Rep. Mike Levin Honors Local Veteran and Social Security Recipient As Constituent of the Month
Bruce Gaffney will be Rep. Levin’s State of the Union Guest
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney, a disabled U.S. Army veteran and Social Security recipient, is the January Constituent of the Month. Rep. Levin is proud to honor Bruce, an esteemed veteran who sustained an injury in Afghanistan that left him 100% percent disabled, for his continuous contributions to our community. Rep. Levin will also be hosting Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney as his guest to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union (SOTU) address on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
Bruce served for 17 years in the United States Army. He served in multiple locations, including San Diego, Texas, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Germany. After sustaining an injury in Afghanistan in 2013 that left him 100% disabled, Bruce has relied on the consistency of Social Security benefits to make ends meet. As Republicans threaten to cut Social Security and other important safety net programs, Bruce is one of the millions of Social Security recipients who would be harmed, even though they have paid into the system and deserve their hard-earned benefits.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney in the Congressional Record:
“Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney as my January Constituent of the Month. Bruce is a retired veteran who served in the United States Army for 17 years.
“Bruce began serving in the United States Army in 1998. In 2013, while serving in Afghanistan, Bruce sustained an injury to his spine. He spent the next two years in rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, but his injury has made him one hundred percent disabled. Since 2015, Bruce has been on Social Security – a lifeline for him and so many others across the country.
“I am proud to honor Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney as my Constituent of the Month and announce that he will be my guest to the 2023 State of the Union. It is an honor to represent veterans in my district, and Bruce exemplifies the bravery, perseverance, and dedication that makes our community an amazing place to live. His injury has not stopped him from going above and beyond to enrich our community. In his free time, he has served on my Congressional Service Academy Panel that helps me select the next generation of men and women to attend our esteemed military service academies.
“As Republicans discuss cutting Americans’ hard-earned Social Security benefits, such as those Bruce relies on, I’m proud to highlight Bruce as one of my constituents whose life would drastically be affected if benefits were slashed. His expansive military background, resilience, and service to our nation and district make me proud to honor Myrone “Bruce” Gaffney as my January Constituent of the Month.”
Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s November Constituent of the Month was veteran and non-profit founder Master Sergeant Rudy Moreno, USAF (Ret.). Rep. Levin’s October Constituent of the Month was President of the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad Peggy C. Combs, MG, USA (Ret.). Rep. Levin’s September Constituent of the Month was local literacy program founder Edward Becerra. To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.
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