Puller Clinic Celebrates Strong Year of Service, Presents Annual Bozman Award
On Wednesday, April 23, the Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic held a reception thanking the many William & Mary Law students who step up to serve veterans through the Clinic’s efforts.
“You are the folks that come to their aid and make this all happen to their benefit,” said Michael Dick ’06, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Director of the Puller Clinic, Director, Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, and Clinical Associate Professor of Law. “For many of our veterans, the benefits they get from this disability compensation truly changes their life. So, on behalf of those veterans, thank you very much.”
Professor Dick also gave out the annual Bozman Award, presented each year to a graduating 3L who exhibits outstanding character, leadership, and service to the Puller Clinic. The award honors the memory of Captain Ray Bozman, U.S. Navy Medical Corps, and honors his son, Jeff Bozman ’12, a Marine veteran and the first student involved with the Clinic.
“Through this award, we recognize a student for their all they've done and, in particular, the way they’ve done it,” Professor Dick said.
This year’s Bozman Award winner is Sally Harnish. Along with a plaque, Harnish received a copy of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Fortunate Son: The Autobiography of Lewis B. Puller, Jr.” (1991).
Professor Dick also presented Puller Clinic challenge coins to 3L students who had participated in the Clinic. The coins serve as a source of pride for the students and a reminder of their time in the Clinic and service to veterans.
“On behalf of the Puller Clinic, thank you for all you’ve done for veterans,” Dick told the attendees. “You have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients.”
For more information about the Puller Clinic and ways that you can help it help veterans, please visit the Puller Clinic webpage.