Assembly Resolution No. 1139

BY: M. of A. Reilly

URGING the United States Congress to authorize and
direct the issuance of the Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal to veterans of the United States
Armed Forces who served in Honduras from 1981
through 1992

WHEREAS, Between 1981 and 1992, members of the United States Armed
Forces were deployed to Honduras in support of United States military
operations and regional security objectives during a period of
significant geopolitical instability in Central America; and

WHEREAS, These operations were conducted in furtherance of United
States national security interests, including efforts to deter the
expansion of communist influence throughout the region and to stabilize
democratic governments in Central America; and

WHEREAS, Service members stationed in Honduras during this period
operated under hazardous and austere conditions, often in support of
joint and combined operations, training exercises, and contingency
missions associated with regional conflict; and

WHEREAS, Between 1981 and 1992, 47 Purple Hearts were awarded to
service members for wounds sustained during operations connected to this
mission, two Prisoner of War Medals were issued, and four Air Medals
were awarded, reflecting the dangerous nature of the service performed;
and

WHEREAS, The awarding of these decorations evidences the presence of
hostile or imminent-danger conditions consistent with the criteria
traditionally associated with expeditionary military operations; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, the United States Congress authorized and the
President of the United States approved the issuance of the Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) to veterans who served in El Salvador between
1981 and 1992, yet veterans who served in Honduras during the same
period were not included in that authorization; and

WHEREAS, Many United States military personnel supporting operations
in El Salvador were stationed in or operated from Honduras, creating a
disparity in recognition among similarly situated service members; and

WHEREAS, National veterans service organizations, including the
Veterans of Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American
Veterans have adopted formal resolutions supporting the issuance of the
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to veterans who served in Honduras
during the specified period; and

WHEREAS, Multiple states have adopted or are actively considering
resolutions memorializing Congress to take corrective action, including
North Dakota, New Jersey, Missouri, Ohio, and Iowa, with additional
states engaged in review or drafting processes; and

WHEREAS, Equitable recognition of military service strengthens
morale among veterans, honors sacrifice, and preserves the integrity of
the nation's system of military awards and decorations; and

WHEREAS, The omission of Honduras service from prior authorization
has created a longstanding inequity for veterans who served honorably
and under hazardous conditions in defense of the interests of the United
States; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that action is taken on a national level
in order to ensure that the brave service members of our country's armed
forces are given the just recognition they deserve for their selfless
display of heroism and patriotism in the face of adversity in
furtherance of protecting the principals of freedom and democracy; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
urge the United States Congress to authorize and direct the issuance of
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to veterans of the United States
Armed Forces who served in Honduras from 1981 through 1992; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the
United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of
Representatives, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Army,
the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, and to the
members of the Capitol Press Corps.