West Montgomery Times

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved a bill today co-sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) that would authorize bonus payments for Pennsylvania military veterans who served in the Global War on Terror.

Senate Bill 1316 was introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and cosponsored by Sens. Ryan Aument (R-36) and Lisa Baker (R-20).

The bill would authorize bonuses for Pennsylvania residents who served during the Global War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans would be eligible if they were Pennsylvania residents while they served and are current residents of the commonwealth.

Military veterans who were engaged in active service during the Global War on Terror would be eligible for a $500 bonus.

Veterans engaged in active service in direct support of the Global War on Terror would receive a $1,000 bonus. Those recognized as engaging in direct support would include veterans who received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.

Veterans designated as a prisoner of war and the family of a veteran killed in action during the Global War on Terror each would receive a $5,000 bonus.

“Pennsylvania has a long and proud history of recognizing the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who answered the call to serve our nation,” Pennycuick said. “It’s time for our commonwealth to express that same gratitude for those who put their lives on the line to protect our homeland during the Global War on Terror.”

Pennsylvania previously provided a monetary bonus to veterans of the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.