KITCHEN: GULF WAR BONUS APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

HARRISBURG, April 17 — State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen today announced that veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict can obtain a bonus application at either of her local district offices.

An eligible veteran may receive $75 per month for each month of active service up to a total of $525.  In addition, prisoners of war and survivors of those veterans who lost their lives in the conflict are eligible to receive $5,000.

 “It is fitting that we honor the commitment and sacrifice of our war veterans,” Kitchen said. “I am pleased to have supported this bonus program for Gulf War veterans and stand ready to help them apply for the bonus.”

The law (Act 29 of 2006) provides bonuses for eligible Pennsylvania Persian Gulf veterans, as well as certain surviving relatives of deceased veterans.  To qualify, 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 from August 2, 1990, until August 31, 1991, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
• Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of active service.

            For an application or more information, contact Sen. Kitchen’s district office at: 1701 West Lehigh Street, Suite 104 (215) 227-6161 or 119 West Tabor Road (215) 457-9033. Applications can also be downloaded from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website at www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us.