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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Neal Goodman |
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Legislators announces availability of applications for Persian Gulf bonus
Goodman’s legislation to reward veterans now being implemented
HARRISBURG, April 1 – Applications for the state Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus Program, created under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Neal Goodman, will be available online for the first time Friday.
Goodman, D-Schuylkill, with support from state Rep. Jerry Nailor, R-Cumberland, introduced the legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania veterans of the first Persian Gulf War received a bonus, just as veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War did. The General Assembly passed the legislation and voters approved the bonus program in 2006.
"Every combat veteran deserves to be rewarded equally because they have all made sacrifices to serve their country," Goodman said. "The unanimous support that the legislature gave this measure and, later, the general public gave it at the ballot was overwhelming to say the least. Now these veterans will receive the recognition they deserve and Pennsylvanians expressed when the bonus plan was approved in 2006."
Nailor added: "Historically, the legislature has recognized veterans' service in major wars, so I am pleased we are now able to honor the active duty of yet another generation of Pennsylvania's military veterans. Their unselfish and patriotic service has not been forgotten."
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 will be 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 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; 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. Applications will be available online at www.milvet.state.pa.us .
Goodman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and Nailor is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
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