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Van Orden Introduces Legislation to Rename Tomah VA to Honor Jason Simcakoski

January 9, 2024

WASHINGTON. D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) was joined by the Wisconsin Delegation in introducing legislation to redesignate the Tomah Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin as the ‘Jason Simcakoski Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center’. 

Jason Simcakoski, a former United States Marine Corporal, suffered a traumatic brain inquiry during his time of service and received treatment at the Tomah VA, where he was over-prescribed pain medications, ultimately leading to his tragic passing from mixed drug toxicity on August 30, 2014. 

“Jason and I did not serve together, but we are fellow veterans and Brothers in Arms,” said Congressman Van Orden. “As a nation, we owe him and his family a debt that can never be fully repaid. We can never allow Jason's tragic story to be forgotten, and by naming the Tomah VA Medical Center after him, he will continue his service to our nation by ensuring our healthcare professionals provide the highest standard of care to those who have protected our freedoms and are held accountable when they do not. I am profoundly grateful to the Members of the Wisconsin Delegation who helped make this possible. Semper Fi, Marine. We have the watch.” 

“Everyone who knew Jason admired his outgoing nature, humor, and leadership, and deeply felt his loss. Jason was also always a protector and would want to be remembered as someone who gave his life to save the lives of other veterans, and this tribute will be another step forward in that legacy,” said Marv Simcakoski, Jason’s father. “I'm grateful to Congressman Van Orden and Senator Baldwin’s leadership to rename the Tomah VA. I really appreciate the bipartisan support of the entire Wisconsin Congressional Delegation and I’m thankful for the good people at the Tomah VA who work hard to serve and treat our veterans. Now, every veteran who walks through the doors at Tomah VA will remember Jason’s service and know the difference he made for his fellow veterans.” 

“Families like the Simcakoskis have a story that needs to be heard. Jason Simcakoski volunteered to serve his country in the Marines, but tragically, like too many veterans, his life was cut short. I was proud to work with the Simcakoski family to honor Jason’s legacy in 2016, and every year since, by making real changes at the VA to improve care and protect veterans, overhauling opioid prescribing practices and saving lives,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Today, veterans across the country are receiving better, safer care because of ‘Jason’s Law.’ By renaming the Tomah VA, we will continue to honor Jason’s legacy and the Simcakoski family’s work to ensure this devastating loss continues saving lives for years to come.”

“Jason’s tragic story is also one of determination, as he alerted law enforcement authorities to the deadly opioid prescription practices at the Tomah VA Medical Center while he himself was suffering from those abuses,” said Senator Ron Johnson. “Renaming the Tomah VA Medical Center after Jason will honor his efforts to try to save himself and other veterans from the systemic abuses that occurred and serve as a constant reminder of the duty of care owed to every veteran.”

Click here to read the full bill.

Issues: Veterans