Dear Friends,
This Memorial Day, as we gather with friends and family around barbecues, and take that first trip to the lake, we must never forget that freedom does not come free. Many have risked their comforts, families, and even their lives in order to provide the gift of liberty for others. Nothing is more selfless. It is our duty to remember their stories, especially those whose service may have been overlooked.
Arkansas’s Private Leroy Johnston joined the U.S. Army in November 1917 at the age of 23. He was deployed to serve during World War I and was wounded twice during the course of his service. However, as was the case for many minority soldiers at the time, Johnston’s military service records were intentionally altered prior to his discharge to reflect his combat injuries as being less serious than they actually were. This prevented Johnston from receiving war medals that he had earned.
Private Johnston was honorably discharged on July 5, 1919. After returning to the United States, he went to work for his brother, who owned a car dealership in Helena. Several months later Johnston, along with his three brothers, were murdered in the Elaine Massacre.
An African-American World War I veteran and Pine Bluff native, Leroy Johnston (right) is shown
with two of his brothers, Drs. D.A.E. (left) and L.H. (center) Johnston. Rep. Hill and his staff
members worked to ensure that Johnston’s finally received his long overdue medals. |
After my team and I found out that Private Johnston was denied medals because of his race, we knew that we had to act to correct this grave injustice. My Arkansas staff, including three veterans, were instrumental in ensuring that Johnston was rightly recognized. Last fall, we had the honor of delivering his surviving family members with Johnston's long overdue and well-deserved medals.
Staff of Congressman Hill present Private Johnston's overdue medals to his family. |
Countless other minority service members during World War I were similarly denied medals they earned because of discrimination. To correct this injustice, I recently introduced H.R. 2249, the bipartisan World War I Valor Medals Review Act to inspect the military records of minority service members of the Armed Forces during World War I, and determine if they should be awarded the Medal of Honor.
I’m proud to work with my Republican and Democrat House colleagues to ensure that all who served in World War I are honored with the recognition they deserve and pleased that this bill is gaining momentum in the House. Ten new cosponsors signed on to support the bill just this past week, including Congressman Steve Scalise, the Republican Whip. To learn more about this legislation, click HERE.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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| Honoring the Sacrifices of our Men and Women in Blue |
This month, we commemorate National Police Week by honoring our heroes in blue like Arkansas State Police Senior Corporal Becky Vacco (pictured below). Corporal Vacco recently assisted three law enforcement agencies in investigations of crimes against children.
Corporal Vacco’s work gives a voice to the voiceless and protects those who cannot protect themselves. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was named the 2018 Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. This week, make sure to take a moment and thank your local police officers. Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while answering the call to protect and serve.
It was an honor to welcome Larry Dancy, Kristin Dallas, Raul Dallas, and Bekah Dallas (pictured below) from the North Little Rock Police Force, visiting the U.S. Capitol during their trip to Washington to honor police officers who have fallen in the line of duty this past year.
Blue Water navy Act passes in the house
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| Ensuring our Veterans Receive Full Benefits |
I have heard from countless Arkansans about the struggles of dealing with Agent Orange exposure and the difficulties in getting assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is inexcusable that the fight is not over for our blue water Vietnam veterans who continue suffering needlessly at no fault of their own.
America owes a great debt to these veterans which is why I signed on as one of the first cosponsors of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. This bipartisan bill continues the House’s work of reducing the backlog of VA claims and ensuring our veterans swiftly get the care and benefits they need. This legislation was passed by the House last week by a vote of 410 – 0.
Arkansas's Second Congressional District is home to many of our brave veterans and service members at Little Rock Air Force Base and Camp Robinson, and I am committed to ensuring that our veterans, service members, and their families receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.
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Thank you for taking time to keep up with the work I'm doing on your behalf. If I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please reach out to my office at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov.
To keep up with my day-to-day meetings and events, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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