Offering Gratitude, Resources For Hoosier Veterans
by State Representative Tim O’Brien
Veterans Day is a time to honor and give thanks to the brave servicemen and women who protected our country. These Hoosiers sacrifice so much for our freedom, and often when they return home they need extra help. Transitioning to civilian life can be difficult, but I’m committed to supporting them throughout this process. If you’re a veteran or know of one, there are many great resources that can help.
Indiana’s Next Level Veterans initiative connects our Hoosier heroes with in-demand jobs, job training, relocation assistance, and other benefits. Get started by visiting in.gov/veterans. Veterans can also receive help through The Catalyst. This five-week, comprehensive military transition program helps veterans and their spouses learn how to transfer military experience into various civilian business industries. Participants can earn up to six credit hours toward an MBA degree. To find out more, visit thecatalystprogram.org.
For those experiencing financial hardship, the Indiana Military Family Relief Fund provides up to $2,500 in aid. This emergency grant can be used for needs such as housing, utilities, food, medical services, and transportation assistance. Thanks to a new law I supported, more veterans and their dependents can qualify for help through this fund. Applicants no longer need to connect their financial hardship directly to their military service and are not required to have served during wartime or at least 12 months of active duty service, which means Indiana National Guard members can benefit. In addition, eligibility is open to veterans discharged generally, honorably or discharged as other than honorable. To apply for assistance, call 317-232-3910, email mrfr@dva.in.gov or visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at in.gov/dva and click on “Military Relief Fund.”
Thank you to all of the brave heroes who laid their lives on the line in defense of our country and our liberty. We will never forget your service.
