Veterans Services

• Veterans Keynote Speaker Program: This program links Medford High School students with Veterans in the community for an interactive day of learning.
• Annual Memorial Day Presentation: Dedication of veterans’ graves at Oak Grove Cemetery

• Disbursement of all veterans-related benefits to eligible Veterans and/or their dependents
• Ensure all Veterans’ graves, plaques and memorials are respected and properly maintained
• Coordinate/assist veterans in need of shelter, clothing, food, employment, training and education
• Actively participate in all patriotic and veterans-related issues, including lobbying for Veterans rights
• Provide counseling and advice to Veterans and their dependents for referral to SSI, SSD, and Medicare/Medicaid
• Facilitate and process requests for Veterans’ military discharge records (DD-214)
• Facilitate application for Veterans Bonus/Annuity benefits

• Massachusetts Department of Career Services
• Veterans Employment & Training Services (VETS) Program

• Statutory Tax Exemptions and Explanations
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Bonus for Military Service
• Transportation Resources

• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• vets.gov
• Massachusetts Veterans Services
• Veterans Service Organizations

City of Medford Veterans’ Services – Honors and Eligibility

Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Overview

If you served in Korean War, you may be eligible for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American service men and women who served in the Korean War. The Ambassador for Peace Medal began to be presented to veterans as a special memento for those of who returned to South Korea through the ‘Revisit Program’. The honor has since expanded to veterans who cannot travel long journey to Korea.

Eligibility

To be eligible, the veterans must have served in country during the Korean War from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. It is also available for the veterans who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955.

If a veteran was a Navy service member and had served abroad a naval vessel, the he or she is eligible if the naval vessel was assigned into Korean waters during 1950 to 1953 time frame.

Please note that both men and women are eligible for this medal. The military had support positions such as nurse, clerical and administrative, and other positions that were predominantly held by women service members.

The commemorative medals may be awarded posthumously. The next of kin, such as the spouse or descendants may apply for the medal on behalf of a deceased veteran.

Veterans must have served “boots on the ground” in Korea, having received the United Nations & Korean Service Medal.

Veterans or their families are encouraged to apply. Please complete this form (PDF) and send with the required documentation to the Korean consulate.

These lists are for reference purposes only! In no way does the city represent that these lists are complete and/or without error. If you have any questions call the Veterans Office at (781) 393-2504.

World War II Memorial – October 2005 (PDF)

Add-on World War II Memorial – October 2007 (PDF)

Add-on World War II Memorial – January 2008 (PDF)

Korean Memorial – October 2007 (PDF)

Add-on Korean Memorial – January 2008 (PDF)

Vietnam Memorial – October 2007 (PDF)

Add-on Vietnam Memorial – January 2008 (PDF)

Desert Storm (PDF)

OIF/OEF (PDF)

WWII, Korea, Vietnam (PDF)

Desert Storm application (PDF)

OIF-OEF application (PDF)

1) To accommodate the needs of Oak Grove Cemetery staff in relation to preparation of gravesite location 24 HOURS notice is needed for burials at Veterans Lots. Therefore, written request for burial MUST be received 24 HOURS PRIOR to proposed burial time & date. The request MUST be sent to the Office of Veterans Services by fax 781-395-6342, or in person. The request for burial must including lot requested (i.e.-WW II, Korea, Vietnam), Veteran’s name, copy of military discharge (if not available via AGO/Military Records), proof of MEDFORD residency (Mass license, utility bills, etc)

2) Absolutely NO Veteran burial will be authorized verbally. All Veterans approved for burial in the War lots of Oak Grove Cemetery by the office of Veterans Services will be supplied approval in writing by the Director/Grave Registrar on Department letterhead. Copies of the written approval will be supplied to the Undertaker and Oak Grove Cemetery in writing 24 HOURS prior to requested date & time for burial of said Veteran.

3) Every effort will be made to accommodate request made outside of the 24 hours time required period, but cannot be guaranteed for approval.

4) No burials for Veterans/War Lots will be approved without written proof of Military Service, and Medford Residency Requirements. There will be no exceptions granted by this office.

Criteria for burial in Veterans/War lots:
A) Honorable discharged from Military Services
B) Veteran’s military service dates MUST meet required dates (established by Federal Government), for particular conflict for which the Veterans remains are, being sought to be buried.)

Federal recognized War Dates are as follows:

World War II – December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946

Korean War -June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955

Vietnam – August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before August 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975

Gulf War – August 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation.

• Plaques, Squares and Monuments
• Honors and Eligibility