It is important that we never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. I am, therefore, honored to let our local brave men and women who served in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf Conflict know about a special bonus program.

The state has begun taking applications for the Persian Gulf War Veterans’ Bonus Program. Eligible Pennsylvania veterans will receive $75 for each month served in the Persian Gulf Conflict up to a maximum of $525. Persian Gulf Conflict prisoners of war, and families of those who died as a result of the war, will receive $5,000.

To qualify for the program, a person must:

• have served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the period from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991 and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal;
• have been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of military service; and
• have served under honorable conditions.

Deadline to apply is Aug. 31, 2008. Please click here for more information or to apply for the bonus program.

And thank you again for your unselfish service to our Commonwealth and our country.