In an effort to recognize New Jersey service members who have contributed to America’s War on Terror, a bi-partisan bill sponsored by two Assembly Democrats to create a New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medal was signed into law Monday.
The law (formerly bill A-2131) creates a state medal that the Governor can then award to service members or veterans who served for at least 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in one of eight military operations related to the United States’ War on Terror.
Eligible recipients will include members of the National Guard and those who were killed or are missing in action, as long as the recipient is a resident of the state, was a resident when they entered into service or was a resident for at least 20 years.
Upon the bill becoming law, sponsors Christopher Tully (D-Bergen, Passaic) and Roy Freiman (D- Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) issued the following joint statement:
“The creation of this medal will ensure our state’s ability to recognize New Jersey residents’ contributions to the ongoing War on Terror, including the contributions of those who did not previously receive the corresponding federal medal for their involvement in this war. Their dedicated service to this country – including the protection of bridges, tunnels and power plants – should be recognized. This medal is how we can honor their courageous support of our military operations over the past nineteen years.”
Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R- Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic) is also a sponsor.