McNerney Applauds the Long Overdue Recognition of Filipino WWII Veterans

Press Release

MCNERNEY APPLAUDS THE LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION OF FILIPINO WWII VETERANS

With the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Filipino veterans received long overdue recognition for their service during WWII. Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11), along with Tino Adame, a Stockton Vietnam veteran, released the following statement to applaud the recognition of Filipino WWII veterans.

"Sixty-three years ago, Filipino veterans were denied equal benefits for their service during WWII. Last week, these brave soldiers received long overdue recognition when Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This bill provides a one-time payment of $15,000 to Filipino veterans who are American citizens and acknowledges them for their service to our nation.

"As a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, it has been a priority of mine to right the injustice done to Filipino veterans when they were denied their due benefits.

"Sadly, for many of these heroes, recognition comes too late. Today, less than 18,000 of the 300,000 Filipinos that fought for America in WWII are alive. However, this legislation at last honors their memory and gives thanks for their service."

Tino Adame also joined Congressman McNerney in recognizing the significance of this achievement with the following statement.

"I'm thrilled Filipino WWII veterans are finally getting the recognition they deserve. These soldiers fought courageously in WWII and America's thanks for their service is long overdue. My gratitude goes out to Congressman McNerney, whose work in the House Veterans Affairs Committee helped to make sure these brave soldiers are not forgotten."

Veterans who qualify for this benefit can contact Congressman McNerney's congressional offices for further information on the application process. Congressman McNerney's Stockton office can be reached at 209-476-8552 and his Pleasanton office at 925-737-0727.

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