Bill to Name Laughlin VA Clinic for Master Chief Jesse Dean Signed into Law
WASHINGTON - After passing the House and Senate unanimously, legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean was signed into law by President Obama.
Rep. Heck was instrumental in helping bring the VA clinic to Laughlin and attended the ribbon cutting ceremony in February of 2015.
"I'm pleased the VA clinic in Laughlin will be named for a man who exemplifies the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans," Rep. Joe Heck said. "It is fitting that after all of the hard work and dedication of Laughlin community members to make the clinic a reality it will be named for one of their own, Master Chief Jesse Dean. I look forward to my next visit to Laughlin later in October to visit the VA clinic and American Legion Post 60 to share this great news with the men and women who helped make it happen."
Highlights of Master Chief Jesse Dean's service:
* Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 at the age of 17
* Served 27 years, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest grade for an enlisted sailor
* First sea duty assignment was aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet
* Served in Vietnam as part of the Brown Water Navy
* Awards and commendations include three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon
After retiring from the Navy in 1992, Jesse Dean settled in Laughlin, Nevada and joined the Richard Springston American Legion Post 60. As a member of the Legion, Jesse was revered by fellow members for his selfless service and dedication to the Post and his fellow veterans.
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Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada's Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.