Last Tuesday, together with the Ninth Legislative District team, the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a state medals ceremony and luncheon for local veterans and their families. The ceremony was held in the clubhouse at Holiday City at Berkeley in Toms River and was followed by lunch prepared by Feeding Our Heroes, a New Jerey nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity among veterans and first responders. Volunteers from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, including State Commander Ken Hagemann, volunteered to serve.

113 veterans received state service medals presented by Commissioner Vincent Solomeno, Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Greg Myhre. The awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

“This is a small way for us to recognize these Garden State heroes for their service to the United States,” said Commissioner Solomeno. “These medals are a meaningful way for New Jersey to say thank you to the men and women who answered the call to serve. I am grateful to Senator Amato, Assemblyman Rumpf, and Assemblyman Myhre for their partnership in helping us recognize these fine Americans.”

“Honoring more than 100 veterans from our district was a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our freedoms,” said Senator Amato. “These heroes answered our nation’s call to serve, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. It was a privilege to recognize their service and bring our community together to celebrate their contributions.”

Assemblyman Rumpf, who serves on the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans for their service and ensuring they receive the respect and appreciation they deserve.

“Every veteran has a story of service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation, and each deserves our deepest gratitude,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “As a member of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I believe it is important that we continue to recognize our veterans, support their needs, and ensure that their service and sacrifices are never forgotten. It was an honor to stand alongside these heroes and recognize all they have done for our country.”

Assemblyman Myhre reflected on the significance of bringing the community together to honor the district’s veterans.

“These men and women answered the call to serve, often making tremendous personal sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Assemblyman Myhre. “This ceremony was a meaningful opportunity to recognize their service personally and show our veterans that their contributions are valued, their sacrifices are remembered, and they will always have the gratitude of the communities they call home.”

The Ninth Legislative District, one of 40 districts in the state, encompasses a large portion of municipalities across Ocean County. Ocean County is home to more veterans than any other county in New Jersey. The county boasts a strong historical record of service, from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts. The presence of Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst (JBMDL) underscores the community's consistent and steadfast support of service members, veterans, and their families.