2026 -- H 8251

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LC006020

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

URGING CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF THE ARMED FORCES

EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL, OR SIMILAR RECOGNITION, TO UNITED STATES

SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED IN HONDURAS FROM 1981 TO 1992

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, Fellela, Hull, J. Lombardi, Read, Noret, and
Corvese

     Date Introduced: March 06, 2026

     Referred To: House Veterans` Affairs

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island recognizes that all members of the United States

Armed Forces deserve respect for their service, full receipt of their earned benefits and

entitlements, and appropriate recognition for the sacrifices they and their families have made in

defense of this nation; and

     WHEREAS, The United States military maintained a significant presence in the nation of

Honduras throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, conducting joint training operations, providing

logistical and combat support, and participating in military exercises designed to promote

regional stability and deter aggression; and

     WHEREAS, During this period from 1981 through 1992, United States service members

stationed in Honduras operated in an environment that included hostile activity, terrorist threats,

and hazardous conditions; and

     WHEREAS, United States service members serving in Honduras were subjected to

hostile fire and imminent danger, and at least one service member was awarded the Purple Heart

as a result of terrorist activity; and

     WHEREAS, United States service members lost their lives while serving in Honduras

due to terrorist activity and other dangerous circumstances associated with their deployment; and

     WHEREAS, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the

Armed Forces who participate in designated military operations and who serve in areas where

they face conditions of significant risk or hostility; and

     WHEREAS, This House believes that all United States service members who served in

hostile or imminently dangerous environments should receive appropriate federal recognition for

their service; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

respectfully urges the Congress of the United States to authorize the award of the Armed Forces

Expeditionary Medal, or similar recognition for service in a hostile environment, to all United

States service members who served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the

United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority

Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Secretary of Defense,

and to each member of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation.

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