(a) Expenditures for Recognition Items.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, appropriated funds may be expended—
(b) Provision of Meals and Refreshments.—
For purposes of section 520c of this title and any regulation prescribed to implement that section, functions conducted for the purpose of presenting recognition items described in subsection (a) shall be treated as recruiting functions, and recipients of such items shall be treated as persons who are the objects of recruiting efforts.
(c) Recognition Items of Nominal or Modest Value.—
In this section, the term “recognition item of nominal or modest value” means a commemorative coin, medal, trophy, badge, flag, poster, painting, or other similar item that is valued at less than $50 per item and is designed to recognize or commemorate service in the armed forces.
(Added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, § 589(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3279; amended Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, § 594, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2235.)