House Republican Press Release

May 2, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Adinolfi: House Supports Veterans’ Bill

HARTFORD- Representative Al Adinolfi (R-103) today voted in favor of a bill that modifies the eligibility criteria for admission to the Veterans' Home. The bill extends eligibility to resident armed forces members and former members entitled to retirement pay under a specified federal law. It also extends eligibility for burial in the state veterans' cemeteries to these members and former members.

The bill removes the ban on the Connecticut National Guard's adjutant general and veterans' affairs commissioner awarding ribbons and medals posthumously to resident wartime veterans, specifically allowing posthumous awards after June 30, 2005.

It also requires the adjutant general to issue an achievement ribbon to the soldier, airman, and noncommissioned officer of the year in the guard.

Under current law, any veteran honorably discharged or released from active service in the U. S. Armed Forces may apply for admission to the Veterans' Home. The bill requires that veterans also meet “active military, naval or air service requirements” under federal law as well.

Adinolfi, a Korean War Era U.S. Air Force veteran worked to usher the bill to passage.

“It is especially important during these times that we make every effort to honor those who have served in our armed forces,” said Adinolfi.  “This bill both makes an important resource, the Veterans’ Home, available to more veterans, and also allows the Adjutant General to properly honor the memory of some servicemen and women who are no longer with us with posthumous medals and ribbons.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 144-0.  It now heads to the Governor for her signature.

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn at midnight, Wednesday, May 7^th.