Representative Troy's resolution to honor and recognize victims of Agent Orange unanimously passes Ohio House and Senate

COLUMBUS– State Representative Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) today announced that, with the approval of the Ohio Senate, the final Ohio General Assembly’s passage of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 27, which  honors and recognizes the victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

"This resolution attempts to ensure that 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 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."

"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." said Representative Troy. 

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 ten 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” at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, 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.