Guadagno Signs Bills Helping NJ Veterans

Demonstrating the Christie Administration’s ongoing commitment to New Jersey’s service members, veterans, and their families, Acting Governor Kim Guadagno today signed three bills honoring and supporting veterans and members of the armed forces at American Legion Post 348 in Brick.

“We take comfort knowing that our men and women in uniform are skilled, committed and willing to confront whatever is necessary, wherever its necessary, whenever its necessary, to preserve our way of life,” said Acting Governor Guadagno.  “There will never be an adequate way to recognize and reward our veterans.  Today’s bills are just a few steps – important ones – to show New Jersey’s continuing commitment to honoring our service members.”

New Jersey is home to more than 400,000 veterans, with approximately 73,000 combined armed services and civilian personnel currently employed across the state’s military bases and U.S. Coast Guard installations.

“From defeating tyranny during World War II to defending our country against terrorists and providing humanitarian relief in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey veterans have helped safeguard our state and nation home and abroad,” said Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, who attended today’s ceremony.  “These bills reinforce the important roles of our veterans and their families serving our country.”

The bills signed by the Acting Governor during today’s event include:

·         S-1027 (Holzapfel/Tucker, DeAngelo, Mukherji, McGuckin, Wolfe) – Designates the Route 35 bridge between the Borough of Brielle and the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach as the “Veterans of All Wars Memorial Bridge.”

·         A-2184 (Singleton, Tucker, Bucco, Webber, Garcia, Johnson/Allen, Beach) – Provides a free death certificate for deceased veterans.

·         SJR-41 (Beach, Whelan/Tucker, McHose, Coughlin, Wilson, Angelini) – Designates the second full week in November of each year as “Veterans’ Education Awareness Week” in order to raise public awareness of federal educational benefits available to veterans to attend college.

Acting Governor Guadagno was joined by, among others, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Somerset), Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin (R-Ocean), Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson), and Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex), Ocean County Freeholder Gerry Little and Brick Mayor John Ducey.