COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - On this Veterans day, the state estimates that about 90,000 eligible military veterans are missing out on Ohio bonuses of up to $1,000.
Spokesman Michael McKinney with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services tells The Columbus Dispatch that the agency tries to spread the word about the program using radio ads, social media and booths at fairs and veterans events.
Voters in 2009 approved a $200 million bond issue to fund bonuses for veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars. More than $41 million has been paid out since August 2010.
Similar bonuses were awarded to those who fought in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam.
Veterans Services assistant director Jason Dominguez tells The Cincinnati Enquirer a bonus is not an entitlement - it's a thank you.