This legislative proposal aims to officially rename the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located in West Haven, Connecticut, as the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center" . The bill includes a short title, the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025," and details findings that underscore the significance of this designation. The renaming serves to honor Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha , an American hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. He distinguished himself by leading his company against superior enemy forces, demonstrating exceptional courage and tactical prowess. Beyond his military service, Captain Bucha was a fervent advocate for veterans, actively participating in numerous veterans service organizations. He was particularly vocal about addressing veterans' mental health, intentionally using the term "post-traumatic stress" to destigmatize their struggles and encourage seeking help. Significantly, Captain Bucha himself battled post-traumatic stress for decades before seeking care at the very VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, which this bill seeks to rename. He also received neurological care there in his final years, with his family expressing deep gratitude for the compassionate and skilled treatment provided by the facility's staff. Upon enactment, any official reference to the West Haven VA medical center will be considered a reference to the Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center, ensuring his legacy is permanently recognized within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Congressional tributesGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyVeterans' medical careVeterans' organizations and recognition
Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4647| House
| Updated: 12/19/2025
This legislative proposal aims to officially rename the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located in West Haven, Connecticut, as the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center" . The bill includes a short title, the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025," and details findings that underscore the significance of this designation. The renaming serves to honor Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha , an American hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. He distinguished himself by leading his company against superior enemy forces, demonstrating exceptional courage and tactical prowess. Beyond his military service, Captain Bucha was a fervent advocate for veterans, actively participating in numerous veterans service organizations. He was particularly vocal about addressing veterans' mental health, intentionally using the term "post-traumatic stress" to destigmatize their struggles and encourage seeking help. Significantly, Captain Bucha himself battled post-traumatic stress for decades before seeking care at the very VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, which this bill seeks to rename. He also received neurological care there in his final years, with his family expressing deep gratitude for the compassionate and skilled treatment provided by the facility's staff. Upon enactment, any official reference to the West Haven VA medical center will be considered a reference to the Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center, ensuring his legacy is permanently recognized within the Department of Veterans Affairs.