Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Ends in One Year

ANNVILLE, Pa., Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eligible veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991 have exactly one year from today to collect a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice. Applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Bonus are due by Aug. 31, 2018.

The bonus program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to a $525 maximum. For personnel whose death was related to illness or injury received in the line of duty in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm, 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.

"We don't want to see a single eligible veteran miss out on receiving this bonus," said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general. "Like previous generations of veterans, our Gulf War service members sacrificed greatly while serving our nation. This program is another way that Pennsylvania stands up proudly to honor those few who have done so much for all of us." 

To be eligible for the bonus, 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 to Aug. 31, 1991
• 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

Since 2008, more than 9,000 Persian Gulf Conflict veterans have applied for and received a bonus for their war efforts. Individuals who received a bonus or similar compensation from any other state are not eligible for the Pennsylvania program.

"Anyone who feels they meet the criteria for this bonus should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and let us help you through the process," said Carrelli. "Our goal is to see that everyone who earned this bonus with their service and sacrifice receives it, but we are one year from the deadline, so apply as soon as possible."

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Nissley, 717-861-8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us