(Washington, D.C.) — “Vietnam Veterans of America applauds the Senate for its passage of the Renaming the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, in Honor of Thomas H. Corey Act (H.R.7333), without amendment, by unanimous consent on November 13,” said Jack McManus, VVA National President. “Naming the West Palm Beach VA facility in Tom’s honor is a fitting acknowledgment of his contributions to our nation and our community of veterans.”
“Within the community of American Vietnam War veterans and their families, Tom Corey (1944-2022) was one of our hardest working, most dedicated, and widely admired leaders,” said McManus. “He was an example to multitudes of veterans, and all who had contact with him. He showed us that no matter the hardship, if you have the willpower, you can make changes for the better in people’s lives. He did this every day, year after year, with commitment and compassion.”
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, Corey served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. On the first day of the 1968 Tet Offensive, Corey was shot in the neck and permanently paralyzed. He returned from Vietnam to his family in Detroit, spending time in and out of the local VA hospital, eventually relocating to West Palm Beach in 1972. Committed to improving the conditions he had encountered while a patient in the VA healthcare system, Corey joined VVA in 1980, and he became one of VVA’s most active and accomplished leaders.
As a result of his service in the Army, Corey received the Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
“It is a special kind of a person who can, when faced with such enormous disabling and physical challenges, have the strength and fortitude as Tom had for so many years,” McManus said. “Veterans were truly fortunate to have had the benefit of Tom’s advocacy for 42 years.”
