U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján celebrated the unanimous vote in the Senate approving their legislation to rename the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura VA Clinic. The renaming will pay tribute to the late Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura, a decorated Medal of Honor recipient and veteran of both World War II and the Korean War according to a press release by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich.
“Renaming the VA Clinic in Gallup is one important way we can continue to honor Hershey Miyamura’s courageous actions and brave sacrifices during the Korean War and his lifelong commitment to this community," Heinrich said in a press release.
With the Senate's endorsement, the bill now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives, where Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández is leading companion legislation according to the press release.
“Renaming the VA Clinic in Gallup is one important way we can continue to honor Hershey Miyamura’s courageous actions and brave sacrifices during the Korean War and his lifelong commitment to this community. I will never forget the interactions I was so lucky to have with Hershey over the years. I was especially proud to join him nearly a decade ago to cut the ribbon and open this clinic that provides vital health care services to veterans from Gallup and surrounding areas. I hope that honoring Hershey’s memory in this way will inspire future generations of New Mexicans to learn more about his life and the powerful example of humble patriotism that he left behind as his enduring legacy," said Heinrich according to the press release.
Heinrich was not alone in celebrating the change.
"I’m proud the Senate has passed our legislation to honor Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura’s legacy by renaming Gallup’s VA Clinic as a small token of gratitude for the true American hero he was," said Luján in the release. “As a Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient, a father, mentor, and friend, Hershey's legacy represents the very best of New Mexico. From his time serving our country, to working in the community of Gallup, his work ethic and selflessness was admired by all who were fortunate enough to know him."
According to the press release, Hiroshi Miyamura's children, Mike and Pat Miyamura, and Kelly Hildahl, said, “We thank Senators Heinrich and Luján for introducing legislation to rename Gallup’s VA Clinic after our father Hiroshi ‘Hershey’ Miyamura. It would be an honor and a privilege to have his name associated with such a wonderful and needed service for our military veterans in Gallup and surrounding areas.”
“I am so extremely honored to be asked to make a statement regarding the renaming of the Gallup CBOC Clinic after my dear friend and fellow Korean War Veterans Association Member Mr. Hiroshi ‘Hershey’ Miyamura. Hershey's main mission was to ensure his fellow veterans received the care they needed and earned and he would be so extremely proud and honored knowing that the Gallup Veterans Clinic will now bear his name and that this facility will continue his legacy and mission while providing the needed medical care to his fellow veterans. I am also very thankful for all the hard work of US Senator Heinrich's office and staff for all they have done to ensure the Gallup CBOC stayed open and to bestow this honor upon our dear friend Hershey,” Ken Riege, friend of Mr. Miyamura, U.S. Air Force veteran, and member of the Korean War Veterans Association said in the release.
