New York Assembly Bill A03394

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides for the "Campaign Medal for Service" to be awarded to those who have provided military service in Iraq.

Summary

Bill A03394 proposes the establishment of a new military decoration known as the "Campaign Medal for Service" to honor individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces during active duty in Iraq. The bill stipulates that this medal can be awarded to citizens of New York or those who were citizens while serving. It outlines the design of the medal and specifies that only one medal can be awarded to an individual, with provisions for additional ribbons for subsequent medals, as directed by the state's chief of staff. The bill also includes guidelines for the presentation of the medal to representatives of deceased service members.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the military law in New York to formally recognize and honor veterans who served in Iraq by creating a specific military decoration. This will enhance the state's recognition of military service and may encourage more veterans to engage with state programs and benefits. The establishment of this medal could also lead to increased public awareness and appreciation of the sacrifices made by service members in Iraq.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03394 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of honoring veterans. However, there may be some concerns regarding the administrative aspects of implementing the medal's distribution and the criteria for eligibility, which could be points of discussion in future committee meetings.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the criteria for what constitutes honorable service, as this could affect eligibility for the medal. Additionally, there may be discussions on the design and presentation of the medal, as well as the potential costs associated with its production and distribution. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on how best to honor service members while ensuring that the process remains fair and equitable.