Creates New Jersey Cold War medal.
If enacted, A2150 will establish a framework for the presentation and administration of the Cold War medal through the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Additionally, the bill creates a non-lapsing fund known as the 'Cold War Medal Fund' managed by the Department of the Treasury, which will be used to cover costs associated with the medal's design, manufacture, and distribution. The establishment of this fund ensures that resources are available for honoring veterans and managing the associated processes.
Assembly Bill A2150 aims to create a New Jersey Cold War medal intended to honor veterans who served during the Cold War, which is defined as the period from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991. The bill stipulates that the Governor may present this medal to any eligible veteran who is a current resident of the state or was a resident during the time of service and who has been honorably discharged after a minimum of 180 days of military service. This initiative seeks to recognize the contributions of veterans during this significant historical period.
One potential point of contention surrounding A2150 could be the eligibility criteria and the process of awarding the medal. The legislation specifies that only one medal can be awarded per individual, allowing for replacement only in cases where the medal is lost or damaged without fault of the awardee. Additionally, the determination of eligibility will be managed by the Adjutant General, which may raise questions among veterans regarding the fairness and transparency of the selection process. As such, advocacy groups may seek further clarification on these criteria to ensure all deserving veterans are recognized.