The Honorable Young Kim
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Kim,
On behalf of The Korean Vietnam War Veterans Association, Southwest Region, I respectfully write to request your leadership in ensuring the full and effective implementation of H.R. 366, the VALOR Act.
Our members are veterans who fought alongside United States forces during the Vietnam War under extremely hazardous combat conditions. Many later immigrated to the United States and became naturalized American citizens, continuing their commitment to the values of freedom and democracy that we defended together.
Although H.R. 366 was enacted to correct longstanding inequities and to recognize the service of eligible non-U.S. citizen veterans, many of our aging members continue to experience administrative delays, uncertainty regarding eligibility, and barriers in accessing federal veterans’ benefits. For these elderly veterans, time is no longer a luxury. Meaningful implementation must not be delayed.
As the representative of Orange County—home to a significant Korean American community and many Vietnam War veterans—your voice carries particular weight. We respectfully request that you:
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Exercise congressional oversight to ensure the timely and proper enforcement of H.R. 366;
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Engage directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to clarify eligibility standards and eliminate administrative obstacles;
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Publicly support equitable recognition and treatment for Korean Vietnam War veterans who served in direct support of U.S. military operations.
Honoring their sacrifice is not merely a legislative matter—it is a moral obligation and a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to those who stood beside her in war.
We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you or your staff to discuss this matter further and to provide documentation from affected veterans within our region.
Thank you for your continued leadership and service.
Respectfully,
Sam Il Chang
President
The Korean Vietnam War Veterans Association
Southwest Region
9876 W. Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92844
(951) 202-8714
ilsang.chang@gmail.com
