WILLIAMS OFFERS FIX FOR MERCHANT MARINE BONUS ACT

 HARRISBURG, OCT. 18 – State Sen. Connie Williams has introduced legislation that would address a shortcoming in the Merchant Marine World War II Veterans' Bonus program that has prevented a number of Merchant Marines from qualifying for the bonus.

 The United States Merchant Marine World War II Bonus Fund program was created by Act 22 of 2006 to provide $500 bonuses to those who served or were in training in the United States Merchant Marines between Dec. 7, 1941 and Aug. 15, 1945. Unfortunately, the federal form that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is requiring as proof of service – DD-214 – does not provide the opportunity for veterans to list their dates of training.

 "I've heard from two constituents who were denied their bonus. Although both qualify for the program based on the new law, their applications were rejected because they can't list training on their DD-214," Williams said. "These men – who are in their 80s – served their country with honor and are deserving of this recognition. A form must not stand in the way of fulfilling the state's promise to them."

 Williams' bill (SB 1380) would further define training as any period of training prior to active duty and would require the Adjutant General to consider any other government-issued documents to show active duty in, or training for, the United States Merchant Marines for a period including any portion of the period from Dec. 7, 1941 through Aug. 15, 1945.

 When the program was created, it was anticipated that between 500 and 800 people would qualify for the bonus program. About 75 Pennsylvanians have failed to qualify because of the training issue on the form DD-214. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2006.

 Williams said that she would continue to look for opportunities to amend her legislative remedy for the program into appropriate legislation.