Heck Introduces Bill to Name Laughlin VA Health Clinic

WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today introduced legislation to officially name the new Laughlin VA health clinic for Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean, a Navy veteran, prominent member of the Laughlin veteran community, and a member of American Legion Post 60.

According to Rep. Heck's legislation, the clinic will be named the "Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic."

"While I did not have the privilege of knowing Master Chief Jesse Dean, it is clear from speaking with community members and veterans in Laughlin that naming the new VA health clinic in his honor is a fitting tribute," Rep. Heck said. "Jesse not only served his country as a highly decorated sailor, he served the veteran community of Laughlin, and Post 60 specifically, with such selfless dedication that one former commander of that Post said he was 'that once in a blue moon guy that seems to do everything'. No matter what the project, Jesse never asked for, nor would he accept, anything in return. But we have a chance to repay him for his years of dedication to Laughlin American Legion Post 60, the veteran community of Laughlin, and the United States Navy by naming the new VA health clinic in his honor."

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.

Rep. Heck's naming legislation is supported by the Laughlin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 243, Richard Springston American Legion Post 60, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 60, and the American Legion Auxiliary of Richard Springston American Legion Post 60. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Cresent Hardy (NV-04).

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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.