Recognizing and honoring Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces for their sacrifices, their support of the Armed Forces of the United States, and their defense of freedom in Southeast Asia.

Recognizing and honoring Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces for their sacrifices, their support of the Armed Forces of the United States, and their defense of freedom in Southeast Asia.

Whereas Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (also known in French as the Forces armées nationales khmères hereinafter, the “FANK”), played a significant role in the fight against communism during the Vietnam war, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of the United States in the defense of freedom and democracy in Southeast Asia;

Whereas, through their courageous actions, the FANK successfully captured and destroyed significant enemy supplies, thereby disrupting the logistical capabilities of adversarial forces;

Whereas the FANK played a pivotal role in gathering and providing vital intelligence to the Armed Forces of the United States, which significantly contributed to operational success and strategic planning in the region;

Whereas the intelligence provided by the FANK included crucial information on enemy troop positions, movements, and strength, enabling the Armed Forces of the United States to make informed decisions that saved lives and advanced the mission of promoting stability and security;

Whereas the members of the FANK have faced profound challenges, including loss of life, personal sacrifice, and the enduring impact of conflict, yet have remained steadfast in their commitment to their country and allies;

Whereas, recognizing the FANK’s role in Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975, in providing critical support and protection that facilitated the safe evacuation of United States Embassy personnel, ensuring the safe passage of American diplomats and citizens from a rapidly deteriorating situation;

Whereas, after the fall of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, an estimated of 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 members of the FANK and Cambodian people lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge genocide;

Whereas the FANK members and their families were targeted and executed, along with a wide range of people, including intellectuals, professionals, scholars, artists, religious figures, and anyone associated with the former government or perceived as a threat, during the “Killing Fields” regime;

Whereas many FANK personnel, their family members, and other Cambodians fled their homeland to escape the Khmer Rouge regime to find freedom in the United States and other free nations;

Whereas veterans of the FANK and other Cambodians who resettled in the United States found refuge throughout the country where they suffered severe mental health and socioeconomic challenges, but were determined to build new lives;

Whereas veterans of the FANK who risked their lives fighting for freedom in the Cambodian civil war should be honored for their distinguished service and for the contributions they provide to the United States;

Whereas many of these brave individuals witnessed unimaginable horrors, lost comrades, and endured personal loss that has left deep psychological scars, extending far beyond physical impact;

Whereas veterans and survivors of genocide are at a higher risk for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety;

Whereas veterans of the FANK were founders of and served in local not-for-profit organizations, engaging with the Federal Government, local and State governments, as well as other community and religious organizations, advocating on behalf of and educating Cambodian people in the United States;

Whereas, along with other Cambodian refugees and immigrants, veterans of the FANK have done much to further successful resettlement to help new refugees and immigrants in socioeconomic, psychological, cultural, and educational development; and

Whereas, while remembering and honoring the lives of members of the FANK, and other lives lost during the genocide, and their traumatic past, the new generation of Cambodian Americans continue to serve the United States in various fields, including health care, education, and the Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes the sacrifices made by Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces in their unwavering commitment to protect their nation and support allied efforts in southeast Asia;

(2) expresses profound gratitude to the Khmer National Armed Forces for their invaluable partnership, which has been instrumental in advancing the shared goals of freedom, security, and prosperity in the region; and

(3) acknowledges the historical significance contributions of the Khmer National Armed Forces to the fight for freedom in shaping the future of southeast Asia.