Time Running Out to Apply for Gulf Veteran Bonus

By Alison Smith:

Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Persian Gulf have one year left to apply for a conflict bonus, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced Friday.

Veterans who served active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990, to Aug. 31, 1991, may be eligible for a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said. The application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2015.

“The one year countdown has officially begun, so we’re renewing our efforts to spread the word of this bonus to Pennsylvania’s veterans of Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm,” said Brig. Gen. Jerry Beck, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs. “Even if a veteran already applied for the bonus, but was denied, we encourage them to reapply. We are reviewing all denials prior to the sunset of the program.”

To be eligible, a 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 duty service.
• Been discharged from active duty under honorable conditions, if not currently on active duty.

“I encourage everyone to share this information with friends or family members to help ensure that every Persian Gulf War Veteran from Pennsylvania receives this well-deserved benefit,” Beck added.

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