Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández introduced a bill to rename the Gallup Veterans Affairs clinic for the late Staff Sergeant Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, who died on November 29, 2022.

Senator Martin Heinrich is leading the companion bill in the Senate with Senator Ben Ray Luján.

“The call of service is one that a select few among us choose to answer,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Staff Sergeant Miyamura chose to answer it twice. He volunteered to serve not only in World War II, but also in the Korean War, where he was imprisoned for 27 months after staying behind to protect his squad and allow them to escape from attack. By providing care for our veterans here in Gallup under his name, we can honor his memory every day.”

“Renaming the VA Clinic in Gallup is one important way we can continue to honor Hershey Miyamura’s courageous actions and brave sacrifices during the Korean War and his lifelong commitment to this community. I will never forget the interactions I was so lucky to have with Hershey over the years. I was especially proud to join him nearly a decade ago to cut the ribbon and open this clinic that provides vital health care services to veterans from Gallup and surrounding areas. I hope that honoring Hershey’s memory in this way will inspire future generations of New Mexicans to learn more about his life and the powerful example of humble patriotism that he left behind as his enduring legacy," said Heinrich.

“Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura represents the very best of New Mexico,” said Luján. “As a Korean War Medal of Honor, father, friend, and mentor, Hershey will be remembered for his selflessness and humility. I’m proud to join my colleagues in the New Mexico delegation to introduce this bill to honor his legacy by renaming Gallup’s VA clinic as a small token of gratitude.”

“New Mexicans have a long and proud tradition of service that extends throughout our communities,” said Rep. Stansbury. “Staff Sergeant Miyamura embodied that service. A Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Staff Sergeant Miyamura endured 27 months of imprisonment as a result of his decision to protect the rest of his unit. As we continue our work to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans through meaningful action, I can think of no better way to continue that work by honoring Staff Sergeant Miyamura’s memory and legacy of service by providing care to New Mexico’s veterans at the Gallup clinic in his name.”

Staff Sergeant Miyamura was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valiant service and sacrifice, and was one of only two remaining recipients from the Korean War. You can watch Congresswoman Leger Fernández’s December 2022 House Floor speech memorializing Staff Sergeant Miyamura here.

The Gallup clinic opened in 2015 following an effort led by Staff Sergeant Miyamura, Senator Heinrich, and then-Congressman Luján, as well as local veterans in the community. Today, the clinic serves nearly 1,800 veterans.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández and the New Mexico delegation successfully prevented the VA from closing the Gallup clinic, along with clinics in Española, Las Vegas, and Raton, in June 2022.

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