The greatest kind of sacrifice is fighting for others.

That’s exactly how Thomas Corey, a life-long veterans’ rights advocate, lived his life.

For those who don’t know him, Thomas was deployed to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, where he was shot in the neck and was permanently paralyzed.

Even though he had injuries for the rest of his life, he did not let that define him.  He overcame his injury to advocate for others in local, regional and national veteran organizations.

He founded West Palm Beach Chapter 25 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), later renamed Thomas H. Corey Chapter 25 in his honor, and ultimately became the national president of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

He has shown the world that no injury was big enough to eclipse his mission to serve others.

That’s why I led the entire Florida delegation to honor his legacy by introducing legislation to designate the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in his name.  This is a recognition he deserves for his tireless work to locate the remains of his brothers-in-arm left behind and his passionate advocacy for veterans in our community.

Great men like him inspire me everyday, and I am honored I was able to play my part in his dedication.