(MSC News)--The VA outpatient clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, could soon bear the name of a Mayetta resident and World War II, and Korean War, veteran.
According to a release from the office of United States Senator Jerry Moran, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, the legislation he introduced along with fellow Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall, was passed last week by the U.S. Senate.
The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered.
If ultimately approved, the legislation will mean the renaming of the clinic as either the "Captain Elwin Shopteese Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic” or the “Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic.”
Moran's release explains that Shopteese, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, was born in Mayetta on July 16, 1921, going on to join the Kansas National Guard, becoming a member of Company E, 137th Infantry Regiment, which was involved in several battles across Europe during the war, including the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Shopteese received a battlefield commission for his leadership while in combat at Omaha Beach; and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service during World War II, returning to Kansas prior to his service in the Korean War.
After returning from the war, Shopteese began a life of service for his fellow Native Americans, specifically the Potawatomi, serving as a Tribal Council member. He was directly involved in the creation of the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors, known as I.C.A.R.E., Recovery Home, where he served as executive director until the time of his June 25, 1992, death.
Moran, in the release, says the "legislation honors [the] legacy [of Shopteese] and preserves his story for generations to come."
Marshall, in the release, says that "after much anticipation, Captain Elwin Shopteese is receiving the recognition that he rightfully deserves," adding that "with the passage of this legislation, Captain Shopteese's unwavering service to our nation and Kansas will be properly memorialized and celebrated in his hometown community for generations."
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Two officers recognized at city commission meeting
HCF Match Day event this weekend
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
HCF Match Day event raises more than $230K
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Council approves renewal of employee insurance plan
LATEST STORIES
Wi-Fi, code locks, among VF City Park improvements
Atchison Co Fair fundraiser set for Saturday
Summer water fun active in Atchison
Gov announces special session of KS Legislature
Two officers recognized at city commission meeting
Brown Co Commission begins 2025 budget process
Additional Doniphan Co filing for November election
Kansans, Moran, honor fallen on Memorial Day