In a letter today, Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder asked Governor Jon Corzine to assure that all active members of all branches of the military receive the same treatment.
The legislators, in their letter, said they were proud of New Jersey’s policy of allowing free admission for active members of the New Jersey National Guard to State forests and parks, including Island Beach State Park. But they urged the Governor to extend this benefit to all members of our military branches on active duty stationed here in New Jersey, regardless of their status, as appreciation for their commitment and dedicated service to our country.
“At a time when the men and women from our National Guard and Reserve units have been deployed, along with the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, it is appropriate for us to recognize the selfless dedication and commitment of our brave volunteers by permitting them to enjoy without fee the beauty and serenity of our State parks and beaches,” stated Senator Haines.
“It is the least we can do for our military men and women, to allow them a few hours of relaxation with their families at a State Park,” said Assemblywoman Addiego. “We’re telling them New Jersey is a very patriotic state, and this is one small way of thanking them for their service.”
“We have asked our military for unprecedented commitment, and they have responded,” said Assemblyman Rudder. “We make no distinction between National Guardsmen and Army Soldiers on the sands of Iraq. We shouldn’t distinguish between them on the sands of Island Beach, either.”
The letter follows:
August 7, 2008
Gov. Jon S. Corzine
State House
West State Street
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Dear Gov. Corzine:
We were proud to learn that the State allows free admission for active members of the New Jersey National Guard to State forests and parks, including Island Beach State Park.
However, we were surprised and disappointed to learn that the same courtesy is not extended to active members of the United States military and their immediate family.
The 8th District Office has received several calls from constituents who share our concern about this situation.
While our dedicated troops are engaged in two conflicts on the other side of the world, we feel it is our duty, as legislators and Americans, to assure the men and women of our armed forces are recognized and appreciated for their selfless sacrifices.
Members of New Jersey’s National Guard have been deployed and are fighting shoulder to shoulder with members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
We feel the active members of these other branches, stationed in New Jersey, should be afforded the same free access to our wonderful State resources. The men and women of every branch of our military should be treated the same way.
We have asked the Office of Legislative Services to draft legislation to address this apparent inequity, but the Legislature will not reconvene until September.
Since a timely resolution is necessary to permit our brave volunteers to enjoy the State’s parks and forests while the weather is still favorable, we respectfully request that you explore all opportunities to allow free access to our State forests and beaches for all active members of every branch of our military who are living or stationed in New Jersey.
If you would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Philip E. Haines
Senator
Dawn Marie Addiego
Assemblywoman
Scott Rudder
Assemblyman
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