Rosa DeLauro Honors Vietnam Veteran, West Haven Resident
NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) todayhonored Vietnam veteran and West Haven resident Michael Healey with the awardshe has long deserved for his wartime service. DeLauro helped ensureHealey could receive his awards today, along with overdue benefits from theVeterans Administration. Healey spent 20 months in the Army as a combatengineer, including a year in Vietnam with the 2nd Armored Division.
"Because our nation asked it of him, Mike went deep into thejungles of Vietnam and lived through intense combat," DeLauro said. "Likeso many other Vietnam veterans, he came home to a country deeply divided bywar, which is all the more reason for us to honor his courage and selflessnesstoday. War's legacy extends far beyond the years during which theconflict took place; it is an experience that lasts a lifetime and touchescountless generations, as I know it has touched Mike.
He helped protect invaluable treasures: the freedom andopportunity that are the cornerstones of our society. And because Mikeand other veterans stood up and did what needed to be done, we, as well aspeople all over this Earth, are free to speak our minds, meet with whom we choose,worship where we choose, elect our leaders, and live under laws that are amodel around the world."
Healey received the:
· Army Commendation Medal
· Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze ServiceStars
· Republic of Vietnam campaign ribbon
· National Defense Service Medal
· Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII
· Marksmanship Badge
Over the years DeLauro has helped many veterans like Healeyclaim the medals, benefits and recognition they earned defending America. Her office is ready to assist other veterans and their families.