Kennedy, Cassidy introduce bill to name Lafayette VA clinic in local veteran Rodney Hamilton’s honor

WASHINGTON - Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced a bill that would designate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Lafayette, La., as the "Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic."

"Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. was an American hero. From his exceptional military service in Korea, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart, to his commitment to community service in Louisiana, he always put others before himself. In large part, he is the reason this VA Clinic stands in Lafayette today-and I can think of no one more deserving of having it bear their name. I'm honored to help introduce this legislation to celebrate Rodney Hamilton's legacy in his beloved Lafayette," said Kennedy.

"Rodney Hamilton fought for his country in Korea and for his fellow veterans in Louisiana. Naming the Lafayette VA clinic for him honors him for his service here and abroad," said Cassidy.

Rodney Hamilton was a longtime Lafayette resident and veterans' advocate who served the United States honorably in the Korean War. After being wounded in combat in 1951, Hamilton was awarded the Purple Heart.

Hamilton also served in Lafayette's city government from 1968 to 1972 and founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition.

He went on to play a major role in establishing Lafayette's VA clinic, and lived in Lafayette until his passing in November 2020 at the age of 88.

Local chapters of the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans have all supported renaming the clinic in Hamilton's honor.

Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Rodney Hamilton dedicated his life and career to serving America and Louisiana's Veterans. He showed true passion for helping his fellow Veterans. It is fitting that the VA clinic he helped secure for our community will be named in his honor. I am humbled to lead this effort in Congress. Those who served deserve our humble gratitude, and in some way, when we name a public building after one Veteran, We the People honor all Veterans," said Higgins.

View the full bill text here.