HCS HB 978 -- VIETNAM WAR MEDALLION PROGRAM

SPONSOR:  Jackson (Smith, 14)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Veterans by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute establishes the Vietnam War Medallion Program.
Every veteran who honorably served during this war is entitled to
receive a Vietnam War medallion, medal, and a certificate of
appreciation as long as the veteran is or was a legal resident of
Missouri when he or she entered or was discharged from military
service or at the time of his or her death.  Any spouse or eldest
living survivor of a deceased veteran who is entitled to the
medallion may receive it on behalf of the deceased veteran.

The Adjutant General will administer the program.  Applications
for the medallion can be filed with the Office of the Adjutant
General at any time after January 1, 2006.  Medallions will be
awarded until the supply is exhausted.  The Adjutant General must
notify the General Assembly when the supply of medallions is less
than 100.

The substitute creates the Vietnam War Veterans' Recognition
Award Fund which will be administered by the Adjutant General.
The fund will consist of gifts, donations, and funds transferred
to the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund from
any remaining balances in the World War II Veterans Recognition
Award Fund and the Korean Conflict Veterans Recognition Award
Fund.  The moneys will be used to solicit designs and to
manufacture and distribute the medallions.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill allows veterans of the
Vietnam War to receive a medallion, medal, and certificate of
honor for their service.  Spouses can apply for a medal if the
veteran is deceased or surviving children can apply if both the
veteran and the spouse are deceased.  Many Vietnam veterans were
treated poorly when they returned from the war.  It's time to
honor their service and sacrifice, and it's important to do so
while they are living.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Smith (14) and
McGhee; Marine Corps League, Department of Missouri; Missouri
Association of Veterans Organizations; American Legion,
Department of Missouri; Support Your Troops; Pat Kerr, Veterans
Ombudsman; Military Officers Association of America, State
Council; Missouri State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America;
Missouri National Guard Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States, Missouri Department; Donald McKenzie; and
Randall A. Wehner.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:41 am