Ohio resolution to honor Agent Orange victims passes

State Rep. Daniel P. Troy, D-Willowick, announced the final Ohio General Assembly passage of House Concurrent Resolution 27, which recognizes and honors the victims of Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide and defoliant, during the Vietnam War.

Passing in the Ohio House earlier this year, the Ohio Senate unanimously approved the measure 28-0.

Troy noted the resolution attempts to ensure that the “heroism of every soldier who sacrificed their health and well-being” in Vietnam is appropriately acknowledged.

“It is my hope that our work in the (Ohio) General Assembly will encourage the federal government to take additional action and provide Agent Orange victims with the help and benefits that they have earned and deserve,” he added.

 “I want to not only thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support but also thank and recognize Lake County resident and Vietnam veteran Arnie Stanko, who recently passed away, for his steadfast advocacy and impassioned committee testimony — without question, his efforts were crucial to this resolution passing.”

Between 1961 and 1971, the United States Armed Forces utilized Agent Orange to destroy enemy crops and vegetation as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand.

According to data, in 10 years, more than 20 million gallons of the compound were sprayed, exposing some 2.6 million American soldiers to dangerous chemicals.

Moreover, many service members developed severe and often fatal illnesses upon returning home from duty.

While their fallen comrades are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., victims of Agent Orange are, unfortunately, “unofficial causalities” of the war, Troy said.

 “Hopefully, this resolution will ensure that we acknowledge and honor their sacrifice as well,” he added.