Veterans supporters gathered at the Watergate Hotel Jan. 20 to pay tribute to America’s outstanding veteran heroes as well as those who demonstrate advocacy efforts and unselfish service to the veteran community. The Annual Vettys Awards —presented by the Academy of United States Veterans and its partner organizations —that honor public servants began in 2015 has drawn support from media and entertainment personalities, including CNN’s Jake Tapper, actor Casey Affleck, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly and Mark Rockefeller of StreetShares. Along with a salute to Sen. John McCain and a tribute to President George H.W. Bush, this year’s Vettys highlighted employment, leadership, mental health, lifetime achievement, women veterans, veterans’ homelessness —andVeterans Choice.