Assemblymen Jack Conners and Jeff Van Drew

CONNERS/VAN DREW MILITARY MEDAL BILLS CLEARS ASSEMBLY
Measure Would Expand Eligibility for New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly today passed legislation Assemblymen Jack Conners and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to honor more New Jersey veterans for their military service by expanding eligibility for the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.
“The brave men and women of New Jersey deserve to be honored for all they have sacrificed,� said Conners(D-Burlington/Camden). “We should recognize our heroes – the soldiers, sailors, and pilots – who have bravely sacrificed their lives for our country.�

The measure (A-1448) would allow more veterans to receive the medal of honor by including veterans who have resided in New Jersey for at least 20 years even if they were inducted in another state.

"We should honor the service of the military heroes who have spent the better part of their lives in New Jersey," said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). "The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal should honor all New Jersey veterans who have fought for our country's freedoms."

Currently, distinguished honor medals are awarded to state residents -- including veterans who received an honorable discharge, veterans who served in a combat theater, prisoners of war, and soldiers who went missing in action while serving the U.S. Department of Defense.

The bill also would also allow the New Jersey honor medal to include all veterans who are living or deceased. Applications are available from the Military and Veterans Affairs' Web site, which may be accessed through www.NJ.gov.

The measure passed 79 to 0. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

--30--

FOR RELEASE:
June 8, 2006
CONTACT:
Assemblyman Conners
(856) 461-3997
Assemblyman Van Drew
(609) 465-0700
Alescia Teel
(609) 292-7065