There is hereby created within the Kansas commission on veterans affairs office, the Vietnam war era medallion program. Every veteran who honorably served on active duty in the United States military service at any time beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975, shall be entitled to receive a Vietnam war era medallion, medal and a certificate of appreciation, provided that:

(a) Such veteran is a legal resident of this state or was a legal resident of this state at the time the veteran entered or was discharged from military service or at the time of the veteran’s death; and

(b) such veteran was honorably separated or discharged from military service or is still in active service in an honorable status, or was in active service in an honorable status at the time of the veteran’s death.