ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 473 which will extend the eligibility for Purple Heart license tags to include service members on active duty or in reserves.
“Men and women throughout the entire state have made great sacrifices for our country by serving in our armed forces,” said Sen. Harbison. “I was disheartened to discover that recipients of this distinguished award had to wait until retirement to receive their license tag. I am proud that my colleagues in the Senate supported this measure to honor veterans both past and present.”
Ms. Kim Kapacziewski, of Columbus, GA, brought this issue to Sen. Harbison earlier this legislative session. Her husband, SFC Kapacziewski, is a veteran amputee still serving in the armed forces. He was given his Purple Heart license tag but was asked to return it when the Georgia Department of Veteran Services realized he was still active personnel.
Currently, the Purple Heart license tag is only available to discharged veterans who received a Purple Heart citation. By amending the definition of a “Veteran,” this legislation expands availability of the tag to include recipients who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserves.