HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, announced the application deadline for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program has been extended to Aug. 31, 2018.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, since 2008, the state has compensated more than 11,500 veterans for their service in the Persian Gulf conflict.
Gibbons voted in favor of the law that extended the program.
“Extending this program for applicants is the least we can do for the thousands of men and women who had to leave their families, jobs and livelihoods behind to serve our country in the Persian Gulf,” Gibbons said. “We need to make sure that we continue to honor all our veterans.”
Gibbons said the bonus pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to $525 maximum. For personnel who died or 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 also may be eligible for an additional $5,000.
To qualify for the program, applicants 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 between Aug. 2, 1990 and 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.
- Received the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
For more information on how to apply, visit www.persiangulfbonus.pa.gov.
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