Bloomington VA Clinic to be Renamed for Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Andrew Jackson Smith

This legislation is straightforward and entirely focused on honoring a historical figure. The bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located in Bloomington, Illinois, to the “Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.” This change is administrative, meaning it won't affect services, wait times, or funding for the veterans who use the facility.

Why the Name Change?

Section 1 of the bill lays out the reasoning, which centers on the heroic actions of Color Sergeant Andrew Jackson Smith during the Civil War. Specifically, Congress highlights his bravery at the Battle of Honey Hill in South Carolina in 1864. When the soldier carrying the Regimental Colors—the flag—was killed, Smith grabbed the flag and carried it through heavy fire, preventing the enemy from capturing it. This act of courage earned him the Medal of Honor, and this bill serves to permanently recognize that service at the Bloomington VA clinic.

What This Means for the Clinic and Veterans

For the veterans and staff in Bloomington, this is a change of address—or rather, a change of name—only. Section 2 mandates that the facility, currently at 207 Hamilton Road, must now be referred to by its new, longer name. If you’re a veteran in the area, your appointments, doctors, and services remain exactly the same. The only difference is that the official documents, maps, and signs must be updated to reflect the new designation. Think of it as a purely ceremonial move to honor a historical figure, which requires a minor administrative update for the VA’s record keepers. The bill is clear and specific, leaving no room for interpretation on which facility is being renamed or what the new name will be.