Establishes the "War on Terror expeditionary medal" for members of the armed forces or organized militia serving abroad during the war on terror

Summary of provisions

This bill would amend section 247 of the military law, to provide that the governor is hereby authorized to present in the name of the legislature of the state of New York, a military decoration, to be known as the "War on Terror Expeditionary Medal", bearing a suitable inscription, device and ribbon, all of which shall be of suitable design, to any person:

(i) who is a citizen of the state of New York or

(ii) who was a citizen of the state of New York while serving in the armed forces of the United States or the organized militia, and who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces, defined as the army, air force, navy, marine corps or coast guard, or the organized militia served on active duty during the War on Terror.

For the purposes of this subdivision, "War on Terror" would mean deployment abroad in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as defined by the Department of Defense, in the following designated specific geographic areas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Chad, Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo (only specific Global War on Terrorism operations not associated with the Kosovo campaign as defined by the Departent of Defense), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Constanta), Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of ten degrees north latitude and west of sixty-eight degrees west longitude, Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of twenty-eight degrees east longitude and boarding and searching vessel operations, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, and Suez Canal.

This bill would further provide that not more than one War on Terror medal shall be issued to anyone person; nor shall any citation be awarded or presentation, under the provisions of this subdivision, to any person whose entire service subsequent to the time of the receipt of such medal shall not have been honorable.

This bill would additionally provide that in the event of the death of any person during or subsequent to the receipt of such medal shall be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be designated. The adjutant general would further make such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the proper presentation and distribution of such decorations.

Justification

The Global War on Terror has seen some of the fiercest and most heroic fighting for our liberty and security since World War Two. From Iraq to Afghanistan to all across the globe, American Service men have placed their lives at risk in defense of freedom, and to strive to reduce and eliminate the horrific threat of terrorism.

Service members who have participated in this action, have often done so at significant personal cost to themselves and their families.

This bill would allow the such veterans residing in New York to be honored and awarded for their dedicated service.

Legislative history

S.3096 of 2013 - Reported to Senate Finance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.