On January 3, 2024, Lt Cdr Dushane of the United States National Defense Corps (USNDC) had lunch with Congressman Jim Costa, 21st District of California. Congressman Costa has been a consistent supporter of legislation involving Hmong Veterans of the SGU. Congressman Costa recently supported the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act. Lt Cdr Dushane met with Congressman Costa to discuss obtaining his support for the application being prepared for OPERATION: OBTAIN VETERAN STATUS and to express the USNDC’s appreciation for his support of legislation recognizing Hmong/Lao veterans and their sacrifices during the Vietnam War.