Veterans

The end of the war in Iraq has focused renewed attention on the necessity of employing returning veterans. The federal government has launched new initiatives through the "Gold Card" and the National Resource Directory to help veterans do just that.

Ohio veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars have collected $41.25 million in bonuses paid out of a voter-approved bond issue, state officials said on Wednesday.

So far, 49,538 veterans who served at least 90 days on active duty during those conflicts have collected bonuses. Veterans are eligible for up to $1,000, which is tax free and may be spent however they see fit. Those who were medically discharged can receive up to $1,500 and families of service members killed in action or who died from disease related to their military service may receive up to $6,500.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, Ohio Treasurer Kevin Boyce and Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Bill Hartnett Tuesday launched the Ohio Veterans Bonus program in Columbus.

An estimated 200,000 Ohio residents are eligible for the Ohio Veterans Bonus.

The Marion County Commissioners Tuesday approved the transfer of lodging taxes to the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and funding a portion of burial costs for an indigent veteran.