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Hmong soldiers near MN veteran benefits for Secret War
More than 50 years after the CIA ended its operation in Laos, the surviving Hmong soldiers from the "Secret War" are a few short steps away from receiving partial veteran benefits in Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The surviving soldiers in an American secret war are one vote away from getting partial veteran benefits in Minnesota.
READ MORE: Minnesota Hmong veterans: CIA secret war soldiers one step closer to state benefits
Minnesota's Hmong Special Guerrilla Units
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Hmong ‘secret war’ soldier benefits in Minnesota
The Minnesota Legislature is moving bills forward to secure partial veteran benefits in Minnesota for roughly 1,000 Hmong men who fought alongside the CIA in Laos. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the details.
Big picture view:
The Minnesota Senate gave a standing ovation to the Hmong soldiers of the C.IA. operation in Laos.
About 1,000 of the so-called "Special Guerrilla Units," or SGUs, who fought alongside American soldiers are still alive and living in the state.
Last year, Minnesota became the first state to honor them as veterans.
This year, lawmakers are deciding which benefits they deserve.
The Senate approved several — including burial privileges at state veterans cemeteries and veterans’ preference in state hiring and promotion.
READ MORE: Memorial unveiled honoring special forces in Laos during Vietnam War
What's next:
The bill to lock those in still needs approval in the House, which is expected soon.
The Source: This story uses information gathered by FOX 9 reporter Corin Hoggard.