HillVets on Wednesday released its choices for the 100 most influential personalities on veterans issues, highlighting the lawmakers, business leaders, community organizers and advocates "giving back to those that have sacrificed so much for our nation."

The full list, available at http://hillvets.org, was compiled from outside nominations by a 13-member panel of veterans working on Capitol Hill.

Officials from HillVets — whose stated goal is to increase the number of veterans working in government — said the intention was to draw attention to both the honorees and their work, in an effort to keep veterans issues at the forefront of national conversations.

Organizers said they included both veterans and nonveterans, looking for individuals with a strong influence and impact on the broader veterans community.

Lawmakers on the list include House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla.; House Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz.; former Senate Veterans' Affairs Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Iraq war veteran Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.

Marie Tillman, widow of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, is honored for founding the Tillman Foundation in the wake of his death. Bob Woodruff — injured by a roadside bomb while reporting in Iraq in 2006 — and his wife, Lee, were both recognized for their foundation's work with transitioning veterans.

The list lauds Michelle Obama and Jill Biden for their work with the Joining Forces initiative, and singles out departing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the first enlisted veteran to serve in that post.

Officials also recognized former Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, acknowledging his resignation last May but also citing his efforts to end veterans homelessness and improve the veterans benefits process.

The panel also honored Dr. Sam Foote for his whistleblower role in the VA's patient wait times scandal last year, which forced Shinseki's departure.

Media members highlighted by the committee include Daily Show host Jon Stewart, former Military Times congressional correspondent Rick Maze, and current Military Times congressional correspondent Leo Shane III.

Lobbyists from prominent veterans advocacy groups — like Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion — and organizers in newer, innovative veterans organizations — like Team Red, White and Blue and Wounded Warrior Project — also received praise from the group.

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