Wichita Standard

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and Sen. Roger Marshall to name the VA outpatient clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, after Captain Elwin “Al” Shopteese. The legislation will designate the clinic as the “Captain Elwin Shopteese Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic” or the “Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic.”

Senator Moran expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the legislation, stating, “I am pleased the Senate passed this piece of legislation that honors a Kansas servicemember, who dedicated his life to his country and community. In recognition of Captain Shopteese’s service for our country and his service to the Native American community upon his return home, this legislation honors his legacy and preserves his story for generations to come. I am grateful for its passage.”

Senator Marshall also commented on the significance of the bill, saying, "After much anticipation, Captain Elwin Shopteese is receiving the recognition that he rightfully deserves. With the passage of this legislation, Captain Shopteese's unwavering service to our nation and Kansas will be properly memorialized and celebrated in his hometown community for generations. I am honored to see the dedication of this clinic in Shopteese's honor pass. May his legacy live on forever."

Captain Elwin Shopteese, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, served in World War II and the Korean War before dedicating his life to serving his fellow Native Americans. He was involved in the creation of the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors (I.C.A.R.E.) Recovery Home and served as its executive director until his passing in 1992.

The legislation will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.