San Jose VA Clinic Renamed to Honor Local Hero Corporal Patrick D. Tillman

This bill is straightforward: it officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, to the “Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic.” That’s it. No new services, no changes to your copays, just a name change to honor a local hero.

The Name Behind the Clinic

Before getting to the official designation in Section 2, the bill dedicates an entire section (Section 1) to establishing Congressional findings about Pat Tillman. This isn't just bureaucratic filler; it’s the reason for the renaming. The bill highlights that Tillman was born in San Jose, attended Leland High School, and was a standout football player at Arizona State University before being drafted by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Crucially, the findings note that less than a year after 9/11, he chose to suspend his professional sports career to join the Army Rangers alongside his brother, Kevin.

Tillman deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The bill acknowledges his death in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, and confirms that he was posthumously promoted to corporal and awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Essentially, the bill lays out a clear case for why this facility, in his hometown, should carry his name.

What the Change Means on the Ground

For veterans and staff who use the San Jose VA clinic, the only practical change is the sign on the building and the letterhead on official documents. Section 2 is very clear: the facility will be renamed the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, and this change takes effect immediately upon the bill becoming law. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any future official reference—in laws, regulations, maps, or documents—must use the new name. This ensures the recognition is permanent and consistent across all government records.

This is a purely ceremonial action, but it’s an important one. It connects a critical community resource—healthcare for veterans—with the legacy of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice. For the busy veteran in San Jose, the care stays the same, but the name on the door serves as a daily reminder of the dedication and service inherent in the military community.