Treasurer Steven Grossman Presents Veterans Bonus Checks To Mother and Daughter For Serving In Iraq And Kuwait

BOSTON, March 23, 2011 -State Treasurer Steven Grossman, along with Veterans Service Officer, Tony Materna, presented two checks in the amount of $1,000 to Sergeant Marilyn Gonzalez and her daughter SPC/E4 Jessica Pedraza for their service in Iraq and Kuwait. In January 2010, Sergeant Gonzalez and her daughter, SPC/E4 Pedraza, members of the Army National Guard 1166 ^th Transportation Company were deployed to Iraq as truck drivers. Although they lived in the same barracks they didn't see a lot of each other because they were busy with their military duties. Their primary contact was through Facebook.

Treasurer Grossman said, "I am honored to present these Veterans Bonus Checks to this mother and daughter who left their families behind to sacrifice to protect our country and defend the security of the people of Massachusetts and all Americans."

The Veterans' Bonus Division is a department in Treasurer Grossman's Administration that provides bonus payments for veterans, service members, and their families for qualified service in the United States. The "Welcome Home" Bonus program provides a one time $500 or $1000 tax-free payment to service members activated since September 11, 2001. Those who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq will receive $1000, and those who have served domestically or in other foreign countries for a period of six months or more will receive $500.

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