Portman and Brown Introduce Bill to Honor Fallen Ohio Solider

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced legislation to honor fallen Ohio solider and Bronze Star recipient Daniel Kinnard by designating the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic(CBOC) in Newark, Ohio as the Daniel L. Kinnard Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic. A native of Newark, Kinnard served as a medic in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star for selflessly tending to wounded men in his unit while under fire. U.S. Representative Pat Tiberi (R-OH-12) introduced a House version.

"Specialist Kinnard served his country bravely in dire circumstances by caring for and putting his fellow soldiers before himself," Portman stated. "While we can never fully thank him for his service, I'm pleased to introduce this legislation to honor Daniel Kinnard and express gratitude for his extraordinary service to our country."

"Specialist Kinnard made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in the Vietnam War," Brown said. "Not only did he answer the call to service, he was mortally wounded while attempting to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. It's only fitting to name the Newark VA clinic after one of Licking County's most heroic sons -- ensuring his service will be remembered for generations."

"This young man put his country before himself and made the ultimate sacrifice," said Tiberi. "We honor and remember Specialist Daniel L. Kinnard for his sacrifice and his family's sacrifice by recognizing him in his community. Generations to come will know the bravery and heroism of this young man."

This legislation is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1060; the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 840; the American Legion, Levi Phillips Post 85; the Disabled American Veterans, Robert L. Cox Memorial #23; and the Marine Corps League, Licking County Detachment 602.

On Monday, Portman will host a roundtable at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center to focus on mental health treatment for veterans. The Columbus VA Care Center houses a local mental health treatment clinic.

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