The following message is from Take Action MN.
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Together, we are creating a Minnesota where the inherent worth and dignity of every person is recognized without exception. Unfortunately, Hmong veterans are being treated as an exception. We must — and can — change this.
During the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia, Hmong soldiers fought alongside United States soldiers to protect and serve America. Some Hmong soldiers were as young as 12 years old, rescuing American pilots who were shot down, and protecting American soldiers.
But in Minnesota today, Hmong veterans are wounded warriors. Many live with depression, trauma and stress. Soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect American soldiers are now treated as foreigners undeserving of the same benefits afforded other veterans who served our country. The Veterans Administration refuses to recognize their service, and they are denied economic, educational, medical, and burial benefits by the state and federal veteran administration.
Denied benefits has resulted in stark economic disparities for thousands of Hmong veterans and their families in America. Hmong-American veterans and their families have remained untreated and unrecognized in spite of having made the same heroic sacrifices as other American veterans.
No matter their ethnicity, all our veterans have sacrificed to protect U.S. freedom. We must recognize them for their service.
We need your help. To join us in building — and winning — a campaign to push the state of Minnesota to recognize the service of Hmong veterans, contact me at 651.379.0754 or by email at Amee@TakeActionMinnesota.org.
Join us.
Amee Xiong
Hmong Organizing Program Manager
TakeAction Minnesota