Indiana must take action by investing in Veterans

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Dear Editor:

Indiana has an opportunity to strengthen its economy, grow its workforce, attract new residents, and improve communities throughout our state. One of the greatest resources available to accomplish these goals is our veteran population.

Indiana must take a much stronger position in attracting, retaining, and supporting veterans. We cannot expect veterans to choose Indiana as their home if we are not willing to demonstrate that Indiana values their service, recognizes their contribution, and provide the benefits and support they have earned.

According to the Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures (GDX) government figures, Indiana is ranked 17th nationally in veteran population, with 356,627 veterans. These veterans represent an enormous economic and community asset.

The financial contribution is equally impressive. According to the figures provided from the GDX records, Indiana’s veteran population generated approximately $685,912,000 in direct and indirect payments in 2025. Additionally, the reported tax contribution and economic benefit figure was $995,875,000.

Think about those numbers. Nearly $700 million in direct and indirect payments, with reported tax contributions and economic benefits approaching $1 billion. This is money that circulates throughout Indiana’s economy supporting businesses, hospitals local governments, schools, and communities.

Veterans bring something to Indiana that is difficult to duplicate: they bring a highly trained, disciplined, and experienced workforce. Our veteran population includes doctors, nurses, engineers, attorneys, aviation specialists, mechanics, construction professionals, water and wastewater operators, emergency responders, information technology specialist, business owners, police and firefighters, and countless other skilled workers.

These are the people who understand responsibility, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and getting the job done. They are trained to solve problems, manage people, make difficult decisions, and work under pressure.

If Indiana is serious about attracting and retaining veterans, we must begin by strengthening our County Veterans Service Officers. The CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans seeking assistance. These officers perform an essential service, yet their ability to help veterans depends on adequate staffing, resources, training, and support. We need more qualified and properly supported VCSO. We need to make sure every veteran in Indians has reasonable access to someone who can help them navigate the VA system. We should not make veterans struggle to receive benefits they have earned through their military service.

Indiana must become a state that veterans want to call their home. Veterans have choices about where they live after military service, and states compete for their experience, education, leadership, and economic contribution. Indiana needs to demonstrate that our state recognizes the value of military service. That means looking seriously at our veterans’ benefits, strengthening property tax relief, improving access to services, and ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they have earned.

I am asking our Indiana senators and representatives to recognize that supporting veterans is not simply a moral obligation to those who served our country. It is also a sound return on investment for the future of Indiana.

Mike Madigan
Westfield
Semper Fi VN 1968/69