World War I vet's widow to get benefits

• Tweet

CARROLLTOWN, Pa., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania man said a congressman helped him obtain military benefits for his 110-year-old mother nearly 100 years after her husband served in World War I.

James Collins, 73, of Carrolltown said he applied in 2008 to get military befits for his mother, Alda, since his father, William, served as a cavalry sharpshooter in World War I, The Johnstown Daily American reported Monday.

Collins, whose father died at the age of 81 in 1976, said he repeatedly checked on the status of his application and was told it was still processing. He finally sought help from Rep. Mark Critz, D-Pa., who was able to resolve the issue within months.

Collins said his mother will now receive $25,000 in back benefits dating from when he filed the application and will receive $1,000 per month to help pay for her nursing home north of Ebensburg.