HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would authorize bonus payments for Pennsylvania military veterans who served in the Global War on Terror.
“In each and every one of our nation’s wars, Pennsylvanians have stepped up to protect and serve us,” said Mastriano, who chairs the committee. “Pennsylvania, in turn, has provided a monetary bonus to those who served in each of those wars. Now that the Global War on Terror has ended, it is time for Pennsylvania to once again say ‘thank you’ by approving these bonuses.”
Mastriano introduced Senate Bill 1316 with Sens. Ryan Aument (R-36), Lisa Baker (R-20) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).
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’s longstanding support of our military personnel who bravely and selflessly served in prior conflicts is well established,” Aument said. “The positive movement of this legislation today is a continuation of that well-deserved support for those who sacrificed it all to serve our nation in its fight against terrorism.”
“It is now 23 years since the horrific events and terrible losses of 9/11 compelled America to launch a Global War on Terror,” Baker said. “These actions in many places across the globe involved the service and sacrifice of many Pennsylvania servicemen and women. In our previous conflicts and deployments, the commonwealth has provided a service bonus to those who were in an active theatre of war. It is highly appropriate that we offer a bonus to those who fought terrorists, to those who were prisoners of war, and to the families of those who were killed in action. We can never say enough how grateful we are to the courageous and committed individuals who protect us and defend democracy.”
“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.
Senate Bill 1316 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Constituents of the 33rd Senatorial District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.
Media contact: Nate Silcox
717-787-4651