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.

A Flashback to Statewide Efforts: Pioneering Veteran Support Through National Invest in Veterans Week®

As National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) approaches, states across the nation reflect on their efforts to honor and support those who served in uniform. While the National Governors Association highlights impressive state-level initiatives, National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) takes a transformative approach, creating an ecosystem of opportunity, advocacy, and innovation that amplifies state programs and fills critical gaps.

NIVW stands as a dynamic, nationwide movement that bridges local and global efforts, empowering veterans to achieve sustainable success in entrepreneurship, housing, mental health, and beyond.

Honoring Local Heroes: State Initiatives That Set the Stage

Montana’s Veteran Commendations and Invest in Veterans Week

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte demonstrated leadership in honoring veterans through commendations and a roundtable discussion during Invest in Veterans Week. These efforts focused on collaboration between state agencies, advocates, and veteran organizations to address critical challenges such as housing, healthcare, and employment.

NIVW expands on such efforts by introducing global programs that connect veterans to capital, mentorship, and international business opportunities.

Read more: Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

Economic Empowerment: Advancing State-Level and Global Support

Maryland’s Financial Assistance for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s $2.2 million funding initiative for small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses is a clear example of state-level economic empowerment. By providing loans, equity investments, and job creation grants, Maryland fosters local growth and community impact.

NIVW complements these efforts by scaling resources through platforms like GermanyVeterans.com and FloridaVeterans.com, ensuring global access to mentorship, funding, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Virginia’s V3 Program

Virginia’s Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employers program celebrates businesses committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. NIVW reinforces this mission by connecting veterans with global employers through tools like π.directory, a comprehensive listing of veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses.

Explore more: FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ Empower Female Veterans.

Housing and Community: Building Resilience Beyond State Borders

New York’s Homes for Heroes Initiative

New York’s Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments is an outstanding example of addressing housing insecurity among veterans. This state-led initiative provides permanent, supportive housing tailored to the needs of formerly homeless veterans.

NIVW amplifies such programs through its global Veterans’ Housing Initiative, offering financing options and partnerships to scale affordable housing projects for veterans worldwide.

Missouri’s Suicide Prevention Programs

Missouri’s focus on veteran suicide prevention aligns with NIVW’s broader mission to tackle mental health challenges. Through mentorship programs like FeMil Lead℠, NIVW empowers veterans to lead in their communities, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging that directly combats isolation and mental health issues.

The Global Impact of NIVW’s Vision

While states like California and South Carolina focus on localized support, NIVW creates a framework that transcends borders. Operating in 62 global markets, NIVW’s initiatives connect veterans to opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible, bridging local efforts with international impact.

Key Platforms Driving Global Change:

• π.guru: A mentorship network connecting veterans with industry experts.

• π.solutions: Providing tailored strategies to overcome business challenges.

• π.digital: A hub for educational resources and business toolkits.

These innovative tools position NIVW as a catalyst for systemic change, complementing state-level efforts with a unified, global strategy.

Learn more: Driving Innovation and Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship Across 62 Global Markets.

A Call to Action: Uniting Local and Global Efforts for Veterans

National Invest in Veterans Week® bridges the gap between state-level achievements and global opportunities, creating a comprehensive framework to support veterans at every stage of their journey. By combining localized resources with international reach, NIVW ensures no veteran is left behind.

How You Can Support the Mission:

• Advocate for legislative reforms like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act to expand access to funding and federal contracting.

• Explore state-specific platforms like FloridaVeterans.com to connect with tailored opportunities.

• Join the conversation and access resources at National Invest in Veterans Week®.

Together, we can honor the sacrifices of our veterans by providing them with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. National Invest in Veterans Week® is more than a movement—it’s a promise to invest in those who’ve invested in us.