TRENTON – Aiming to further honor the sacrifice of veterans and support their family members, legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singelton to establish the “New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program” advanced in the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday.

The legislation would provide annual annuity payments of $600 to the surviving Gold Star family members of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty advanced in the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

"We have a commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans. That means treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve, providing them with the care and benefits they need when their service is over, and supporting the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington), who represents Bordentown in the Legislature. “The establishment of an annuity program for Gold Star families will further demonstrate our unwavering commitment by assisting the families who lost a loved one while on active duty.”

Singleton said that Amy Moore, an American Gold Star mother, proposed the idea for the legislation to him.

Moore's son, Benjamin, was a Bordentown native who was killed in action on January 12, 2011 in Ghazni Province at the age of 23 while serving with the 693rd Sapper Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

“As a Gold Star Family member who lost my son in 2011 while he was proudly serving our country, I deeply appreciate this legislation and what it represents. The ‘New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program’ is more than financial assistance — it is a recognition of the enduring sacrifice our families live with every day. This program reminds us that our loved ones’ service and memory will never be forgotten, and that our state stands beside those who have borne the cost of freedom,” said Moore,

The bill, S-1839, would establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs the “New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program," which would provide annual annuity payments of $600 that would be disbursed on January 1st of each year to surviving Gold Star family members. Under the bill, “Gold Star family member” is defined as an individual who is a New Jersey resident and is the surviving spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of whole blood or half blood or by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States.

The legislation was lauded by the Past State Commander and National Council Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and President of American Gold Star Mothers, Department of New Jersey.

“As a veteran and Past State Commander, I fully support the New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program. This legislation is a meaningful step in honoring the sacrifice of our fallen heroes by providing lasting recognition and tangible support to the families they left behind. No amount can replace their loss, but this program ensures that New Jersey stands with them—today and always,” said Luddie H. Austin, Past State Commander and National Council Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"The Gold Star Families Annuity Program represents more than financial assistance, it is a symbol of recognition, gratitude and ongoing commitment from the country our sons and daughters served. It says to every parent, husband, wife and child left behind that our loved one's sacrifice mattered and they will not be forgotten. Many Gold Star families suffered not only emotional heartache, but also financial challenges that come with the loss of a service member. This legislation helps ensure that those who have given so much are not left to struggle alone. It honors our fallen heroes by caring for those they loved the most,” said Patricia Bye, President of American Gold Star Mothers, Department of New Jersey.

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