N.C. congressman wants to name Hamlet VA clinic after Fort Bragg veteran

A North Carolina congressman wants to name a Hamlet VA clinic after a Fort Bragg veteran.

Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican representing North Carolina's 8th District, introduced a bill Wednesday that would name the Hamlet community-based outpatient clinic after retired Command Sgt. Maj. Edward James O'Neal.

Neal served from 1956 to 1976, deploying to Vietnam four times and serving in several Special Forces units on Fort Bragg.

A medic by training, he was awarded three Purple Heart medals.

O'Neal died in May following an extended illness.

Hudson's bill was co-sponsored by the entire N.C. congressional delegation, according to a release.

"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. "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."

O'Neal was a member of his local Disabled American Veterans chapter and was a former commander of the state DAV.

He also served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4203 in Rockingham.

Fayetteville Observer, by: Drew Brooks