South Dakota veterans may be eligible for bonuses

Air Force Link ^ | (Courtesy of South Dakota Veterans Benefit Program)

[SandRat]

9/13/2007 - PIERRE, S.D. (AFPN) -- The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers based on monthly service during qualifying dates.

Bonuses are available to servicemembers who:

-- were legal residents of the state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into the armed forces.

-- are currently on active duty or were honorably discharged from the armed forces.

-- served on active duty during one of the following periods.

For service between March 4, 1991 and Sept. 10, 2001, payment will be made to those who served in an imminent danger pay area, or were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal or any other United States campaign or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations against hostile forces.

All active duty service between the dates of Sept. 11, 2001, and a date to be determined qualifies for a bonus payment.

This program also allows payment for active duty servicemembers during the Operation Desert Storm dates of Aug. 2, 1990 to March 3, 1991.

Application forms may be obtained by writing to: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or by calling 605-773-7251. Forms can also be requested by e-mail by writing to john.fette@state.sd.us. Writers should include their service branch and dates of service, street or post office box number, city, state and zip code. South Dakota residents can apply through the nearest county or tribal veterans service officer.