Eric Alva Wins
Public Service Award From Social Work Group

Gay marine Eric Alva has been named 2008 Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers for his service in the military and his work on behalf of fellow soldiers who are gay.

"Eric Alva served our country proudly and returned to advocate for all people to be able to serve America in the military," says Elizabeth Clark, executive director of NASW. "He is making strides for the gay and lesbian community in the name of social justice."

Alva was the first soldier to be wounded in the Iraq war, and he is now a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign on the subject of repealing "don't ask, don't tell." (The Advocate)