Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Can Still Apply For Bonus

The state of Massachusetts says that there are possibly 60,000 Vietnam Veterans that have not
claimed a bonus from the state.

A state bonus of $300.00 is available to those veterans who served in country in Vietnam. For those
veterans who served at least 60 day active duty during the Vietnam Era between July 1, 1958 and
May 17, 1975 outside of Vietnam are eligible for a $200.00 bonus.

The so called "welcome home" bonus is available to veterans or their surviving families, and state
officials are urging those who might be eligible to apply as soon as possible.

You must have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least 6 months prior to entering the Armed Forces.

There were also bonus programs for Korean War: June 25, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955. 90 days stateside service $100.00, 6+ months stateside service $200.00, 1+days foreign service $300.00. WWII
1 day to 6 months active service $100.00, 6+ months active service $200.00, Foreign Service
and Merchant Marines $300.00.
Iraq/Afghanistan First time applicants at least 6 months of active service either stateside or
overseas and/or 1 or more days in Iraq or Afghanistan or or after Sept. 1, 2001
First time applicants Iraq or Afghanistan $1000.00, 6+ month stateside or overseas $500.00
(may be eligible for both first time bonuses)
Subsequent applications: under chapter 132 acts of 2009: 6 months domicile in Massachusetts
immediately prior to most recent tour/deployment-at least 6 months active service overseas
on or after Sept. 11, 2001 and/or 1 day in Iraq or Afghanistan: Iraq or Afghanistan $500.00
6+ months overseas $250.00 (may be eligible for each subsequent deployment.

Further information and application forms can be found on the state's website
at Massachusetts Veterans Bonus 

To check eligibility from any war or conflict period you can call 1-617-367-9333 ext. 859

I did not see any information for the 1st Gulf War, or the Cold War, perhaps more information
will be available by making the phone call.

Any Massachusetts veteran or their surviving family, if you have not yet filed for this
state Welcome Home Bonus, are urged to do file as soon as possible.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996