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Committee Hears Testimony Urging Recognition of Troops Who Served in Honduras (1981–1992)
Summary
At a first hearing, sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution 18 urged the committee to support recognition for U.S. troops who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992, citing constituent testimony, estimated service counts (~3,000), reported Purple Heart awards (approx. 42–46), and official casualty totals (46) with some sources suggesting higher counts.
Sponsors and a retired service member testified in support of House Concurrent Resolution 18, which urges Congress to formally recognize the service of American troops stationed in Honduras from 1981 to 1992.
The sponsor said the troops faced "environmental, operational, and mental health risks" and noted constituent Michael Young, a retired Command Sergeant Major, was present in the hearing room. The testimony cited an estimated 3,000 service members who served in Honduras and referenced reports that 42–46 service members were awarded the Purple Heart and that official casualty counts list 46 deaths, while some sources suggest the total may have been as high as 72.
Representative Thomas voiced strong support, saying he "support[s] the resolution 110%" and urged members not to "drag in the politics" when honoring service. The sponsors echoed that the measure aims to recognize individual service members rather than endorse any particular policy decisions from the period.
The testimony compared the proposed recognition to similar measures passed in other states and framed the resolution as raising awareness for veterans who may not have received formal recognition. No committee vote or amendment was recorded at this session.
