NYS honors Iraq, Afghan war vets with medals

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New York State has begun issuing commemorative medals to honor veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The medals serve as a token of gratitude for the service of military personnel during the wars.

The medals aren't intended to be worn on military uniforms but are a symbolic gesture of appreciation. They were approved by the state legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2023.

The Afghan War medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who served in Afghanistan between October 2001 and August 2021. The Iraq War medal is for service members who served in Iraq between March 2003 and December 2011.

Veterans can apply for the medals online through the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website. Applicants must be New York state resident now or were a New York state resident when they served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be awarded posthumously.