Senate Approves Pennycuick Providing Military Benefits to Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam

HARRISBURG - Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation unanimously approved today by the Senate, said sponsor Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved Senate Bill 973 to grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of United States military veterans to any Pennsylvania resident who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces.

There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces, Pennycuick said.

"Members of the Korean Armed Forces fought with tremendous valor and honor alongside U.S. forces, and now hundreds of them call Pennsylvania home," she said. "They have made their lives and homes in this country and are entitled to as much respect as their U.S. military counterparts."

"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," said Sung Kim of Korean American Veterans of America PA.

The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member 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.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Lidia DiFiore