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HR 147

Commending the Orange Heart Medal Foundation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Ferrell Tata

Virginia honors the Orange Heart Medal Foundation for its advocacy and support for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and their families.

Bill text as passed House (HR147ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 147

Summary of Bill HR 147 (2026 Session, Virginia)

Title

Commending the Orange Heart Medal Foundation.

Purpose and Intent

  • To recognize and commend the Orange Heart Medal Foundation for its efforts to honor and assist veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
  • To acknowledge the Foundation’s work in raising awareness of health complications linked to Agent Orange exposure and to support veterans and their families.

Key Provisions

  • Formal commendation by the Virginia House of Delegates for the Orange Heart Medal Foundation.
  • Directive to the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to the Foundation as an expression of the House’s admiration and appreciation.

Background Included in the Resolution (Contextual Information)

  • Agent Orange was used during the Vietnam War as part of Operation Ranch Hand (1961–1971), with approximately 20 million gallons sprayed and 2.6 million U.S. service members exposed.
  • The resolution highlights that exposure has been linked to various health issues, including cancers (e.g., prostate, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma), ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and other serious illnesses, as well as potential genetic effects that may impact descendants.
  • Ken Gamble, a Vietnam Navy veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, founded the Orange Heart Medal Foundation in January 2018 using personal funds. The Foundation designs and awards the Orange Heart Medal to veterans and families.
  • The Foundation has distributed roughly 4,000 medals to veterans and surviving family members in the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Thailand.
  • The resolution notes ongoing advocacy for medical care, treatment, and recognition for affected veterans, and mentions plans for a permanent monument, scholarship programs for descendants, and other memorial initiatives.

Who Is Affected

  • While primarily a ceremonial act, the resolution publicly recognizes the Orange Heart Medal Foundation and its beneficiaries—Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and their families.
  • The act serves to raise public awareness and formally acknowledge the Foundation’s efforts within Virginia.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced and considered by the Virginia House of Delegates in early 2026.
  • The House adopted the resolution by voice vote on March 2, 2026.
  • The enrolled version (HR147ER) was later recorded as passed by the House on April 16, 2026.
  • No fiscal implications or policy changes beyond the symbolic commendation are stated in the text.

Sponsor

  • Co-sponsor: Anne Ferrell Tata

Bottom Line

HR 147 is a House of Delegates resolution commending the Orange Heart Medal Foundation for its advocacy and support for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and for its broader efforts to memorialize and assist affected veterans and their families. It serves as an official, ceremonial acknowledgment and expression of appreciation from Virginia’s legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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