42.220. Vietnam War medallion program created--eligibility--veteran defined.

Vietnam War medallion program created--eligibility--veteran defined.

42.220. 1. There is hereby created within the state adjutantgeneral's office the "Vietnam War Medallion Program". Every veteran whohonorably served on active duty in the United States military service atany time beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975, shall beentitled to receive a Vietnam War medallion, medal, and a certificate ofappreciation under sections 42.220 to 42.226, provided that:

(1) Such veteran is a legal resident of this state or was a legalresident of this state at the time he or she entered or was discharged frommilitary service or at the time of his or her death; and

(2) Such veteran was honorably separated or discharged from militaryservice or is still in active service in an honorable status, or was inactive service in an honorable status at the time of his or her death.

2. The Vietnam War medallion, medal, and a certificate shall beawarded regardless of whether or not such veteran served within the UnitedStates or in a foreign country. The medallion, medal, and the certificateshall be awarded regardless of whether or not such veteran was undereighteen years of age at the time of enlistment. For purposes of sections42.220 to 42.226, "veteran" means any person defined as a veteran by theUnited States Department of Veterans' Affairs or its successor agency.

(L. 2006 H.B. 978)