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5/1/17

Assembly Bill Providing Broad Assistance to Gold Star Families Signed into Law

Tags: Veterans

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak and Assemblyman Bruce to provide an array of online assistance for Gold Star families was signed into law on Monday.

The term “Gold Star” describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service. A Gold Star Family member is defined to mean a spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian.

The new law (S-2857/A-4403), which is part of a larger four-bill package, would require the Adjutant General to create a public webpage with information for Gold Star families. The webpage must include information about state benefits, state and county liaisons, a list of service members killed in action from New Jersey, links to other Gold Star family organizations, and any other information deemed beneficial to Gold Star families. “We are indebted to these brave soldiers and their families. Anything we can do to make life a little easier for them is the honorable thing to do,” said Land (Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). 

“The untimely death of a loved is devastating,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) “Behind every soldier is a military family that contributed to the safety of our country. We have a responsibility to ensure their stability and well-being when they suffer a loss.