Veterans' Affairs Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-914
AN ACT CONCERNING HMONG LAOTIAN SPECIAL GUERILLA UNITS WHICH
Title: SERVED IN THE KINGDOM OF LAOS.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/23/2021
File No.: 249
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Veterans' Affairs Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill was proposed to allow members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units who
served in the United States secret war, in the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War, or
their surviving spouse, to receive the designation of Veteran on drivers licenses, state
identification cards and license plates, as well as burial benefits. The Department of Veterans
Affairs would confirm their qualification for these benefits. This bill is a way to honor the
service of members of these special guerilla units and their sacrifice alongside American
Service members in Vietnam and Laos.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Thomas Saadi, Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs.: Commissioner Saadi
testified and submitted written testimony in support of SB-914. He stated he hoped that
Connecticut would continue to show leadership by providing eligible Hmong and Laotian
special guerilla unit veterans with the recognition afforded other U.S. combat allies This bill
extends a level of support and recognition to the Hmong Laotian Veterans who fought
alongside our US Vietnam Veterans. Commissioner Saadi recognized the "people like
Connecticuts own General Fatoosak and his fellow Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Veterans,
U.S. Vietnam Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations across our State and Nation have
been advocating for years for the proper recognition of the service of the SGU."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Robert Havens, Veteran. : Mr. Havens submitted written testimony in support of SB-914
describing his personal experience working with intelligence alongside the Hmong Laotian
fighters. The camaraderie that developed did not necessarily remove the fear and anxiety
from the mission, but it made the operation less frightening. He stated, " I know of cases
where special guerilla units lost their own personnel to bring an already dead pilot or flight
crew member out of Laos so the United States would not have to explain why they were
there." He concluded by stating that we owe these people so much for what they have done
and what they continue to do as loyal United States Citizens.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed.
Reported by: Edward Jacome, Assistant Clerk Date: 03/26/21
Page 2 of 2 SB-914


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-20b, 14-36h, 27-118, 27-122b
VA Joint Favorable: 14-20b, 14-36h, 27-118, 27-122b
File No. 249: 14-20b, 14-36h, 27-118, 27-122b
Public Act No. 21-51: 14-20b, 14-36h, 27-118, 27-122b