1. 1. There is hereby created within the state adjutant general's office the "Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge Program". Every veteran who honorably served on active duty in the United States military service at any time beginning October 7, 2001, and ending August 30, 2021, shall be entitled to receive an Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge medallion, medal, and certificate of appreciation under this section, provided that:

   1. (1) Such veteran is a legal resident of this state or was a legal resident of this state at the time he or she entered or was discharged from military service or at the time of his or her death, or such veteran served in a unit of the Missouri National Guard regardless of whether such veteran is or ever was a legal resident of this state; and
   2. (2) Such veteran was honorably separated or discharged from military service, is still in active service in an honorable status, or was in active service in an honorable status at the time of his or her death.
2. 2. The Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge medallion, medal, and certificate shall be awarded regardless of whether such veteran served within the United States or in a foreign country. The medallion, medal, and certificate shall be awarded regardless of whether such veteran was under eighteen years of age at the time of enlistment. For purposes of this section, "veteran" means any person defined as a veteran by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency.

(L. 2024 S.B. 912)