Letters: Let’s give vets our very best

My father served as a tailgunner in a B-17 bomber and earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. His service instilled in me a lifelong respect for our military that continues to guide me as governor.

Across Indiana, veterans areraising families, building businesses and bringing invaluable leadership and skills to our workforce. Their service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform.

We owe them more than a thank you on Veterans Day. We must remove barriers and create opportunities for them to build fulfilling lives at home.

Since taking office in 2025, I’ve doubled resources for nonprofits supporting veterans and expanded property tax relief to help them afford their homes. That year, veteran homelessness in Indiana fell 18.7%, the second-largest decline among states.

Indiana’s veteran unemployment rate was just 1.7%, among the nation’s lowest. This reflects the success of programs like the Jobs for Veterans State Grants program, which connects veterans with employers, and new initiatives like one I recently announced to help veterans buy and grow businesses.

When I think about our veterans, I think of my father and my gratitude toward every Hoosier who has served. They gave our country their best, and they deserve our best in return.

—Indiana Gov. Mike Braun