West Montgomery Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would grant Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts. Sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), the bill aims to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Korean American veterans.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Members of the Korean Armed Forces fought with tremendous valor and honor alongside U.S. forces, and now hundreds of them call Pennsylvania home. They have made their lives and homes in this country and are entitled to as much respect as their U.S. military counterparts.”

Expressing gratitude for the support shown through the legislation, Sung Kim of Korean American Veterans of America PA stated, “On behalf of the Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces, we are grateful to Senator Tracy Pennycuick for her support and legislation that recognizes the sacrifices and service of Korean Americans.”

The bill, known as Senate Bill 973, would extend the same rights, benefits, and privileges of United States military veterans to Pennsylvania residents who are naturalized U.S. citizens and served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. It specifically applies to individuals who were active-duty members of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent.

With more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as part of the Korean Armed Forces, the legislation seeks to ensure that these individuals are recognized and supported for their service.

The bill has now been passed by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and will proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration. For further information, individuals can contact Lidia DiFiore.