Bugle awards recognize reporters.

For CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer, his service in the Air Force and his reporting the war in Vietnam had a profound effect on how he views those who serve our nation. CO Today reporter Tim Starks' digging for the facts on Capitol Hill led him to recognize the impact of public policy and legislation affecting disabled veterans.

Because of their expertise, professionalism and ability, both Schieffer and Starks have been selected as the 2007 recipients of the Bugle Award, which recognizes members of the media for outstanding reporting of veterans affairs to the American public.

"Bob Schieffer and Tim Starks have for years stood at the forefront of the media by telling the stories of the hardships facing disabled veterans and the legislative issues that affect them," said National Commander Bradley S. Barton. "Through their daily stories on the CBS Evening News and CO Today, both have inspired the citizens of our nation and our policy makers to do their best to ensure that the promises made to disabled veterans are kept by a grateful nation."

"Since the early history of our nation, the bugle has been the device used to communicate information to troops," said Commander Barton. "Like buglers, the media reaches out to inform the public. This award recognizes those who have done the most on behalf of our nation's veterans."

Schieffer has covered Washington for CBS News for more than 30 years and has, since 1991, served as the moderator of "Face The Nation," CBS News' Sunday public affairs broadcast.

He is one of the few journalists to have covered all four major beats in the nation's capital--the White House, Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill. He became chief Washington correspondent in 1982. Schieffer is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Before joining CBS News, he was a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and in 1965 became the first reporter from a Texas newspaper to report from Vietnam. In his book, This Just In, What I Couldn't Tell You On TV, Schieffer wrote about the men he covered in Vietnam during a visit to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital at Bien Hoa.

"These were people, young people, and as I stood there, it occurred to me that long after this war was over ... these people would still have no arms or legs," he wrote. "They would be going home not as God made them, but as war has left them."

Starks was instrumental in raising awareness of important public policy and legislative issues and how they affect disabled veterans. His thoughtful reporting not only explains the issues, but he was among the first to incorporate in his coverage information on recommendations of veterans service organizations in The Independent Budget, as well as the issue of mandatory funding for veterans health care.

"It is our great pleasure to bestow our recognition for excellence to Schieffer and Starks for helping build better lives for disabled veterans and their families," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "They both play crucial roles in informing our nation and our elected leaders of the issues important to disabled veterans, and they carry in their hearts the desire to honor the men and women who have sacrificed for the cause of liberty."