The Kansas City, Kansas, Branch NAACP plans to hold a medallion ceremony for Vietnam era veterans in the community on April 2.
At the ceremony, officials from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office will present a Vietnam War medallion, medal and certificate to the veteran or their family members.
All Vietnam War era veterans in this area are encouraged to apply for the Kansas Vietnam Era Medallion, Medal and Certificate of Appreciation, according to the NAACP.
To qualify, the veteran must have served on active duty in the U.S. military between Feb. 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975. The veteran must have been a legal resident of Kansas at the time he or she entered or when he or she was discharged from military service, is now a legal resident of Kansas or was a legal resident at the time of his or her death.
Also, the veteran must have received an honorable discharge, or still be in active service in an honorable status, or have active service in an honorable status at the time or his or her death. The veteran is eligible whether he or she served in the U.S. or in a foreign country.
Family members of deceased veterans also may apply to receive the medallion on their behalf.
Applicants will need to complete the Kansas Vietnam War Medallion Program Application Form and have a copy of their military service document sent by Tuesday, Feb. 12, to Kansas City, Kansas, Branch NAACP, 21 N. 12th St., Kansas City, Kansas, 66102, Attn.: Veterans Committee.
Those who need assistance with their applications may call the NAACP office at 913-281-7900 or email [email protected].
From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, there will be persons available to assist with the application at the NAACP office, 21 N. 12th St., Suite 230, Kansas City, Kansas 66102.