This Veterans Day – November 11 – let’s recognize the brave men and women who served our great country and let them know we are committed to providing them with the support they earned. Following the celebration of a military member reuniting with family after a deployment, we sometimes forget the struggles veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. Many are left to cope with physical and psychological challenges brought on by their service protecting our country and the freedoms we hold so dear.

New York State is proudly home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, with over 900,000 veterans residing in the Empire State.1 Unfortunately, homelessness is an all-too-common occurrence, as 11 percent of America’s adult homeless population is comprised of veterans, with many more considered at risk.2 Homelessness among the veteran community affects all races, genders and ages. The vast majority of homeless veterans are male, but female veterans are the fastest-growing demographic of homeless veterans in America.3 Forty-five percent of homeless veterans are African-American or Hispanic and half are under the age of 50.4

The Assembly Majority takes this problem seriously. Last year, we passed legislation that would direct key state agencies to gather information on the state’s homeless veterans and their children in an effort to better support them (A.434-C of 2016). Previously, The Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund was created to help get more of our heroes into quality, stable housing (Ch. 428 of 2014).

There’s also the issue of employment. Many times, for those returning to the workforce after being out of the country for a substantial period of time, finding a good job can be nearly impossible. That’s why I helped pass legislation this year that would waive state application fees for civil service exams taken by honorably discharged veterans (A.1105-B).

On another note, we want our veterans to have ample opportunity to showcase their patriotism and be proud of their service. New York State already offers a number of custom license plates for veterans, and a new law signed this year authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue plates specifically for AMVETS members (Ch. 105 of 2017). To learn more, visit www.dmv.ny.gov/custom-plates/military-and-veterans. Previously, the Assembly passed a law allowing eligible New Yorkers to have their status as a veteran designated on their driver’s license, making it easier to access the many programs, benefits and discounts available to them (Ch. 487 of 2012).

The freedoms we enjoy should remind us of just how much veterans mean to this country. While we should be thanking them each day, Veterans Day is one reminder to reflect on their sacrifices. It’s a day to educate ourselves on everything they’ve done for this great nation. Have a conversation with a local veteran. Listen to their stories.

To find more information, contact your local AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) organization. To learn more about veterans’ benefits, contact the state Division of Veterans’ Affairs at 888-838-7697 or visit www.veterans.ny.gov.

As always, if you have questions about this or any other issue, please feel free to contact my office at 631-537-2583 or via email at thielef@nyassembly.gov.

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