Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke, along with Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Matt Rosendale, have penned a letter to Congressional leadership in support of a bill that would rename the VA Outpatient Clinic in Butte, Montana, in honor of Charlie Dowd, the state's last Pearl Harbor survivor.

In the letter, the lawmakers express their support for the bill to rename the clinic to the “Charlie Dowd VA Clinic” in remembrance of Dowd, who passed away in March 2023. According to the letter, Charlie Dowd played a significant role in history, as he bravely fought at Pearl Harbor and continued to serve in the U.S. Navy, earning seven Bronze Star Medals in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea.

Describing Dowd as a true patriot, the letter highlights his dedication to caring for fellow veterans and preserving the memory of World War II. The lawmakers acknowledge that while they can never fully repay Dowd's service, renaming the VA facility in Butte in his honor would be a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Senator Daines introduced the bill to rename the clinic after Charlie Dowd in November 2023, with Congressman Zinke introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives in February.

The proposed legislation aims to honor the memory of Charlie Dowd, recognizing his contributions to the country and his dedication to serving his fellow veterans.