R 329
2026 -- H 8251
Enacted 04/30/2026

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

     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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LC006020
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