“It is the duty of members of our armed services to protect their country, often at risk to their own lives,” Saxton said. “It is the duty of all Americans to protect the interest of the volunteers who serve in the military, and their families. In Congress, that is what I try to do.”

Congressman Saxton was presented with the award on Capitol Hill today by Executive Director Jim Gorab.

“Congressman Saxton received the award for his support of the men and women serving in uniform,” Gorab said. “That support has been forthcoming over many years. The Freedom Award is a recognition of what he’s been doing for quite a while.”

Saxton said the Armed Forces Foundation, a non-profit organization, also sponsors a Patriot Awards Program, which has distributed donations to low-income military families at Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base. This past summer, it sponsored a youth fishing day on Fort Dix for children of military families.

Saxton is the fourth-highest member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and chairs its newly created Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.

Saxton has served the Third Congressional District of New Jersey since 1985. His district  includes over 10,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel, who work out of both bases and a nearby Navy base, plus thousands more spouses and children.