REP. ANDREWS APPLAUDS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’S ACTION TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ CAMPAIGN MEDALS: PROUD TO HAVE SERVED AS ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR TO LEGISLATION

To ensure that our veterans receive the support and recognition they have earned, I am pleased to have served as one of the 10 original co-sponsors of H.R. 3104 which recognized the valiant operational efforts of our nation’s service members for their contributions in Afghanistan and Iraq. This legislation, which was signed into law by way of Presidential Executive Order 13363, established the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals to honor our servicemen and servicewomen who served in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On April 7, 2005, the Department of Defense announced the specific criteria for the two new campaign medals. To be eligible to receive the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, service members must have served in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom on or after October 24, 2001, to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of the operation. This eligibility does encompass all land areas of Afghanistan as well as all air space above the land.

Additionally, the Iraq Campaign Medal will be awarded to those service members who served in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on or after March 19, 2003, to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of the operation.  

As always, I believe America should continue the rich history of providing for those who have served our great country. By awarding these separate medals, our nation has the unique opportunity to recognize and thank our service members for their sacrifices and significant contributions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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