HONORING OUR HOOSIER VETERANS – Straight From The Senate

One of our greatest callings as Americans is to support those who have fought to protect our country’s freedom. Veterans Day, on November 11, provides the opportunity to honor these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve their fellow Americans.

However, it is difficult to sum up our deep appreciation for American patriots and heroes on just this one day, because their sacrifice and dedication should be acknowledged every day of the year.

In Indiana, the commitment to serving our country is ingrained in our Hoosier roots. Our state has the sixth-largest National Guard and Reserve in the U.S. According to the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, there are nearly 550,000 veterans in Indiana – more than 33,000 of whom are women.

We are honored to have had 75 Hoosiers awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their courage and sacrifice. Today’s service men and women are following in the footsteps of generations of Hoosier heroes.

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During the 2014 legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation aimed at honoring these men and women’s sacrifice and supporting them as they adjust to life back home:

Senate Enrolled Act 180 – Established the Veterans Disability Clinic Fund. This fund is set up to provide grants to certain law schools that maintain a veteran’s disability clinic, which offers legal services at little or no cost to veterans. The law also furthers the study of programs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.

Senate Enrolled Act 331 – Created the Second Service for Veterans Program, which aims to attract veterans to the teaching profession. Through this program, state higher educational institutions are required to provide academic resources and tuition assistance opportunities to veterans enrolled in a school of education.

Senate Enrolled Act 352 – Gives families more access to Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund. Veterans can apply for the fund any time after their service, instead of only within a three-year window as previously required. More veterans and their families can now get the assistance they need for food, housing, medical services and other essential family expenses.

Senate Enrolled Act 354 – Established the Hoosier Women Veterans Program, which provides information and services to Indiana’s female veterans.

House Enrolled Act 1242 – Made it illegal for an employer to refuse to hire an applicant because of their status as a U.S. military veteran, National Guard member or reservist. It also requires the Indiana Civil Rights Commission to address any alleged violations and the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs to distribute information notifying veterans of this protection.

May we never take our freedom – and the incredible sacrifices required to secure it – for granted. When you see a veteran, take the time to thank them for their service.

As always, please contact me with your thoughts or ideas by email at Senator.Long@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.