There are approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War who became naturalized U.S. citizens, with hundreds now calling Pennsylvania home. For too long, these veterans—who served alongside American forces with courage and dedication—were denied the same benefits as their U.S. military counterparts.
 
To address this inequity, I will soon introduce legislation to ensure that naturalized Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War receive the same rights, recognition, benefits, and privileges under Pennsylvania law as other veterans. This bill is based on the Federal Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief Act (VALOR Act), which was signed into law in November 2023.
 
Under my proposed legislation, veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and who are eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, would be entitled to the same state benefits as other Pennsylvania veterans. The bill also allows state agencies to request supporting documentation—such as discharge papers or other proof of service—to verify eligibility for benefits or recognition.
 
Please consider joining me in support of these deserving veterans. By co-sponsoring this bill, we can advocate for fairness and equality for all who served the United States with honor.