Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger has teamed up with the United States Vietnam War Commemoration to recognize and honor Vietnam-era veterans and their families living in Tennessee’s First Congressional District.
The Vietnam War Commemoration is a nationwide 50th anniversary recognition that began on Memorial Day in 2012 and will run through Veterans Day in 2025, when it will be concluded by Presidential Proclamation. The main goal of this commemoration is to find and honor Vietnam veterans for their service to the nation. As part of this, participating Vietnam veterans and their families will be eligible to receive a lapel pin and certificate of special recognition.
“There are over 150,000 Vietnam era veterans in Tennessee, and I want to honor those who call our First Congressional District home,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Although I didn’t serve in the Armed Forces, I want to carry the tradition set forth by my predecessor, Rep. Phil Roe, by continuing to recognize the tremendous sacrifice our servicemembers – past and present – have made to protect our lives and many freedoms.”
Constituents can fill out a short form online to receive their commemorative lapel pin and certificate of recognition by visiting www.harshbarger.house.gov/services/honoring-vietnam-veterans.
Once submitted, the Vietnam veteran or qualifying family member on their behalf will be contacted by Harshbarger’s office. For veterans without internet access, please call the Congresswoman’s Morristown District office at 423.254.1400 to participate.
In addition to partnering with Vietnam War Commemoration, Congresswoman Harshbarger has also cosponsored the following bills to help Vietnam era veterans:
• H.R. 2269, the Keeping Our Promises Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide certain Vietnam era veterans with the health benefits and care they have earned, ensuring certain conditions such as hypertension and stroke are covered by the presumption of service connection relating to exposure to herbicides.
• H.R. 2268, the Granting VA Benefits for Vets Exposed to Agent Orange Act. Under current VA policy, the presumption of exposure to herbicides for Vietnam era veterans who served in Thailand is limited based on geographic location of service and job class. This will be the first bipartisan legislative action specifically providing veterans who were stationed in Thailand with the health benefits and care they have earned.
For further information regarding eligibility requirements or the application process, see the FAQ page on Harshbarger’s website.
