“Chapter 121 Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) strongly endorses Congressman David Taylor’s recently sponsored legislation, “Veterans First Act of 2025,” said Joseph Rettig, President of KWVA Chapter 121.

The Clermont Sun Newspaper provided detailed information on H.R. 2083 in their March 19, 2025, issue. “This proposed legislation will help the Ohio Department of Veteran Services (ODVS) obtain needed modifications and improvements to the Ohio Veterans Homes in Georgetown and Sandusky, where our Korean War veterans reside,” added President Rettig.

“The Georgetown facility has at least twelve (12) Korean War veterans residing there,” noted the Chapter 121 President. “Because they present at the observance of the Start of the Korean War held on June 25, 2025 in front of the Clermont County Courthouse in Batavia.”

H.R. 2083 is a two (2) page proposed bill which would appropriate to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants to assist States to remodel, modify, alter, or improve State Veterans Homes for furnishing care to veterans. “According to my research, these grants are authorized by Sections 8131 of Title 38 of the United States Code,” detailed Rettig.

“The VA has been seriously hampered in the past by a lack of funding to support State Veteran Homes for improvements,” explained Rettig. “Since the States have the financial responsibility for taking care of veterans residing in these homes, Congress should provide adequate funding for improvements. This proposed legislation will do that.”

Previously, ODVS has submitted two (2) applications for Veteran Home improvements. The Sandusky Veteran Home was rated Number #18 on the VA State Home Construction Grants Priority Listing for FY 2024, the last Listing available. The Georgetown Home was rated Number #19.

“Congressman Taylor’s Office had indicated ‘this bill would provide enough funding to clear out all outstanding projects,’ commented Rettig. “It’s time that we put our veterans, especially our Korean War veterans, first and this is why our KWVA chapter is strongly supporting Congressman Taylor’s H.R. 2083, Veterans First Act of 2025.”

By Joe Rettig , president of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 121. Any Veteran who has served in Korea or during the time of the Korean War can become a member of the KWVA. Veterans can obtain more information about the Korean War Veterans Association by emailing Joe Rettig at jrettig@cinci.rr.com.