The state of Michigan is recognizing Vietnam-era veterans with a new certificate honoring their service.
The certificate is available to Michigan residents who went to Vietnam during the war and were honorably discharged. There’s an option for a designation noting exposure to the chemical Agent Orange.
The director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Adam Hollier (OH-lee-ay), says many Vietnam vets were mistreated when they came back to the U.S. Often, they’ve never talked about their experiences.
Hollier said, “We think it’s going to be an incredible opportunity for our state to say thank you, but most importantly, to allow people to tell their story and engage with their family.”
Hollier (OH-lee-ay) also hopes eligible Vietnam veterans will also apply this week for new federal benefits approved under the PACT Act related to toxic substance exposure in service.
Meeting the Thursday deadline will make those benefits retroactive to the act’s passage two years ago.