Hochul Proposes Legislation Allowing National Guard Members Who Were In The 9/11 Attacks To Qualify As Veterans

NEW YORK – On the 20th anniversary of September 11 New York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed legislation that would allow members of the National Guard to qualify as veterans under New York state law. Governor Hochul also issued a honorable mention to members of the New York National Guard for their exemplary service both during and after the events of September 11, 2001.

“Many members of the New York National Guard who responded on September 11 do not meet the criteria for important support services and valuable federal and state benefits because they were called to duty that day by a state emergency order and not on federal active duty. “Governor Hochul said. “On the 20th anniversary of September 11, I will introduce legislation that will ensure that all members of the National Guard who were ordered to enter service at Ground Zero and who have not obtained veteran status through federal activation, are fully recognized as veterans under New York State law. The New York National Guard was there for us on that dark day, and we will be there for them. “

More than 6,700 members of the New York State National Guard were called to serve in response to and recovery from the attack of September 11, 2001. This is the first time in state history that members of the National Guard have been recognized by that service twenty years ago.

– .