FROM: State Rep. Don Walko, D-North Side

TO: Editor

DATE: April 17, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Turner, 717-787-7895, bturner@pahouse.net

State Representative Don Walko Reports:

Pa. bonus available to veterans of 1990-91 Persian Gulf War

Applications for the state Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Bonus Program are now available online and at my office.

In 2006, the General Assembly submitted a $20 million bond issue to voters to fund the bonus for veterans of the 1990-91 war who were Pennsylvania residents at the time of their service. Voters gave overwhelming approval. The state has provided similar bonuses to veterans of several previous wars. The Gulf bonus program is available to both current and former members of the military who qualify.

Eligible Pennsylvania veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict will receive $75 per month for each month or major fraction of active service in the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater up to a maximum of $525. The program will pay $5,000 on behalf of veterans who died in active service in the Persian Gulf Theater or as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained during active service in the Persian Gulf Theater. In addition, $5,000 will be paid to Persian Gulf Conflict prisoners of war.

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.

The applications are available online at www.milvet.state.pa.us and from my office, which will help constituents to apply for the bonus.

If you have questions on a state-related issue or subject, please call my office at 412-321-5523.