Latta offers praise, help on Veterans Day

Editor’s note: the following is an op-ed submitted by U.S. Representative Bob Latta, who represents Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, which stretches from Van Wert and Paulding counties to Lorain County in northeast Ohio.

Bob Latta/special to the VW independent

As we take time to honor and thank our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day, I have been reflecting upon a journey I embarked on with an outstanding group of Vietnam Veterans – and it all started over two years ago.

In July of 2021, I received a book at my Bowling Green office entitled Up Close & Personal that detailed the history of a group of men serving in the Vietnam War as part of “B” Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade.

The book came with a letter appealing for assistance with their effort to obtain the Combat Infantry Badge to recognize their unique service during the Vietnam War. While these men were classified as military police during their service, the Battalion unofficially performed infantry missions on the front lines.

After contacting the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of the Army to inquire as to the possibility of the group receiving the recognition, officials within the Defense Department undertook an extensive search at personnel records facilities to locate official documentation that could back up claims that the company performed infantry actions.

After months and months of research, and through documentation provided by the veterans, the Department of the Army concluded “B” Company performed actions essential to the success of the entire 720th MP Battalion during the Vietnam War. It was then announced these individuals would be recognized with Bronze Stars for their meritorious service.

To date, 66 Bronze Stars have been secured for these heroes. And earlier this year, I had the true honor of helping present the veterans with their Bronze Stars in a ceremony at the United States Capitol.

Each of these men were called upon by their nation to perform duties outside of what they signed up for, and they more than rose to the occasion. Their sacrifices, and those of their families, will never be forgotten.

As we pledge to never forget the sacrifices they made, we must never forget to thank our veterans every day – not just on Veterans Day – for their service.

While we will never be able to repay our veterans, we can extend our unwavering gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice. This also includes making the pledge to assist them and our servicemembers as they return to civilian life.

Nearly 40,000 veterans call Ohio’s Fifth District home, and I am honored to serve each and every one of them – including their families – in the United States Congress.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting with and assisting our veterans when they run into trouble with federal agencies, like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Whether it is ensuring veterans receive a response from the VA to see a doctor or if they are having trouble receiving ID cards or service records – my office stands ready to assist. Veterans who need assistance may call my Bowling Green office at 419.354.8700 or send a message through my website at http://latta.house.gov. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we will do our best to assist by seeking solutions or cutting through bureaucratic red tape. This is a very important and integral part of my job, and I will always promote the interests and well-being of our veterans.