Washington, D.C. 20530

May 23, 2000

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS

SUBJECT:      Veterans' Preference for Service in Kosovo

On May 3, 2000, President Clinton issued Executive Order 13154 (copy attached), establishing the Kosovo Campaign Medal for service in Kosovo or its contiguous waters or airspace after March 24, 1999, and before a terminal date yet to be set by the Secretary of Defense.

The Office of Personnel Management's attached memorandum, dated May 16, 2000, indicates that recipients of a campaign medal are eligible for veterans' preference if they served for at least 24 months and were released from active duty under honorable conditions. Reservists are eligible if they were released under honorable conditions for the full period for which ordered or called to active duty. Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities, or those who were discharged or released from active duty are exempt from the minimum service requirement for (1) a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or (2) for hardship or other reasons under 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

To claim veterans' preference or to claim service credit based on their service in this campaign, employees should submit the appropriate documentation showing the award of the medal to their servicing personnel office.

Questions concerning this matter may be referred to Robert Seymour, of my Staff, on (202) 616-3706 or by Email at robert.f.seymour@usdoj.gov

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