Candidates sought for military service awards

Veterans and active military personnel who live in New York state or who lived in New York while on active duty in the military, may be eligible for one of the state's three military honors. Assemblyman Bill Reilich (134th District) said. New York state confers three military service awards, including the Conspicuous Service Star, the New York State Medal for Merit and the state's highest military honor, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

"Many New York state veterans and active personnel are unaware that they may be eligible for these honors," Reilich said. "During these uncertain times it is important that we recognize the men and women who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation."

An eligible candidate must be a current or former full-time member of the U.S. armed forces or Allied Forces serving after 1917 for purposes other than training. An active member must be serving in good standing; a veteran must have been honorably discharged. The candidate also must have received a previous federal decoration.

Established by the Legislature in the early 1920's, the Conspicuous Service Cross is the highest military honor New York state can award to its veterans. Recipients of the decoration must have distinguished themselves by performing particularly brave and heroic acts, which earned them individual citations while serving in the armed forces. The criteria for the State Conspicuous Service Star and the Medal for Merit awards include: the award of a federal military honor for personal achievement; unit commendations arising from combat; the award of valor, achievement, commendation or meritorious service decoration or performing service in direct support of combat operations.

After award recipients are selected by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Reilich will sponsor a special ceremony to present the awards on behalf of Gov. George Pataki, who serves as commander in chief of the state's military and naval affairs. "I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for the honors they so richly deserve," Reilich said. For information on the criteria or selection process for the state's service medal awards or to obtain an application, contact Reilich's district office at 2300 W. Ridge Road, Rochester 14626 or call 225-4190. The deadline for completed applications, which should be returned to Reilich's district office, is August 20, 2004 for participation in the September ceremony.