HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastrian (R-33), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Current Pennsylvania law only allows civilians, veterans, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, or the armed forces of the United States and their reserve components to be presented with the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal and the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal.
Senate Bill 141 would permit the awarding of these medals to members of strategic allies, like the Republic of Lithuania, who the Pennsylvania National Guard has had a thirty-year relationship with through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.
“As military tensions arise across the globe, it’s important for us to be able to recognize strategic allies, like Lithuania, and their exemplary service that they have provided to our commonwealth,” Mastriano said. “This legislation allows us to additionally honor the brave Korean soldiers who fought alongside American service members in Vietnam.”
Senate Bill 141 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Nathan Silcox, 717-787-7175, nsilcox@pasen.gov