Governor Christie Signs Series of Bills to Honor New Jersey's Military Veterans
GovNetNJ.com
Office of the Governor
August 23, 2010
Governor Chris Christie today signed a package of bills recognizing the loyal
service, bravery and sacrifice of New Jersey's active duty service men and women
and retired military veterans. The bills signed today -- A-1945, A-515,
A-1944 -- honor the service of members of the New Jersey National Guard,
recognize veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and expand the
membership of the Veteran's Service Council. S-795, previously signed into
law and recognized today by the Governor, pays tribute to the sacrifices of
Vietnam Veterans from South Jersey in Southern New Jersey.
"I am proud to have the opportunity to honor the service of New Jersey's
military service members and veterans by signing these bills today. Our
state's servicemen, servicewomen and their families have bravely and selflessly
sacrificed in defense of our nation and our values," said Governor Christie.
"It is only fitting that we take every opportunity to recognize and repay, in
every way we are able, all that they have given to us. These bills are
just a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for everything they have
done for our country."
"These bills demonstrate New Jersey's ongoing commitment to the men and women
who have served this nation in uniform," said Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the
Adjutant General. "From the expansion of Operation Recognition to include
Korean and Vietnam Veterans, to the special award for service in the New Jersey
National Guard Honor Guard, these bills honor all who served."
The first bill, A-1945, creates a New Jersey Honor Guard Ribbon for active
members of the New Jersey National Guard, Honor Guard Retiree members and
Contracted Civilian Buglers who have served to honor deceased veterans at
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery. Eligibility for the
Honor Guard Ribbon is determined by the Adjutant General.
The first recipients of the Honor Guard Ribbon are SGT Allain Batong, SGT Damont
Brown, SGT William Camp, SPC Lawrence Davidson, SFC Raymond Denson, SGT Laseric
Diaz, SSG Gregory Flynn, SPC Joseph Harang, CW4 (Ret) Kenneth Langer, SSG
Rachell Lewellen, 1Lt Angel Perez, PFC Roy Pierson, SPC Raheem Rowell, TSgt
Christopher Schauers, MSG (Ret) Karl Tomaszewski, MSG Lavona Toplyn, SPC Asim
Williams, and A1C Katherine Yunes.
Primary sponsors of the bill are Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Burlington, Cadmen),
Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex), Assemblyman Gilbert "Whip" L.
Wilson (D-Camden, Gloucester) and Assembly Paul D. Moriarty (D-Camden,
Gloucester).
The second bill signed by Governor Christie, A-515, expands Operation
Recognition to include veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The
program currently awards state-endorsed high school diplomas to eligible World
War I and World War II veterans who left high school before graduation to enter
the U.S. military.
Primary sponsors of A-515 include Assemblyman John F. Amodeo (R-Atlantic),
Assemblyman Vincent J. Polistana (R-Atlantic), Assemblyman Jack Conners
(D-Burlington, Camden), Assemblyman Matthew W. Milam (D-Cape May, Atlantic and
Cumberland) and Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester).
Another bill, A-1944, changes the membership requirements of the Veteran's
Services Council, increasing membership from 9 to 12 and requiring there be at
least two women members. The Council is responsible for formulating
policies for the coordination of all services benefitting war veterans and their
dependents.
Primary legislative sponsors of A-1944 include Assemblyman Jack Conners
(D-Burlington, Camden), Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex) and
Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester).
Governor Christie also recognized S-795, which he previously signed. That
new law pays tribute to the sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans from South Jersey by
naming a portion of Route 47 in Glassboro Gloucester County as the "South Jersey
Vietnam Veterans' Highway."
Primary sponsors of S-795 include Senator Fred H. Madden, Jr. (D-Camden,
Gloucester) , and Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Salem, Cumberland, and
Gloucester) as well as Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Burlington and Camden),
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-Burlington and Camden) and Assemblyman Paul D.
Moriarty (D-Camden and Gloucester).