Lincoln, Neb. — A statewide initiative to honor Korean War veterans with a special recognition coin was announced Monday by state officials.
At the Governor’s Hearing Room, Gov. Jim Pillen was joined by Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert and Korean War veterans for the announcement.
Hilgert described the attractive keepsake…
Hilgert: “It’s housed in a nice blue velvet presentation case emblazoned with NDVA’s logo. Inside, as you can see, is a large challenge coin. This program and this recognition effort is unique to our state. No other state is doing something like this.”
Courtesy/Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Pillen and Hilgert were joined by American Legion State Commander Judy Walters and VFW State Adjutant Jeffrey Baker who discussed how their veterans service organizations will help distribute the state’s specially minted recognition coins.
Also participating in the announcement was Dan Ryberg, current president of the Nebraska chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
A formal recognition event is set for July 24 at the State Capitol, where Korean War Veterans will be recognized and receive the commemorative coins.
According to VA estimates, there are around 2,400 Korean War veterans living in Nebraska.
Eligibility Requirements
The Korean War Recognition Coin is available to living veterans meeting all the conditions below:
- Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955;
- Must be a current legal resident of Nebraska or demonstrate Nebraska residency at time of entering service; AND
- Must have discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
RSVP for July 24, 2026, Event
In order to receive a Korean War Veterans Recognition coin at NDVA’s official ceremony, veterans must provide eligibility information and RSVP by submitting this PDF application.
