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Bonus Available to Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans

Veterans Interest

From Rep. Sam Rohrer’s website:

Representative Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) is encouraging military veterans who served in the Persian Gulf between 1990 and 1991 to apply for a bonus from the Commonwealth.

The Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus is available to military veterans who served on active duty in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

“This bonus program is a small token of appreciation from a grateful Commonwealth,” Rohrer said.  “Our armed forces personnel traveled halfway across the globe to perform their duty.  They repelled the military of dictator Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait and back into Iraq.  Our brave men and women did everything that was asked of them.  For their courage, valor and dedication, we offer this bonus as a sign of our appreciation.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers the Pennsylvania Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus to veterans who served on active duty, including mobilized National Guard and Reserve personnel, between Aug. 2, 1990, and Aug. 31, 1991, with a payment of up to $75 per month for every month of active Gulf War service.  Veterans who received a Southwest Asia Service Medal and were legal residents of Pennsylvania at the time of their service are also eligible for the benefit.

An additional bonus of $5,000 is available to surviving families of those killed in action during the same period.

“While the military victory in the Persian Gulf was swift, it was not without casualties,” Rohrer said.  “There is no way to adequately compensate the family of a fallen hero.  No dollar amount can ever properly capture the sense of obligation and gratitude felt by the people of Pennsylvania.  We humbly offer the survivor bonus payment, knowing it can never replace the loved one who died in battle.”

For more information on the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus, visit Rohrer’s Web site at SamRohrer.com and click on “Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus.”

Rep. Samuel Rohrer
128th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(610) 775-5130
(717) 787-8550
www.SamRohrer.com
Contact: Dan Massing
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9845
www.pahousegop.com

Honoring a Founding Member

Post News

Recently, one of our founding members, 92-year-old Harry Lines, was flown with other WWII veterans to the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington, DC for the premiere of HBO’s “The Pacific.” During the event, Harry was treated like the hero he was, and he and the other veterans were honored both by the Marriott and Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg. Harry was also interviewed for a brief documentary about the experience:

Thanking Veterans

Post News

Have you thanked a veteran today? If you haven’t, why not come by the post on Sunday, April 11th at noon and join us for a Spaghetti Dinner (tickets are $8). Not only can you thank the veterans that are members of the post, we’re going to have live Skype web chats (with web cameras/voice) with some of the soldiers from the 1185th DDSB, our adopted unit, that are currently deployed overseas!

We will be joined by family members of the 1185th, who are enduring the hardships of their beloved family members being away from them. They could certainly use a THANK YOU, too!

Remembering Past Commander Jack O. Shoff

Obituaries

Past Commander and Past Quartermaster Jack Shoff passed away this week after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Jack served the post in a number of positions over the years and will be missed.

From the Intelligencer:

Jack Shoff
Jack Shoff, Past Post Commander

Jack O. Shoff, 83, of Millersville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 25, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at home following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born June 12, 1926, in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late Preston P. and Eva F. (Geisler) Shoff. He was married to the late Margaret J. (Colvin) Shoff for over 58 years before her death in August 2009.

A Veteran of WWII, Jack proudly served with the U.S. Marine Corps and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on March 17, 1945. Jack continued his military service volunteering for three tours with the Sea Going Cowboys replenishing Europe’s livestock. He was a lifetime member, Board of Director Past Post Commander of the Millersville/Manor VFW Post #7294. As Quarter Master, Jack was responsible for the delivery and set up of hospital equipment to the infirmed and was a volunteer for the Millersville area Meals on Wheels. Jack was also a member American Legion, Post #34, Lancaster.

Jack was a lineman for PPL for 40 years before retiring in 1986. After retirement, Mr. Shoff worked for Scheid Produce, Inc. in Millersville. He enjoyed spending time at his second home at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware where everyone was welcome. Another passion of Jack’s was Native American Indian Education and Causes through financial contributions.

He is survived by a son, Jeff Shoff, fiancé of Gail Smith, of Lancaster; three daughters, Colleen Rankin, of Conestoga, Jacqueline, wife of Fred Harvey, of Lancaster and Sue, wife of Ron Kirchner, of Willow Street; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a brother Eugene C. Shoff, husband of Nellie L., of Ronks, as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family and caring friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Jack’s caregivers and Hospice of Lancaster County.

Funeral Services will be held at the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home, Exclusive Provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 320 Blue Rock Road, Route 999, Millersville, PA 17551, 717-872-2266 on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 10 AM. Interment will be in the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, Millersville, PA with Military Honors. Friends may view at Scheid’s on Wednesday between 9 and 10 AM. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial Remembrances can be made in Jack’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County or to the Disabled American Veterans.

Congratulations To The Kauffmans!

Post News

Congratulations went out to our District 9 Commander, Carson Kauffman, and the District 9 Ladies Auxiliary President, Kathy Kauffman.

As you know, in addition to being the District 9 Commander, Carson is also our Post Commander. Likewise, Kathy is our Ladies Auxiliary Treasurer. They’ve both been heavily involved in our post for years, and their support and guidance has kept the post strong!

Saturday night, their officers, families and friends came together to show their support in the Testimonial Dinner, where Carson and Kathy were honored. The Toastmaster was Larry Reece, the State Jr. Vice Commander. The invocation was given by Kathy Adams, District 9 Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain.

Shannan Monaghan, District 9 Voice of Democracy Winner
Shannan Monaghan, District 9 Voice of Democracy Winner

Jenny RM Bender, District 9 Patriot's Pen Winner
Jenny RM Bender, District 9 Patriot's Pen Winner reads her essay.

The District 9 Patriot’s Pen Winner, Jenny R.M. Bender read her essay, and was followed by the District 9 Voice of Democracy winner, Shannan Monaghan.

Remarks were made by:
John Getz, PSC, State Quartermaster
Bette Jean Biedrzycki, Department President Ladies Auxiliary
James Dommel – Jr. Vice Commander, VFW Millersville Post 7294
Karen Bechtold – President Ladies Auxiliary, Millersville Post 7294
Mac and Kathy Adams – Chief’s of Staff

Kathy and Carson both gave their thanks for their officers, members, families and friends that supported them.

The ceremony was closed with a Benediction from Walter Gerhart, District 9 VFW Chaplain.

Special thanks go to the Banquet Committee, who planned this great evening: Betty Eshbach, Louise Gerhart, Walter Gerhart, Larry Reece, Joyce Reece, Richard (Mac) Adams, Kathy Adams, Amy Walborn, Janet Getz, Richard Getz.