An amendment to remedy the contoversy in omitting other Southeast Asian Allies in Senate File 1959, Veteran defined.

Section I - Introduction

Proposed Revision to SF 1959: An Inclusive Framework for Southeast Asian War Veterans
This revised proposal represents a balanced approach that honors the service and sacrifice of all ethnic groups who supported U.S. operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era. By addressing the constitutional concerns regarding equal protection while creating practical verification mechanisms, Minnesota can lead the nation in properly recognizing these long-overlooked veterans.

The proposal maintains the spirit of the original bill while expanding its reach to be truly inclusive. It acknowledges the unique challenges of verifying service in covert operations while establishing safeguards to maintain the integrity of veteran status. Most importantly, it ensures that all who served supporting U.S. forces, regardless of ethnicity, receive the recognition and benefits they have earned through their sacrifice.

Before presenting the revised bill text, this summarizes the key improvements in this proposal. This revision addresses the 14th Amendment equal protection concerns by creating an inclusive framework that recognizes all ethnic groups who served supporting U.S. forces in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era. It establishes a credible verification process that acknowledges the unique documentation challenges of covert operations while maintaining the integrity of veteran status. The proposal balances recognition of these veterans' sacrifices with practical implementation considerations.
​
Coalition Letter to Gov. Walz & State Legislators
Exculded Allies
Veteran defined
Letters of Support

Section II -  Original Bill as introduced - SF1959

Senate File 1959
Sec. 6. [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS.

Subdivision 1. Definition. 
As used in this section, the term "veteran of the Secret War in Laos" means a person who resides in this state and who:
    (1)was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207, or received a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, or other military award for service in support of the armed forces of the United States in Laos; or
 [NOTE-1: Foreign nationals who are not members of the U.S. armed forces are generally not eligible for the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart as these decorations are specifically designated for U.S. military personnel. 
    The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government and is presented to members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." By statute (10 U.S.C. §7271), it is limited to members of the U.S. armed forces.
    Similarly, the Purple Heart is awarded specifically to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States. The current eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart require the recipient to be a member of the U.S. armed forces. 
        Foreign nationals who served with irregular forces, special guerrilla units, or as allies in operations like those in Laos during the Secret War would not typically qualify for these U.S. military decorations, even if they served alongside or in support of U.S. forces.
        For foreign nationals who supported U.S. military operations, there are other recognitions that may be awarded:
    1.Foreign decorations from their own governments
    2.CIA or other agency-specific recognition for covert operations
    3.Certificates of appreciation or other acknowledgments from the U.S. government
    4.State-level recognition (like what Minnesota is considering)
This is why alternative verification methods are particularly important for state-level recognition, as these veterans would not typically have U.S. military decorations to verify their service. 
END NOTE-1]
(2) is a person who the commissioner of Veterans Affairs determines served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
NOTE-2: The covert military operations involving foreign nationals in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the Vietnam Era (1961-1975] were conducted under the direction of the CIA or MACV. Therefore, the commissioner of Veteran Affairs is not able to determine the service of such foreign nationals unless that commissioner obtains the full support of the Director, CIA, and Secretary of Defense. However, neither organization made or retained records of individual service by foreign nationals. END NOTE-2]

[NOTE-3: In determining who is a “veteran of the Secret War in Laos,” the final sentence in (2) above negates the need to reference the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207 in (1) above because this bill specifies any person that served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, is a veteran. END NOTE-3]
​Subdivision. 2. Eligibility for benefits and privileges. 
​    (a) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act.
    (b) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner verifies the person's veteran status. By March 30, 2026, the commissioner must:
        (1) adopt criteria and a protocol to determine eligibility under subdivision 1, clause (2), based upon the recommendations of the Veterans of Secret Guerrilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; and
    (2) begin accepting applications for verification.
    (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the Secret War in Laos:
    1. section 171.07, subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards);
    2.section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); 
    3.section 197.231 (honor guards); 
    4.section 197.236 (state veterans cemeteries); 
    5.section 197.455 (veterans preference); 
    6.section 197.4551 (permissive preference for veterans in private employment); 
    7.section 197.55 (quarters for meetings of veterans organizations); 
    8.section 197.56 (use of quarters); 
    9.section 197.63 (vital records, certified copies); 
    10.section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor vehicle registration, and driver's license); and 
    11.section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).

Section III - The Amendment

​Amendment
Sec. 6. [197.448] VETERANS OF COVERT OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.

Subdivision 1. Definition.
​As used in this section, the term "veteran of covert operations in Southeast Asia" means a person who resides in this state and who:
(1) is determined by the Southeast Asian Allied Veterans Verification Task Force established under subdivision 3 to have served honorably with special guerrilla units, irregular forces, or clandestine operations that supported the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, in Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam; and
(2) is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Subd. 2. Benefits and Privileges. 
(a) A veteran of covert operations in Southeast Asia is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the Task Force verifies the person's veteran status.
(b) By March 30, 2026, the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs must:
   (1) establish the Southeast Asian Allied Veterans Verification Task Force as described in subdivision 3;
   (2) adopt criteria and protocols for determining eligibility under subdivision 1, based upon the recommendations of the Task Force; and
   (3) begin accepting applications for verification.
(c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of covert operations in Southeast Asia: section 171.07, subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards); section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236 (state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551 (permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.63 (vital records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor vehicle registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).


Subd. 3. Southeast Asian Allied Veterans Verification Task Force.
(a) The Southeast Asian Allied Veterans Verification Task Force is established to develop standards for verifying service and to review applications for verification as veterans of covert operations in Southeast Asia.
(b) The Task Force shall consist of seven members appointed by the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs:
   (1) One member representing the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs;
   (2) One member with direct experience in U.S. intelligence or special operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era;
   (3) Four members representing different ethnic communities who served supporting U.S. forces, including but not limited to Hmong, Lao Loum, Lao Theung, Khmer, and Vietnamese allied forces; and
   (4) One member with expertise in the history of the Vietnam War era in Southeast Asia.
(c) In appointing members under paragraph (b), clauses (3) and (4), the Commissioner shall strive for diverse representation that reflects the various ethnic communities who supported U.S. operations in Southeast Asia.
(d) The Task Force shall develop and recommend to the Commissioner:
   (1) Standards and protocols for verifying service that acknowledges the classified nature of covert operations and limited documentation shall be produced twelve months from enactment;
   (2) A multi-source verification system that may include:
     (i) Statements from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's service;
     (ii) Historical records that establish the existence of units in which the applicant claims to have served;
     (iii) Community attestation from recognized community leaders; and
     (iv) Other evidence the Task Force deems reliable for verification purposes.
   (3) An appeals process for applicants whose verification is denied.
(e) the Task Force shall submit an annual report to the legislature on the number of applications received, approved, and denied, and any recommendations for improving the verification process.

Subd. 4. Expiration. 
  1. The Southeast Asian Allied Veterans Verification Task Force expires five (5) years from the date of enactment of this law. 
  2. This law expires on 31 December 2065.
                                           Companion Fact Sheet: Inclusive Recognition of Southeast Asian War Veterans
Background
  • U.S. covert operations during the Vietnam War era (1961–1975) relied heavily on local ethnic allies across Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
  • Operations directed by the CIA and MACV engaged irregular forces from diverse backgrounds.
Groups Who Served
  • Hmong (widely recognized)
  • Lao Loum, Lao Theung, Lao Sung (non-Hmong)
  • Vietnamese Montagnards and ethnic Kinh
  • Khmer Serei, Kampuchea Krom
  • Other indigenous forces embedded in covert operations
Why Broader Recognition is Needed
  • Historical Accuracy: These groups operated under U.S. command and faced combat risks equal to those of Hmong veterans.
  • Legal Equity: Exclusion may conflict with the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Moral Responsibility: Recognition should reflect sacrifice, not just documentation.
Problems with Current Language in SF1959
  • Refers only to Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act
  • Assumes eligibility for U.S. military honors like the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart, which are not applicable to foreign nationals
  • Omits the broader set of U.S.-directed allies
Solution Framework
  • Amend language to include all ethnic groups who served alongside U.S. forces
  • Use a multi-source verification process involving veteran, intelligence, and academic experts
  • Establish state-level recognition criteria appropriate for covert service
  • Implement an appeals and oversight mechanism for denied claims
Minnesota’s Opportunity
  • Be the first state to lead with a constitutional, inclusive recognition model
  • Build trust with Southeast Asian communities through comprehensive acknowledgment
  • Serve as a model for other states and possibly federal efforts
Endorsed by:
  • Coalition of Allied Afghan and Vietnam War Veterans (CAVWV)
  • 20th Special Forces Association
  • Southeast Asian Alliance

Section IV - Rationale for Proposed Changes

Addressing Constitutional Equal Protection Concerns

The revised bill eliminates potential 14th Amendment issues by:
  1. Changing the title from "VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS" to "VETERANS OF COVERT OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA" to be more inclusive of all ethnic groups who served4.
  2. Removing specific reference to the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act as the primary qualification, instead incorporating it as one potential verification method among many45.
  3. Expanding geographic coverage beyond Laos to include Cambodia and Vietnam, where similar covert operations occurred with various ethnic groups' participation4.
  4. Creating a Task Force with diverse ethnic representation to ensure all communities have a voice in the verification process4.
Addressing Verification Challenges
The proposal recognizes the unique documentation challenges faced by these veterans:
  1. Creating a specialized Task Force with subject matter expertise to develop appropriate verification standards for covert operations where documentation is limited46.
  2. Including members with direct experience in intelligence operations who can help authenticate claims of service4.
  3. Establishing a multi-source verification system that does not rely solely on official U.S. military documentation46.
  4. Including an appeals process to ensure due process for applicants4.
Balancing Recognition with Practical Implementation
The proposal:
  1. Maintains existing benefit eligibility as outlined in the original bill while creating a more robust verification process5.
  2. Sets clear deadlines for implementation while allowing sufficient time to establish the Task Force and develop standards5.
  3. Includes sunset provisions for the Task Force once the initial wave of verifications is complete5.
  4. Requires annual reporting to the legislature to ensure transparency and accountability.
                                                                       
​                                                                              Implementation Considerations
Verification Process Design
The verification process should be designed to accommodate the realities of covert operations while maintaining integrity:
  1. The Task Force should develop a "chain of honorable verification" where established veterans can vouch for others they served with, creating networks of verified service members4.
  2. Historical unit records and deployment information could establish context for individual claims even when personal documentation is lacking46.
  3. The Task Force should attempt to work with federal agencies to obtain any available declassified information about operations in Southeast Asia to aid verification.
Outreach and Education
For successful implementation:
  1. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs should conduct targeted outreach to all Southeast Asian communities who may have members eligible under this legislation13.
  2. Educational materials should be produced in multiple languages to ensure accessibility1.
  3. The diverse nature of support for U.S. operations should be highlighted in public communications to build awareness of the contributions of all ethnic groups4.
  4. Training should be provided to county veteran service officers to help them assist applicants from various ethnic backgrounds.

Section V - Excluded Allies and Units

The Coalition of Allied Vietnam War Veterans is a former 501(c)3 non profit which ceased operating under that IRS status at the end of 2025 which was the 50th anniversary year of the ending of the Vietnam War.
It now operates as a Veteran Fellowship located in the State of Minnesota