Dear Member of Congress Correa,
I hope you are doing well.
My name is Sam I. Chang, and I serve as President of the Korean Vietnam Veterans Association South West Region. Many of our members reside in Orange County and are constituents within your district.
I am writing to respectfully request your leadership and assistance concerning the implementation of HR 366 (Valor Act), legislation intended to extend recognition and comparable veterans’ benefits to Republic of Korea Vietnam War veterans who later became United States citizens.
Although the law was passed with strong bipartisan support, our members have yet to receive any meaningful or tangible benefits under its provisions. The intent of Congress was clear — to honor allied soldiers who fought alongside American troops in Vietnam and who later chose to become American citizens. Unfortunately, administrative and regulatory inaction appears to have delayed or effectively prevented its execution.
Our veterans are now in their late seventies and eighties. Many face serious medical conditions and financial hardship. Time is not on their side. A law that recognizes their sacrifice must not remain symbolic; it must be implemented in practice.
We respectfully request:
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An update from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the implementation status of HR 366.
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Congressional oversight to ensure that administrative guidelines and funding mechanisms are properly established.
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Consideration of additional legislative clarification if needed.
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A meeting between your office and our leadership delegation to present documentation and discuss the challenges directly.
Congressman Correa, Orange County is home to a large Korean American community and many Vietnam-era veterans. Your leadership in ensuring that federal law is faithfully implemented would provide hope and reassurance to these aging veterans and their families.
We would deeply appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and stand ready to provide any information your office may require.
Thank you for your continued service to our district and to America’s veterans.
Respectfully,
Sam I. Chang
President
The Korean Vietnam War Veterans Association S.W. Region
951 202 8714 email : ilsang.chang@gmail.com
