Washington, DC – Yesterday, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand voted to recognize the Korean War Veterans Association with a federal charter.  The Congress passed S. 1692 with overwhelming, bipartisan support.  The federal charter allows the KWVA to advocate and operate like the many other federally-recognized veterans organization like the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  The Korean War Veterans Association was founded in Halfmoon, NY, located in the district Congresswoman Gillibrand represents by, William T. Norris in 1985.  For 23 years the organization has grown from its first year membership of 9 to a nation-wide organization with chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.     

“Congressional recognition of the Korean War Veterans Association is long overdue,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  “This charter will provide the KVWA the ability to better advocate for the needs of the Korean War veteran.  I am honored to represent the birthplace of the Korean War Veterans Association, and continue to work to advocate on behalf of the brave men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces, our veterans, and their families.”

“I appreciate all of the Congresswoman’s efforts,” said Commander of the Adirondack Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Ray Waldron.  “It’s been many years trying to get this charter approved.  This charter will help put closure to the idea of the ‘Forgotten War’.  Congresswoman Gillibrand was there for us.  She supports the veterans.  Not just Korean veterans, but all veterans.”

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs there are 2.4 million Korean War Veterans living in the United States today including nearly 140,000 in New York State, the third largest community of Korean War veterans in the nation.