State Has Money for Pa.’s Persian Gulf Vets

An estimated 20,000 Pennsylvania military veterans have not yet applied for a state-run bonus program recognizing their service in the Persian Gulf in 1990-91, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said.

More than 9,800 Persian Gulf veterans have applied for the one-time cash bonus program since the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs began accepting applications three years ago.

The bonus pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to a $525 maximum. For personnel who died through illness or injury received in the line of duty, there is an additional $5,000 available to the surviving family. Service members who were declared prisoners of war may also be eligible for an additional $5,000.

In each case, the service member must have:

• Served with the U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard.
• Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the period from Aug. 2, 1990 until Aug. 31, 1991, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
• Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of active service.

Individuals who received a bonus or similar compensation from any other state are not eligible for the Pennsylvania program. The deadline for applying for benefits under this program is Aug. 31, 2015.

For detailed instructions on how to apply, visit www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us.