WASHINGTON – The Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., honored U.S. Sen. Susan Collins with their Big “M” award on Dec. 13 for her service and loyalty to Maine. The award was presented to Collins during the society’s annual holiday event at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.

Each year since 1963, The Maine State Society has presented the Big “M” Award to a Mainer who has made significant contributions to the state and its residents or has had a prominent role in the affairs of the state and the nation in their public or private lives. The society cited Collins’ service as Maine’s commissioner of professional and financial regulation under Gov. John McKernan and New England administrator of the Small Business Administration, as well as her service in the U.S. Senate. Collins is the 15th woman in history to be elected to the Senate.

The Maine State Society serves as a “home away from home” for Mainers living and working in the Washington, D.C., area. The organization also runs the Maine State Society Foundation, which promotes educational opportunities for Maine residents.