U.S. senators seek to name Kansas VA outpatient clinic for Prairie Band tribe member

TOPEKA — The two U.S. senators from Kansas introduced legislation to name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, in honor of the late War II and Korean war veteran Elwin Shopteese of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation.

Shopteese, who was born in Mayetta, enlisted in the Kansas National Guard after graduating from high school. He participated in battles in Europe, including the invasion of Normandy and Battle of the Bulge. He earned a battlefield commission for combat leadership on Omaha Beach, was presented the Purple Heart and Bronze Star and was promoted to captain in the U.S. Army.

“In recognition of Captain Shopteese’s service for our country and his service to the Native American community upon his return home, this legislation will help honor his legacy and preserve his story for generations to come,” said U.S. Sen Jerry Moran, a Republican.

Shopteese, who died in June 1992, attended the predecessor of Haskell Indian Nations University before serving in the Korean War.

He was as a Tribal Council member and served as executive director of the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors Recovery Home.

The bill sponsored by Moran and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, also a Republican, would designate the clinic opened in 2022 on Parallel Parkway in Kansas City as the Captain Elwin Shopteese Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. The facility offers primary care and specialty health services to veterans, including mental health care and laboratory services.

“Captain Shopteese lived a life of unwavering service to Kansas and America,” Marshall said. “He exemplified bravery and patriotism to our great nation. I am proud to work with Senator Moran to ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come and honor his heroism by naming the Kansas City outpatient clinic after him.”