FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews Congressional Gold Medal Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. – September 17, 2024 – The DUSTOFF Association is proud to announce the historic passage of the Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 2825) in the U.S. House of Representatives today, marking a significant moment of recognition for the heroic helicopter ambulance crews who risked their lives to save others during the Vietnam War. The bill, which passed the Senate in May 2024, will now proceed to the President’s desk for signature.
This monumental achievement honors the bravery and dedication of the Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews, who performed lifesaving missions under extreme conditions, rescuing over 900,000 individuals during the Vietnam War. The DUSTOFF Crews were instrumental in pioneering combat medical evacuation operations and set the standard for aeromedical evacuation procedures that are still used today.
The passage of this bill was made possible through the unwavering efforts of several key contributors:
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA6), who sponsored and championed the bill in their respective chambers.
- MG (Ret.) Pat Brady, Medal of Honor recipient and leader of this effort, whose tireless advocacy was essential in pushing this legislation forward.
- The Vietnam DUSTOFF Association’s tireless efforts, personal funds, emails, phone calls, and meetings on Capitol Hill since the 114th Congress and the DUSTOFF Association, whose members joined the efforts since January 2024 and worked diligently to raise awareness and rally support for this cause.
- The Hunton Group, LLP, for their invaluable assistance in navigating the legislative process, setting up meetings, and organizing our efforts.
- The countless individuals across the country who called, emailed, and advocated to their Representatives and Senators on behalf of this bill.
The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May 2024, and today’s vote in the House solidifies a long-awaited acknowledgment of the Vietnam DUSTOFF crews’ service and sacrifice. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the U.S. Congress, and this recognition of the DUSTOFF Crews, the first from Vietnam, is a fitting tribute to their unparalleled heroism.
The DUSTOFF Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this effort, from lawmakers and staff to the dedicated members of the DUSTOFF community and the many supporters across the nation.
Next, the bill proceeds to the President’s desk for final approval, where it is expected to be signed into law. Once signed, plans for the official Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony will be announced.
For more information, please contact: DUSTOFF Association Email: info@dustoff.org
Website: www.dustoff.org
