Fewer than 1,000 Hmong veterans in Minnesota who secretly fought the CIA’s war in Laos want formal recognition as veterans.
The acknowledgement would make them eligible for certain benefits including the state’s GI bill and care at veteran’s homes.
“We fought alongside the United States because we believe in its mission to defend freedom and democracy in Laos throughout Southeast Asia,” Pa Xang Vang, executive director of Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Families of the USA and a veteran himself, said to CBS Minnesota. “I urge you to recognize our service and honor our sacrifice.”
Recognition by the state, however, still wouldn’t make the soldier eligible for federal benefits such as VA Health care.
Some however feel those benefits should be limited even further and budget compromise may be in the works.
State Senator Andrew Lang told KWLM he would vote against the bill.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the pursuit that you’re making, however I’m going to be voting against this today, and it is a tough one for me. It truly is. But I’m very protective of what that status means,” said Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia.
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