Connors, Rumpf & Van Pelt Back Task Force to Study Issues Facing Returning Armed Services Personnel

July 1, 2009

Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9), Senator Christopher J. Connors (R-9)

Recognizing the immediate need for a better understanding of how to assist our state’s veterans, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt have sponsored legislation to establish a Task Force to address issues and concerns of returning members of the U.S. Armed Forces and National Guard.

“The stress and psychological trauma that can result over the course of their deployment necessitates that our state examine what issues our returning military personnel are confronting and, equally important, how to provide whatever assistance these individuals require,” said Senator Connors, a member of the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Our Delegation is pleased to report that this legislation was recently approved by the Senate with overwhelming support and now heads to the Assembly where we will continue to push for advancement through the legislative process.”

The legislation, S-2826/A-4016, would establish the Task Force within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Task Force would be composed of 11 members, including the Commissioners of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Health and Senior Services and Human Services (or their designees), the chair of the Civil Service Commission and the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs.

“Considering their service and personal sacrifice in defense of our country, the state has an obligation to maintain a high quality-of-life for military personnel,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “For personnel returning from deployment overseas, this requires a better understanding of those issues and problems that are commonly experienced by these brave individuals that are related to their military service. The recommendations developed by the Task Force could be implemented to augment the services already being provided by the State Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, which has done a tremendous job assisting military personnel.”

Assemblyman Van Pelt, who serves on the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, went on to remark, “One of the effective aspects of this bill is the knowledge and the experience of the members who would serve on the Task Force. Among those members appointed by the Adjutant General would be individuals with, collectively, expertise in a wide range of areas including demobilization, post deployment, post traumatic stress disorder, employer support groups as well as other important areas. Members of our Armed Forces deserve the right to have every opportunity to enjoy the freedoms that they put their lives on the line to protect. If this legislation is enacted, the work of the Task Force could go a long way in improving the quality-of-life for these individuals.”

Link to Post:

http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/connors/connors-rumpf-van-pelt-back-task-force-to-study-issues-facing-returning-armed-services-personnel/3470