Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Rename Odessa VA Clinic After Texas Medal of Honor Recipients

HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) this week introduced a bill to rename the Odessa VA Clinic after two Texas Medal of Honor recipients: United States Marine Corps Private First Class Alfred "Mac" Wilson and United States Army Staff Sergeant Marvin R. Young. Rep. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) is leading this effort in the U.S. House of Representatives and filed companion legislation to rename the Odessa VA Clinic last month.

"I am proud to join Senator Cornyn, Representative Conaway, and the Texas delegation in introducing this bill to recognize the amazing contributions and service Texans Alfred Wilson and Marvin Young provided to Texas and our country," Sen. Cruz said. "By renaming the VA clinic in Odessa, it will serve as a lasting tribute to these two Odessa heroes and ensure their memory and legacies live on."

"Renaming the VA Clinic in Odessa is a fitting tribute to these two West Texas heroes and recipients of the military's highest award for valor. Mac Wilson and Rex Young selflessly sacrificed to save others, and this clinic will serve as a reminder of the duty we have to care for those who fight for our freedom," said Sen. Cornyn.

Private First Class Wilson and Staff Sergeant Young both sacrificed their lives to save their fellow service members in the Vietnam War. Wilson threw himself on a grenade after braving enemy fire to help hold off an overwhelming enemy force. Young's platoon leader was killed after his unit came under heavy fire. Young assumed command and endured multiple wounds, yet stayed behind and continued to provide covering fire so his platoon could escape. Both were posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their actions.

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