Bill > S2682

This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, as the "Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center" in honor of a remarkable Medal of Honor recipient and veterans' advocate. The bill provides extensive background on Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, highlighting his extraordinary military service during the Vietnam War, where he led his company in a heroic mission near Phuoc Vinh in 1968, singlehandedly destroying a machine-gun bunker and successfully defending against a large enemy force while sustaining a wound. After his military service, Bucha became a passionate advocate for veterans, serving on boards of veterans service organizations (VSOs) and working to destigmatize post-traumatic stress. The bill notes that Bucha himself battled post-traumatic stress for 42 years before seeking help at the very medical center now bearing his name, where he also received neurological care in the final years of his life before passing away in July 2024. The legislation ensures that any future references to this medical center in official documents will use Bucha's name, permanently honoring his service, sacrifice, and commitment to veterans' well-being.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2682/all-info