U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

House Seal Outline

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Washington, Jul 11, 2008 -

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today called on Members of the House of Representatives to sign onto a letter encouraging the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps to follow the lead of the U.S. Army and issue replacement medals to the next of kin of deceased veterans free of charge.

This request comes as the U.S. Army/National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) launches a new initiative that allows the next of kin of deceased veterans whose military files have been archived to be eligible for one set of replacement medals free of charge.

Representatives Robert Brady (D-PA), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Timothy Walz (D-MN) have signed onto the following letter to the remaining branches:

   We are writing to respectfully ask the U.S. Air Force to follow the lead of the U.S. Army and participate in the new policy they have agreed to with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) regarding replacement medals for next of kin of deceased veterans. As you know, under current policy medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by veterans or their next of kin at no charge. However, if the next of kin of a deceased veteran requests a set of replacement medals, there is a cost involved.

   However, under a new U.S. Army/NARA initiative beginning in early July, next of kin of deceased veterans whose military files have been archived will be eligible for one set of replacement medals. One of the most rewarding experiences we have had as Members of Congress has been the opportunity to present veterans and their families with a set of replacement service medals. Often times the veteran had never received his medals at the time of discharge or they were subsequently misplaced. Many times, the veteran has passed away and the medals are a powerful memory of the service that their family member gave our great nation. Therefore, we encourage you to join the Army and NARA in this important program.