National Invest In Veterans Week® Coverage How America’s Governors Are Elevating Veteran and Military Family Support

National Invest In Veterans Week® proudly highlights Governor Kevin Stitt’s feature in Ripon Forum — “How America’s Governors are Honoring America’s Veterans” — which examines how state leaders are strengthening support for veterans, servicemembers, and military families nationwide. Read the full article here:
https://riponsociety.org/article/how-americas-governors-are-honoring-americas-veterans/

Appearing in the Ripon Forum Veterans Day 2025 edition (Vol. 59, No. 5), Governor Stitt writes in his capacity as Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), outlining the shared responsibility governors carry as state leaders and commanders in chief of their National Guard units. The print edition is available here:
https://issuu.com/riponsociety/docs/ripon_forum_veterans_day_special_edition_2025

Within the piece, Governor Stitt underscores that honoring service requires sustained, year-round action. He cites how governors are:

• Expanding access to health care, mental health resources, housing support, and employment opportunities for veterans and their families.

• Launching and funding state-level foundations, mobile outreach centers, and modernized veterans’ homes to close gaps that federal or traditional funding often cannot reach.

• Advancing bipartisan legislation that improves licensing portability for military spouses, eases housing barriers, and strengthens protections for servicemembers, veterans, and caregivers.

Crucially for the National Invest In Veterans Week® legacy, Governor Stitt notes that governors across the country highlight opportunities each year through Invest in Veterans Week in March and National Hire a Veteran Day in July, positioning these observances as focal points in the transition to civilian life. This recognition from the NGA Chair in a national policy journal affirms Invest In Veterans Week® as a strategic framework used by America’s governors to mobilize employers, communities, and institutions on behalf of veterans.

The article also references the NGA’s “Do Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families” initiative, launched with Blue Star Families, and highlights leadership from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other governors who are prioritizing military and veteran family policy at scale.

For additional context, resources, and ongoing commentary from The Ripon Society, visit:
https://riponsociety.org/article/how-americas-governors-are-honoring-americas-veterans/

Print edition:
https://issuu.com/riponsociety/docs/ripon_forum_veterans_day_special_edition_2025

Contact The Ripon Society at info@riponsociety.org or 202.216.1008 for inquiries related to the publication.

Empowering Our Heroes: USA Cares' Endorsement and Impact During National Invest In Veterans Week®

In honor of National Invest In Veterans Week®, a critical initiative that shines a spotlight on the valuable contributions of military veterans, it's essential to discuss the robust support systems that empower our veterans to thrive beyond their military service. One such pillar of support is USA Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families through financial assistance and post-service skills training. Their endorsement and activities during National Invest in Veterans Week® underscore their mission and the broader efforts to ensure long-term stability for veterans.

USA Cares: A Beacon of Support

USA Cares stands out as a beacon of hope and practical support for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Their programs are designed not only to provide immediate financial aid but also to foster a sustainable future for veterans and their families. By addressing critical issues such as preventing homelessness and unemployment among veterans, USA Cares directly contributes to enhancing their quality of life and reducing factors that can lead to veteran suicide.

Invest in Veterans Week: A Time of Reflection and Action

Invest in Veterans Week, celebrated each year from March 1-7, is not just a period of acknowledgment but a call to action. It urges both individuals and organizations to consider how they can contribute to the well-being of veterans who have served their country. It's a time when the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and honored through various events and initiatives across the nation.

USA Cares' Impact During Invest in Veterans Week

During Invest in Veterans Week, USA Cares actively promotes awareness of their programs, which are crucial in the reintegration of veterans into civilian life. The organization highlights stories of individuals who have been directly impacted by their services, such as through their Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). This program specifically targets veterans struggling to find stable employment and housing, providing them with the necessary resources and support to secure a new start.

Community Engagement and Awareness

USA Cares utilizes Invest in Veterans Week as a platform to engage with the community and to rally more support for their cause. By sharing success stories and the tangible benefits of their programs, they not only increase visibility for the issues faced by veterans but also demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted aid and training. This engagement fosters a greater understanding among the civilian population of the challenges veterans face and the ways in which these challenges can be mitigated through concerted efforts.

Why Endorsement Matters

The endorsement of Invest in Veterans Week by an organization like USA Cares significantly amplifies the message of investing in our veterans. It's an affirmation of the ongoing need for programs and initiatives that support veterans' transition and integration into civilian life. Endorsements by respected entities help to draw attention to the cause, encouraging more widespread participation and support from both the public and private sectors.

Call to Action: Supporting USA Cares

Supporting organizations like USA Cares is crucial. They are on the frontline, providing immediate assistance to veterans in crisis and helping them build a foundation for a stable future. Donations, whether financial or in-kind, volunteering time, or even spreading the word about their mission, can make a significant difference in the lives of many veterans.

Conclusion

As we observe National Invest in Veterans Week, let's renew our commitment to honoring and supporting our veterans through actions that speak louder than words. By backing organizations like USA Cares, we contribute to a broader effort to ensure that after serving their country, veterans receive the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. Let's stand together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans, recognizing their sacrifices not just with words, but with real, impactful actions.

“As a post-9/11 veteran who served in Iraq, I’ve lived through the complex journey of moving from military to civilian life. This transition isn’t just about adapting to a new daily routine; it’s about reconciling intense past experiences with current realities and future hopes. Organizations like USA Cares are vital in this process, providing targeted support that addresses the unique challenges veterans face. Our society needs to build on such efforts, ensuring support systems are accessible and effective. We owe it to our veterans to do more than just offer thanks—we need to engage actively in supporting their successful reintegration. This calls for a dedicated commitment from all sectors of our communities to ensure that veterans don’t just get by, but truly thrive.”

— Jeff Shuford