Rep. Troy's resolution honoring victims of Agent Orange passes in the Ohio House

COLUMBUS - Today, State Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) announced the House passage of HCR 27, his resolution to recognize and honor the 2.6 million American soldiers exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

"This resolution ensures the heroism of every soldier who sacrificed their health and wellbeing in Vietnam is properly acknowledged. It is my hope that our work in the Ohio House will encourage the federal government to take additional action and provide Agent Orange victims with the benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Troy. "I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support and recognize Lake County resident and Vietnam Veteran Arnold Stanko, who recently passed away, for his steadfast advocacy and impassioned committee testimony. Without question, his efforts were crucial to the 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. In just 10 years, more than 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed, exposing some 2.6 million American soldiers to dangerous chemicals.

Upon returning home from duty, many service members developed severe and often fatal illnesses. While their fallen comrades are memorialized on "the wall" in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., victims of Agent Orange are unfortunately unofficial causalities of the war.

“Hopefully, this resolution by the Ohio General Assembly will ensure that we acknowledge and honor their sacrifice as well,” Rep. Troy concluded.