West Palm Beach VA honors American hero, Mr. Thomas H. Corey

This bill officially renames the main campus, one of eight clinical care sites of care within the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System.

Mr. Thomas H. Corey was not just a patient of the local VA health care system, he was a national treasure and steadfast supporter who was integral in the medical center’s inception and

ongoing operations.

Shortly following his draft into the U.S. Army, Mr. Corey was sent to Vietnam in May of 1967, where he served as a Squad Leader with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. On January 31, 1968, while

engaged in battle against enemy positions he received an enemy round in the region of his cervical spinal column. This injury consequently resulted in him being paralyzed and a quadriplegic

for life. Following the incident, in 1968, at the age of 24, he medically retired.

Following his military service, Mr. Corey’s involvement throughout local, regional, and national Veteran organizations knew no limits. He was the founding President of West Palm Beach

Chapter 25, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in 1981 and a founding member of the local Friends of Fisher House, Inc., whose mission is to support the Fisher House located at the West Palm

Beach VA.

“Mr. Corey gave everything to help Veterans and this nation as he dedicated his life for the lives of other Veterans,” says WPBVAHCS Executive Director Cory Price. “It is only fitting for

all that he has done for this nation and for Veterans that he be recognized with this special distinction.”

“Tom Corey was a good friend, and a hero to many. He leaves behind a legacy of service for his selflessness both on and off the battlefield” says Congressman Brian Mast. “He was a tireless

advocate for Veteran’s healthcare, particularly Vietnam Veterans, so naming the West Palm Beach VA in his honor is the least we can do to honor his legacy and his passionate advocacy for

Veterans.”

Read more on Mr. Corey’s life story: https://www.vvmf.org/Honor-Roll/502001/Thomas-H-Corey/