By Danielle Camilli - www.phillyburbs.com

Assemblyman Troy Singleton has proved to be a friend to the military.

For his efforts, the 7th District Democrat from Palmyra will be honored Saturday as the New Jersey State Assemblyman of the Year for 2012 by AMVETS-New Jersey at its annual Commander Reception in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County.

Singleton and Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1st of Dennis, were selected for their legislative work on behalf of New Jersey’s veterans.

“Assemblyman Singleton and his office staff have sponsored holiday supply drives and sent 151 boxes of supplies to the 508th Military Police Company deployed to Afghanistan. Assemblyman Singleton has also sponsored 26 bills to advocate on behalf of the needs of our veterans and troops, making him much deserved of this award,” said Fred Vineyard, AMVETS- New Jersey’s District 1 commander, in a statement Thursday.

Singleton also sponsored legislation, signed into law in March, creating the “Helmets to Hardhats” program to help out-of-work former military personnel find jobs in the construction industry.

Another, signed into law in January, ensured that parents serving in the armed forces who are involved in custody cases are not disadvantaged by certain military absences.

Also, Singleton-sponsored legislation signed into law last August authorized county governments to create veteran identification card programs. Burlington County provides the cards to eligible veterans.

“This is a tremendous honor given all that our veterans have done to protect and defend our liberties,” said Singleton, who is a member of VFW Post 3020 Men’s Auxiliary. “No amount of legislative work can ever compare to the sacrifices they have made, especially the ultimate sacrifice that far too many have given. For as long as I am elected to continue serving in Trenton, I will make sure that the needs of our men and women in the armed forces and their families remain a top priority.”

The assemblyman has also sponsored nearly two dozen other bills to benefit veterans and active military personnel.

AMVETS, whose New Jersey office is based in Willingboro, traces its history back to World War II, when returning veterans began organizing independent clubs to promote world peace, preserve the American way of life, and help veterans to help themselves. Membership is open to all men and women who have served in the military, have received a DD-214, and have been honorably discharged.

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