Hudson introduces bill to rename Hamlet VA clinic after CSM O'Neal

Today, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) introduced H.R. 5265 to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community outpatient clinic in Hamlet after Army Command Sergeant Major Edward James O’Neal, who died May 6 at the age of 75.

This legislation was cosponsored by every member of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. The process to rename the clinic after O’Neal began in June, when the Hamlet City Council voted 5-0 to request federal lawmakers to make it so.

Edward O'Neal Comm. Sgt. Major, retired

Hudson addressed the House in May. Then, his words honored O’Neal’s legacy.

“Ed O’Neal was a dear friend of mine and a champion for his fellow veterans in Richmond County and all of North Carolina,” Hudson said in a statement. “After a long and distinguished military career, Ed and his beloved wife Mary continued to serve our country by tirelessly assisting and advocating for local veterans. We are all forever indebted to Ed and all of our nation’s heroes, but I am proud to introduce this legislation to honor his legacy and preserve his memory.”

Mr. O’Neal was a retired Army veteran who earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major and guided the Special Forces Command at Fort Bragg. He was an Army medic who served four tours in Vietnam and was awarded three Purple Heart medals.

After his retirement, Mr. O’Neal continued to tirelessly advocate on behalf of veterans and served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4203 in Rockingham. He was also a member of the local Disabled American Veteran chapter and Commander of the state DAV.

The Pee Dee Post