Congressman Jason Smith presented James “Dave” Pace with his second Bronze Star with Valor on March 12. Fighting alongside fellow members of the Army in Vietnam, Pace earned two Bronze Stars with Valor; however, his discharge documents only listed one Bronze Star and no Valor was recognized.
“I was concerned my military records weren't complete,” said Pace. “That’s when I reached out to Congressman Smith’s office for help. They helped me submit my information to the Army and get documentation on the second incident included in my military records.”
Pace worked with Smith’s office to submit evidence of the second incident for which he was awarded his second Bronze Star with Valor. Rep. Smith was able to successfully share this information with the Army, prompting them to recognize Pace’s rightfully earned medals, amend his discharge documents and update his VA benefits.
“Dave is a hero, and he should be recognized for that,” said Smith. “Like so many of our men and women in uniform, Dave put country before self and went years without proper recognition for his sacrifice.”
Smith’s office helps veterans with VA claims on a regular basis, and Smith has helped author and pass legislation to improve accountability at the VA and provide better care to America’s veterans.
“These folks have sacrificed so much for our country. The very least we can do is make sure their healthcare needs are taken care of,” said Smith. “Since joining Congress, I have made it a top priority to fight for our nations veterans and ensure they receive the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”
Smith's office has helped hundreds of Veterans navigate the often cumbersome and complex VA process. Any veteran in need of assistance is encouraged to contact Rep. Smith's office so that help can be provided as quickly as possible.
Congressman Jason Smith also worked with Poplar Bluff VA Medical Director Dr. Patricia Hall to expand veteran care hours provided by the VA clinic in Salem. Located on the campus of Salem Memorial District Hospital, the Salem VA clinic was only seeing patients two days a month. After Smith’s work with Dr. Hall, the Salem VA clinic began scaling up to a more full-time presence, increasing its hours and staff to serve more veterans in the area.
“I consider it a great honor to help our military heroes,” said Smith. “Whether hosting a local veterans summit to assist our nation’s finest figure out benefits, ending fraud and abuse within the Veterans Administration, fighting for better VA health care in rural areas or showing the Greatest Generation the WWII memorial in Washington, serving veterans is a privilege.”
