Letters to the Editor

July 3, 2008

State Gulf War Bonus program offers help to eligible veterans

Pennsylvania veterans of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm will be pleased to know the commonwealth is now honoring their service and sacrifice through a special “Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Program.”

This program was enacted through the efforts of Gov. Ed Rendell, the General Assembly and veterans’ organizations statewide. It mirrors previous state programs recognizing veterans of World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The Gulf War Bonus, as it’s called, provides a one-time payment of $75 per month of active-duty service (up to a $525 maximum).

The time window for qualifying service runs from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991. Mobilized Guard and Reserve members are included along with the regular Armed Forces.

Surviving families of personnel who died as a result of illness or injury received in the line of duty might be eligible for an additional payment of $5,000. Those who were declared prisoners of war might also be eligible for an additional $5,000 payment.

It’s estimated that more than 30,000 veterans who were legal residents of Pennsylvania at the time will qualify for the Gulf War Bonus.

If you’re one of them, I sincerely thank you for your service – and I urge you to learn the details on how to apply by visiting www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us.

You also can call a toll-free phone number, 1-866-458-9182, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

If you have friends or family members who might be eligible, please get the word out to them.

With your help, we can ensure that every Gulf War veteran from Pennsylvania receives this well-deserved measure of gratitude.

Brig. Gen. Scott D. Wagner Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans’ Affairs Fort Indiantown Gap Annville

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