Bay Pines National Cemetery Welcomes Vietnam Veterans Home, Provides PACT Act Information

“Today was a humbling experience,” said Bay Pines National Cemetery Director Douglas Maddox. “Every Vietnam Veteran here reflects a legacy of service, woven into the fabric of our country’s military history. It was truly an honor to meet these heroes, shake their hands, and say, ‘Thank you and welcome home!’”

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 552 President Steve Jones served as the keynote speaker for the event. Jones enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels,” at Fort Hood, Texas. He was deployed to Cam Rahn Bay, Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam, from 1970 – 1971 with the 459th Signal Battalion, based out of Camp McDermott.

Following the Welcome Home Ceremony, Veterans had the opportunity to meet with the St. Petersburg Regional Office of the Veteran Benefits Administration about the benefits they may be eligible to receive under the PACT Act. Signed into law in November 2022, the PACT Act is the largest health care and benefits expansion in VA history, and it affords eligible Veterans the following: 

• Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
• Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
• Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
• Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
• Helps VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

“As I helped distribute pins to the Vietnam Veterans and their families, I was reminded of the sacred responsibility we at VA have to serve and honor our Nation’s heroes,” added Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Director/CEO Paul M. Russo. “It is a responsibility that I don’t take lightly and, as evidenced by the gratitude and resources provided today, we remain committed to providing each Veteran with the full measure of what they’ve earned and deserve.”

To view photos from the event, please visit https://adobe.ly/3lPPTSm.