Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, introduced a bill today to rename the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane as the “Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.”

“I am proud to introduce this bill, which will honor two of Spokane’s fallen warriors, Private First Class Joe Mann and Platoon Sergeant Bruce Grandstaff,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “Both of these Eastern Washington heroes fought valiantly for our country and lost their lives in its defense.  By renaming the V.A. Medical Center after them, we will pay homage to their unwavering commitment and valor and remind future generations of their incredible legacy.”

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced companion legislation in the Senate today.  “This honors not just one American hero, but two native sons of Washington who gave their lives fighting on behalf of our nation,” said Sen. Murray. “I applaud Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her work on this bill and am so grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of PFC Mann and Platoon Sergeant Grandstaff.”

Private First Class Joe E. Mann and Platoon Sergeant Bruce A. Grandstaff were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their gallantry in World War II and Vietnam, respectively.    
 

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