Rep. Gabe Evans Introduces BELO’S Act
WASHINGTON – Army veteran and Congressman Gabe Evans has introduced the bipartisan Benefits the Endure for Lifetimes of Service (BELO’s) Act, a bill to give free National Park lifetime passes to the families of veterans who passed away from a service-related illness or accident.
The bill is named after First Sergeant Marc Belo, one of Rep. Evans’ soldiers in the U.S. Army. Belo and Evans deployed to Afghanistan together in 2012, and Belo passed away from service-related cancer in 2024. Belo gave 30 years of his life to his country – including being one of the first responders at the Pentagon on 9/11 and three total deployments (Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Enduring Freedom in 2012, and Kosovo in 2020).
“I’m proud to introduce the BELO’S Act, honoring my dear friend and fellow solider, First Sergeant Marc Belo. Marc was a giant— a true leader, role model, and the godfather of flying in our unit. When Marc passed away last year, he left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. I’m proud to honor him by ensuring families of fallen heroes are never forgotten.” -Rep. Evans
The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). Read more about the bill from Fox News here or the bill text here. Belo’s obituary can be read here.
'Never forgotten': More military families could soon qualify for this special benefit
March 13, 2025
A new proposal would expand which military families will qualify for lifetime National Park passes.
The "Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes of Service (BELO'S) Act" would apply to Gold Star families and service members who died from a "service-connected illnesses or service-related incident," like a training accident while in the United States, serious illness or an injury.
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The legislation is named after the late U.S. Army First Sergeant Marc Belo, who died from cancer related to his military service in May 2024. Belo worked closely alongside Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., the bill’s sponsor, including on a deployment in 2012.
"I’m proud to introduce the BELOS Act, honoring my dear friend and fellow solider, First Sergeant Marc Belo," Evans told Fox News Digital in a statement.
"Marc was a giant— a true leader, role model, and the godfather of flying in our unit. When Marc passed away last year, he left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. I’m proud to honor him by ensuring families of fallen heroes are never forgotten," he added.
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The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.