State VFW Honors Sweeney

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of New Jersey honored state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford) as their Outstanding State Legislator at their annual Voice of Democracy event in Somerset on Jan. 29.

The VFW cited Sweeney’s commitment to veterans’ issues in giving him the award this year.

“We hear our troops praised when they are in combat, but far too often they are forgotten when they are back home,” Sweeney said. “We need to develop other means and ways to not only recognize those who have served, but to assist them once they get back from serving.”

Among Sweeney’s efforts to help veterans were the creation of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which focuses legislative attention on veterans’ issues, and, while he served as acting governor last year, signing into law legislation designating the last Sunday of every September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, in recognition of the families of soldiers killed on active duty.

Sweeney said he was humbled by the honor, and said he hopes to work as a partner with the VFW in working to help returning veterans in any way possible.