America owes our veterans a debt that can never be repaid. Generations of veterans have fought and sacrificed to defend the freedoms, Constitution, security, and opportunity that make the United States the envy of the world.
It is our duty to give back to those who have given so much to us. As leaders of our states and commanders in chief of our states’ National Guard units, governors take our debt to our veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and their families very seriously. Serving as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), it is my honor to collaborate with fellow governors in honoring our veterans.
Oklahoma is home to over 340,000 veterans, making up about 9 percent of our total population. With help from veteran members in the state legislature, I’ve made it a priority each year of my administration to enact new legislation to support Oklahoma’s veterans – from securing funding for a new VA hospital in Tulsa in 2020 to increasing mental health resources for veterans and their families.
As leaders of our states and commanders in chief of our states’ National Guard units, governors take our debt to our veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families very seriously.
Earlier this year, I was proud to sign legislation establishing the Oklahoma Veterans Foundation. This landmark legislation created an official state-overseen non-profit organization to enhance our ability to provide services and programs for Oklahoma veterans beyond the scope of federal or state funding. Government funding for programs to provide assistance for things like health care, home-buying, education, and vehicle repair sometimes falls short of needs. To ensure we fulfill our commitment to veterans, the Oklahoma Veterans Foundation bridges the gap and provides greater flexibility in meeting veterans’ needs.
Everyone with a loved one in the military knows that service involves the whole family. That understanding is the foundation of a National Governors Association initiative calledDo Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families. Launched in partnership with the military and veteran family support organization Blue Star Families, Do Your Part draws on best practices advanced by governors to implement policies and programs to support military families in overcoming challenges like spousal employment, childcare, education, healthcare, and wellness, community connection and housing.
NGA Vice Chair Maryland Gov. Wes Moore serves as honorary chair of this work. A combat veteran, Gov. Moore has made supporting veterans and military families a priority – declaring 2024 the Year for Military Families; signing into law theFamilies Serve Act to expand job opportunities for military spouses; and joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face; brings critical resources to our nation’s “hidden heroes” who care for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans; and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.
Our fellow governors are just as committed. To assist veterans in successfully transitioning to civilian life, governors highlight opportunities each year through Invest in Veterans Week in March, and National Hire a Veteran Day in July.
Beyond raising awareness, governors throughout the nation are taking action on a variety of fronts to ensure veterans and their families have the support they deserve.
To assist veterans in successfully transitioning to civilian life, governors highlight opportunities each year through Invest in Veterans Week in March, and National Hire a Veteran Day in July.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation to establish a mental health support program grant for veterans and their families, in addition to a series of bills supporting military families by ensuring spouses of military service members can start work under a license they hold in another state.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation to expand property tax exemptions for veterans and to provide free access to state parks, in addition to securing a $60 million investment from the state legislature to build state-of-the-art residences at a New Mexico State Veterans’ Home.
Last year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of New York State’s first-ever Veterans Mobile Outreach Centers, equipping the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services with a fleet of three vehicles uniquely outfitted to assist veterans, service members, and their families at any location across the state.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 20 bipartisan bills in 2024 to expand support for Virginia’s military personnel, veterans, and their families. The legislation focuses on improving critical services, easing housing barriers, and enhancing protections for those who serve.
You can find more examples of governors’ actions, and find out how you can help, on the NGA’s website.
Veterans represent the very best of America, and they deserve our best in return. When we honor their service on Veterans Day, we should renew our commitment to support veterans throughout the year.
Kevin Stitt serves as Governor of Oklahoma and is Chairman of the National Governors Association.