HARRISBURG – Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation approved today by a Senate committee, said sponsor Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved Senate Bill 973 to grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of United States military veterans to any Pennsylvania resident who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces.
“As a U.S. Army combat veteran, I understand the enormous sacrifice made by Korean Americans during the Vietnam War. They are deserving of our thanks and our benefits as soldiers, sailors and airmen serving this great nation,” Pennycuick said. “Hundreds of these vital American allies, who fought with tremendous valor and honor alongside U.S. forces, now call Pennsylvania home. They have made their lives and homes in this country and are entitled to as much respect as their U.S. military counterparts.”
The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Lidia DiFiore