Press Releases

Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 3672, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Bergman (MI-01), which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Indian River, Michigan, as the "Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." The namesake of the new clinic honors the Indian River native who valiantly served in the United States Army with the 1st Cavalry Division, Delta Company until he was Killed in Action by enemy fire.

Following the passage of the bill, Rep. Bergman stated, "Justin Paton was born, raised, and laid to rest in the same area where the Indian River VA Outpatient Clinic is, so it’s only fitting that we offer this small token of our deep appreciation to him for his service and sacrifice for our Nation. Justin has made Michigan and his country proud, and his valor must not be forgotten. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support offered by the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation in this effort, as well as the unanimous support of my colleagues in the House, as we seek to honor Justin’s legacy."

Private First Class Justin Paton gave his last full measure of devotion to the United States as he was killed by hostile sniper fire in Iraq in February 2007 at the age of 24.

Paton, who was unit leader of his Company, was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his selfless actions in service to a grateful Nation.

Read the full text of the bill here and watch Rep. Bergman’s speech on the bill here.