Recognition and Burial Benifits legislation passed. Honoring Vietnam Era Allies.
March 23, 2018 Public Law 115-141 Passed - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, Division J, Title II, Sec.251. SGU & irregular forces recognition and burial bill included into the appropriation act of 2018 and passed.
March 23, 2018 PL 106-207 "Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 "sited as the determining legislation identifying Hmong and Irregular Forces who qualify for recognition and interment.
June 8, 2018
Col.InsixiegmayKhao submits pre burial application to the Department of Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
As a SGU commander and in accordance with the provisions enumerated in PL 115-141 Col. Khao submits his pre burial application to the Veterans Administration Form 40-10007 to the Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration Including an addendum with his extensive service record and supporting documentation.
In support of his application he adds this Addendum to VA Form 40-10007 - military record
May 29, 2019
First Response from Dept. of Veteran Affairs denying burial without explanation.
Letter from Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration to Col. Khao denying burial eligibility.
Col. Khao writes directly to Director Ame Callahan. Her response if found below.
Badly flawed language omits most Hmong, Lao and other Allies.
It was discovered that only those Allies and their wives that had immigrated to the United States after the year 2000 had been included in the legislation. This language omits those who fought along side US Military and Agency personnel during the war.
May 29 - August 27, 2019
Col. Khao contacts Chief Authors of the Bill.
Sen. Murkowski, Sen. Kloburchar and Rep. Costa was contacted asking for clarification and remedy for the confusion and badly flawed language of the legislation. Despite initial intentions of a remedy by Sen. Murkowski and Sen. Kloburchar and Rep. Costa were made no remedy to date has been introduced. Continued correspondence has been made. To date only polite responses have been made but no assistance or remedy has materialized..
August 28, 2019
Col. Khao Writes to President Trump asking for assistence.
Col. Khao Letter to President Trump requesting assistance for Lowland Lao SGU and Irregular forces.
January 8, 2020
Response from President Trump
Letter to Col. Khao from President Trump via Veterans Administration National Cemetery Director Amerophan Callahan on behalf of President Trump.
Letter form President Trump to Col. Khao directing Dir. of Veterans Administration National Cemetery Administration to research and report to Col. Khao about burial eligibility.
Director Callahan's letter only adds to the confusion and offers no remedy.
Col. Khao's letter to the President Trump via Dir. Callahan seeking clarification.
January 10, 2020 Letter to Director Callahan & President Trump seeking clarification on Public Law 115-141 and other eligibility issues regarding Vietnam War Special Gureilla Units and irregular forces.
January 23, 2020 Response from Dir. Callahan, Veterans Administration National Cemetery Administration, Saint Louis, MO to January 10th letter.
February 10, 2020 Letter to Director Callahan & President Trump seeking answers to unanswered questions in January 10th letter and further clarification on eligibility of foreign national Special Guerrilla Units and irregular forces.
Representative Costa introduces HR4204 as a remedy to the flawed burial bill language.
Unfortunately HR 4204 only complicates the situation and adds more confusion.
February 19, 2020 Letter form Director Callahan to Col. Khao informing him that he needs a Congressman or Senator to make inquiries regarding pending legislation.
October 5, 2023
Conclusion
After numerous letters of inquiry to the Chief Authors of the Burial Bills Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Amy Kolburchar, Rep. Dean Phillips and Rep. James Costa no correspondence has been returned or remedy made.
The only conclusion that can be made is, it seems that the United States of America by way of the U.S. Congress awaits for their deaths so this issue will go away.
In light of these events and the recent events in Afghanistan this is yet another betrayal of the United States to our Allies.
Your letters or correspondence to the Chief authors and any media agency with interest is welcomed.