McCaskill Joins Arnold Veteran at French Legion of Honor Ceremony

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today joined local World War II veteran Joe Randazzo at his induction ceremony into the French Legion of Honor. The French Legion of Honor (officially called the Légion d’honneur) is the highest award for service the French Government bestows on living United States veterans who risked their life during World War I and World War II fighting on French territory. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. “Generations of Americans have felt the call to serve in our military not only to defend our own borders, but to help defend those of our allies who have joined us in the fight against tyranny,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran. “We owe a true debt of gratitude to those who have risked their lives for our safety and freedom, and it’s such a special tribute for our nation’s oldest ally to recognize the incredible service of Joe Randazzo.” Improving care for veterans and honoring their service has been a priority for McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year she successfully advocated for World War II veteran Carl Willm to receive his Bronze Star Medal after a long delay. McCaskill has previously helped Missouri veterans and their families secure overdue combat awards, including World War II veterans Vernon C. Crecelius and Walter Wocjik, Vietnam veterans Patrick Howe and Walter Sitzwohl, and Korean War veterans Dencil Francis and Reverend Leo Hardin. McCaskill has led several efforts to increase accountability and quality of veterans services. Earlier this year, McCaskill released a report detailing shameful treatment of veterans of World War II who were exposed to mustard gas, leading to her introduction of the Arla Harrell Act. Aiming to continue improvements to the quality of customer service at statewide VA facilities, McCaskill last year announced the expansion of her successful “secret-shopper” program to the southwest Missouri area. The Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program allows veterans to share timely, confidential feedback about their VA health care visits, and helps provide oversight and accountability for VA health care facilities. The survey is now active in five regions: St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Poplar Bluff; Southwest Missouri (Fayetteville). Veterans seeking to participate in the Veterans’ Customer Satisfaction Program can visit McCaskill’s website, McCaskill.senate.gov/VCSP, and complete the confidential survey. Responses can be submitted after each health care visit.