The Pillar of Excellence Award is named in honor of Franklin “Doug” LeValley, a founding figure in NACVSO’s history whose legacy has shaped our organization. From assisting in crafting our first training curriculum and organizing our early conferences to testifying before Congress, Doug’s contributions reflect a lifetime of advocacy defined by belief in the value of our shared mission.
As we celebrate this year’s recipient, we also reflect on the values that guided Doug’s work, and that continue to guide ours today. NACVSO congratulates Congressman Mike Levin on this well-deserved honor and thanks all those whose leadership and partnership continue to make an impact on the lives of veterans and their families