Applicants must have a parent who served in the United States Armed Forces during Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, Vietnam or Korean Conflicts, World War I or II or as a Merchant Seaman during World War II. The parent must be or have been a resident of New York State and have died or suffered a disability of 40 percent or more as a result of service, been classified as missing in action or been a prisoner of war. Students with a parent who has received the expeditionary medal for participation in operations in Lebanon, Grenada or Panama and students born with spina bifida whose parent is a Vietnam Veteran are also eligible.