Supporting Our Veterans

Veterans Day is a time for reflection and gratitude — a day to honor the brave men and women who have protected our freedoms and shaped the foundation of our nation. However, honoring our veterans should not be limited to one day a year. As your senator, I believe we must ensure that veterans and military families receive the support and resources they need long after their service ends.

In Georgia, we have made great strides in passing legislation that expresses our gratitude and delivers tangible benefits to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. These legislative efforts ensure that our state remains one of the best places for military families to live and work.

One driving force for our work has been providing veterans with more workforce opportunities. Veterans leave the military with many specialized skills, and we must ensure they can smoothly transition into civilian careers. Several initiatives focus on job training, workforce development, and removing bureaucratic barriers that might prevent veterans from accessing employment in fields where they can use their military training and expertise.

Supporting military families has also been a cornerstone of my work in the Senate. One of the challenges military families face is the constant relocation that comes with service. This can make it difficult for military spouses to maintain stable employment or continue working in their chosen professions. I've been proud to support legislation that allows military spouses to easily transfer their professional licenses when moving to Georgia, ensuring they can continue their careers without unnecessary hurdles. These efforts help reduce the financial strain on military families and make Georgia a more supportive place for those who serve our country.

Healthcare is another critical area where we've made substantial progress. Many of our service members, particularly those who have seen combat, face significant physical and mental health challenges. We've worked hard to pass legislation that expands healthcare options including mental health services for veterans coping with PTSD and other service-related conditions. By partnering with state resources and private healthcare providers, we ensure veterans receive the care and support they need to thrive.

Additionally, we've prioritized education for veterans and future service members. Veterans often bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and their children should have every opportunity to succeed. We've passed legislation that creates pathways for students to explore military careers, helping to cultivate the next generation of military leaders. This includes promoting programs that allow high schools to offer aptitude tests and career guidance, giving students the tools and encouragement they need to consider military service as a future option.

At the heart of these efforts is the belief that our gratitude to veterans must go beyond words. We are responsible for ensuring that the people who have defended our nation can prosper after their service through meaningful employment and access to healthcare and educational opportunities.

Veterans Day reminds us of the profound sacrifices made by those in uniform, but it is through our actions — through passing legislation that addresses their real needs — that we truly honor their service. To all our veterans, thank you for your service.