Urging Congress to Authorize the Award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or Similar Recognition, to United States Service Members Who Served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island recognizes that all members of the United States Armed Forces deserve respect for their service, full receipt of their earned benefits and entitlements, and appropriate recognition for the sacrifices they and their families have made in defense of this nation; and

WHEREAS, The United States military maintained a significant presence in the nation of Honduras throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, conducting joint training operations, providing logistical and combat support, and participating in military exercises designed to promote regional stability and deter aggression; and

WHEREAS, During this period from 1981 through 1992, United States service members stationed in Honduras operated in an environment that included hostile activity, terrorist threats, and hazardous conditions; and

WHEREAS, United States service members serving in Honduras were subjected to hostile fire and imminent danger, and at least one service member was awarded the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist activity; and

WHEREAS, United States service members lost their lives while serving in Honduras due to terrorist activity and other dangerous circumstances associated with their deployment; and

WHEREAS, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participate in designated military operations and who serve in areas where they face conditions of significant risk or hostility; and

WHEREAS, This House believes that all United States service members who served in hostile or imminently dangerous environments should receive appropriate federal recognition for their service; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully urges the Congress of the United States to authorize the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or similar recognition for service in a hostile environment, to all United States service members who served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Secretary of Defense, and to each member of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation.