WASHINGTON — Former gubernatorial candidate Charles L. Cragin of Raymond, who now serves as chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, was awarded the U.S. Navy Meritorious Service Medal Dec. 29 at the Pentagon.
On behalf of President George Bush, Adm. Frank B. Kelso II, chief of Naval Operations, presented the award to Cragin, a former partner in the Portland law firm of Verrill & Dana who is well-known in Maine Republican circles.
Cragin was honored by the Navy for his activities as a captain and commanding officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He commands a detachment on the staff of the commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Command. He formerly served as reserve special assistant to the chief of Naval Operations.
Cragin was described as contributing to the national security in Operation Desert Storm through efforts to bring about commissioning of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51). He also advised Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell and the chief of Naval Operations and helped set policy ranging from public affairs guidance to legislation on women in combat.
As a civilian, Cragin administers an appellate review program at the Department of Veterans Affairs and directs 66 members of the board and staff of 390 employees. The board holds hearings and issues 35,000 appellate decisions a year on matters affecting veterans rights and benefits.
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