Though we should always remember to thank our veterans, November 11 serves as a yearly reminder to reflect on the sacrifices they have made in defense of our freedom. Further, it serves as a time to renew our commitment to getting our veterans the support they need as they re-enter civilian life.

Home to nearly 900,000 veterans, New York State has a moral responsibility to care for service members who have returned home. Unfortunately, statistics show that about half of all post-9/11 service members will face some period of unemployment upon their return. In addition, veterans make up 12 percent of the adult homeless population in our country, including a growing number of women with children.

This year, the Assembly unanimously passed my bill that would direct key state agencies to gather information on the state’s homeless veterans and their children so we may better support them. In addition, we passed a new law creating the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund, to which New Yorkers can easily contribute by simply checking a box on their income tax forms.

In the fight against veteran homelessness, effective job placement is a powerful resource. That’s why the Assembly Majority has continually passed laws to help our veterans find meaningful and well-paid work, including passing tax credits for small businesses that hire veterans and the Veterans Employment Act to help give veterans temporary staffing jobs in state agencies.

This Veterans Day, make sure to take time out to reflect on all that our brave heroes sacrificed for our freedom – and thank them. I encourage you to contact Queensboro Hill VFW Post 3427 in Flushing, and other local AMVETS, American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) chapters for more information about what you can do to honor our local veterans and where to find other Veterans Day celebrations.

To learn more about veterans’ benefits contact the state’s Division of Veterans Affairs at 888-838-7697 or visit www.veterans.ny.gov.

As always, if I can be of any assistance on this or any other issue, please feel free to contact my office at 718-820-0241 or via email at RozicN@assembly.state.ny.us.