Senator Toomey, Carbon County VA Office Join Forces to Honor Korean War Veterans

Allentown, Pa. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey's office is partnering with the Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office to honor Korean War veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. Senator Toomey is working with the Korean Consul General to provide medals for United States veterans for their honorable service in the Korean War who reside in Carbon County.

"Korean War veterans in the Commonwealth bravely served this country and it's an honor for my office to recognize our veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal for their service," said Senator Toomey. "For over half a century, many of these veterans have been unsung heroes. I encourage all Korean War veterans to contact my office for more information on the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal."

"I am honored to help all veterans in our county get the benefits they deserve," said Henry Desrosiers, Director of Carbon County Veterans Affairs. "It saddens me to think that the Korean War is known as the Forgotten War and that many of our Korean war veterans are also forgotten. They served their country honorably and deserve any and all recognition that can be given. I will do my best to see that Carbon County's Korean War veterans receive this Peace Medal."

The offices of state Senator John Yudichak, and state Representatives Doyle Heffley and Jerry Knowles will also be assisting Senator Toomey's office in recognizing Carbon County's Korean War Veterans at this event.

To receive the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, an eligible veteran must have served in country during the Korean War from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 or have participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955. Members of the US Navy are also eligible if they had served aboard a naval vessel that was assigned to Korean waters during the 1950 to 1953 timeframe. It may also be awarded posthumously. The only document required is the Notice of Separation or DD-214 discharge document showing service in Korea.

Applications for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal must be received by October 1, 2017.

For applications, please contact:
• Marta Gabriel in Senator Toomey's office at Marta_Gabriel@toomey.senate.gov and (610) 434-1444, or
• Bonnie Gawlik, Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office, at BonnieGawlik@carboncounty.net and (570) 325-3986.

Applications will also be available through the offices of Senator Yudichak, and Representatives Heffley and Knowles.