Minnesota Senate Unanimously Passes Bill Recognizing Laotian Secret Guerrilla Unit Veterans

Minnesota Senate Unanimously Passes Bill Recognizing Laotian Secret Guerrilla Unit Veterans

In a unanimous decision this past Wednesday, the Minnesota Senate has pushed forward a significant milestone for veterans of the Secret Guerrilla Units (SGU) by passing the Veterans Omnibus Budget Bill, effectively expanding the state’s definition of a "veteran." As reported by the Senate Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus, the designation now includes Laotian allies who served with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and the Secret War in Laos from 1961 to 1975.

For years, these SGU veterans have lived without full veteran benefits that their service warrants, this bill aims to remedy this long-standing issue the bill, besides expanding the veteran definition, also sets up the Veterans of Secret Guerrilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; this entity is tasked with developing eligibility verification guidelines and is expected to report their findings by February 15, 2026.

The bill encapsulates the hopes of veterans now in their golden years to gain recognition for their contributions.

Minnesota's action signals a pivot towards inclusion and acknowledgment of the varied tapestry within the veteran community. "Today, we ask our state to join us in recognizing a group of heroes whose sacrifices have been overlooked for far too long—the veterans of the Special Guerrilla Units, which include the Hmong, Lao, Mien, Khmu, and other ethnic allies," the Senate Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus stated, emphasizing that these men "once stood shoulder to shoulder with American forces and risked their lives in combat under U.S. command."

SOURCE: hoodline