Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington) was presented with a New Jersey Civilian Meritorious Service Award by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for her years of support of military institutions and veterans throughout New Jersey.

“It is truly and honor to be recognized by New Jersey’s military community,” Senator Allen said. “I’ve always done whatever I could to support our armed forces and to be a voice for veterans in Trenton.”

During her time in public office, Allen has worked hard to promote the interests of service members and to promote military installations in New Jersey, which provide jobs for thousands of local residents. She serves on both the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the New Jersey Council on Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs.

Senator Allen has led numerous legislative efforts to help members of the military, including sponsoring bills to increase funding for services that help veterans once they return home from active duty, and to establish a new pre-trial program for veterans coping with mental illness.

She has been a leader in campaigns to protect Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and other military bases, by turning them into economic hubs. She’s sponsored legislation, like S-1992, which directs state, county and local governments to cooperate with military bases to determine the best land-use policies. The new government-military relationship is designed to engage both sides in long-term planning efforts aimed at reducing potential land use conflicts that could threaten the viability of the state’s military bases. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law last year.

A ballot measure she championed to increase the state property tax deduction for veterans from $50 to $250 was approved by voters in 1999.

The ceremony took place during the Annual Governor’s Military Review at the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center. The award can be given to any resident of New Jersey who has distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious achievement or service in support of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“It’s always been important to me to think about what I can do for people in the military and for veterans,” Senator Allen said. “They’ve done so much for us through their service to our country. I could not be more honored to receive this award.”