Veterans & Military

Governor Dunleavy extensively praised the Alaska National Guard, Coast Guard, and State Defense Forces for disaster response, particularly during Typhoon Halong. He recognized military leaders including Major General Torrence Saxe and highlighted Alaska's strategic importance for national defense under the Trump administration, including the INL's role in supporting the U.S. Navy. He also honored John Sturgeon, a Navy veteran who runs a Wounded Warrior hunt program on Afognak Island.

Governor Ivey celebrated the official designation of Space Command Headquarters in Huntsville and highlighted Alabama's defense manufacturing, including F-35 fighter jets in Montgomery, Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Rucker, and ships at Austal. She noted that more than 400 Alabama National Guardsmen were deployed to support President Trump's mission in D.C. She also recognized Rodney Smith's work mowing lawns for veterans through his foundation.

Governor Polis thanked veterans, service members, and Colorado's law enforcement for their service. He specifically recognized the Colorado National Guard for frontline wildfire and flood response, including helicopter water drops and evacuation support during the Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Marshall fires. He noted federal funding threats to safety grants and expressed commitment to filling gaps left by Washington.

Governor Lamont noted that state employees, including veterans, have received wage increases every year of his administration. He mentioned that Connecticut eliminated the income tax for most seniors, which benefits military retirees. He praised state police and first responders, drawing a contrast with ICE operations.

Delaware honored Corporal Ty Snook with the Order of the First State, the state's highest honor, after he was killed in the line of duty. Governor Meyer recognized the establishment of a new Secretary-level role for Veterans Affairs under Secretary Karen Berry and thanked legislators including Senator Lawson, a combat veteran, for advocating for veterans. He also acknowledged National Guard Major General Benson's leadership during the longest federal government shutdown.

Governor Kemp proposed an enhanced retirement plan for state law enforcement officers, increasing the state's 401(k) match to 15%, and emphasized Georgia's commitment to public safety personnel. While not solely veteran-focused, his address referenced military traditions and service as foundational to Georgia's identity.

Governor Green highlighted the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP) providing loan repayment for over 900 providers statewide, which benefits veteran communities through improved healthcare access. He also proposed $16.5 million to cover enhanced ACA tax credits for Hawaii families, including veterans, and highlighted nearly $1 billion in rural health transformation funding over five years.

Governor Reynolds delivered an extensive tribute to Iowa's fallen soldiers — Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar — killed in a December 2025 ISIS attack in Syria. She recognized 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers deployed overseas and their families. She proposed modernizing the veterans' benefits system, noting Iowa ranks 44th nationally for VA compensation, and introduced a performance-based county grant program to ensure more benefits reach more veterans.

Governor Little highlighted partnerships with the Trump administration on border security through Operation No Return, which involves Idaho State Police removing illegal aliens. He praised the Idaho National Laboratory's role in nuclear energy and national security, noting Energy Secretary Chris Wright's visit to celebrate INL's contributions to U.S. Navy missions and cyber defense.

Governor Kelly noted that Kansas completely eliminated the state income tax on Social Security, benefiting military retirees, and cut taxes for seniors on fixed incomes. She also highlighted record funding for law enforcement and noted that crime is at a 20-year low.

Governor Beshear highlighted Kentucky State Police growth to 1,896 team members and local law enforcement exceeding 8,000 officers. He emphasized second chances through new vocational programs in prisons and partnerships with KCTCS President Ryan Quarles for a reentry campus. He honored first responders including the Okolona Fire Department for their response to the UPS plane crash.

Governor Healey stated that "everything we have, we owe to" military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families. She highlighted the transformation of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, which suffered 76 COVID deaths, into a facility with a perfect VA rating — now one of the best veterans' homes in America. The Chelsea veterans' home was also rebuilt and fully accredited.

Governor Moore highlighted the transformation of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home from a one-star to a four-star rated facility and pledged to achieve five stars. He recognized administrators Emily and Dorine for their work and emphasized that when they say 'thank you for your service,' it should actually mean something.

Governor Pillen highlighted the Purple Heart presentation to Vietnam veteran Ray Krings, who lost his legs in combat but returned home to farm and raise a family of seven children and 26 grandchildren. He praised Krings as exemplifying Nebraska's 'can-do' attitude. Pillen also emphasized partnership with the Trump administration on border security and ICE detention facilities.

Governor Ayotte recognized Edward Parker and Hubert Buchanan, former POWs from World War II and Vietnam. She highlighted restoring retirement benefits promised to first responders and announced the GO-NORTH initiative for rural healthcare, which will benefit veteran communities. She also proposed a new reading initiative and workforce programs that could benefit transitioning service members.

Governor Lujan Grisham noted that New Mexico exempted military retirement from income tax as part of broader affordability efforts. Her address focused primarily on child care, education, public safety, and healthcare rather than veteran-specific initiatives.

Governor Hochul emphasized protecting veterans from federal cuts, noting that Washington's chaos threatens services veterans rely on. She proposed a $100 million Federal Response Fund to mitigate federal actions that threaten services, including those for veterans.

Governor McKee highlighted Lieutenant Governor Matos's community outreach during the SNAP crisis, which affected veterans among others. He proposed doubling the state grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and noted veterans are among those benefiting from the state's elimination of taxes on military pensions.

Governor McMaster opened by honoring four service members lost in the line of duty in 2025 and extensively discussed South Carolina's military heritage in the context of the nation's 250th anniversary. He highlighted the state's role in the American Revolution with more than 200 battles and skirmishes fought on South Carolina soil, and emphasized the state's nuclear energy leadership as critical to national security.

Governor Rhoden declared that "national security is South Dakota's next big industry," citing the B-21 bomber at Ellsworth Air Force Base, 350% growth in the cybersecurity industry, and companies like MMS Products receiving a $35 million Department of War contract for drone munitions. He recognized National Guard soldiers who supported ICE operations and border security, and proposed legislation to recognize tribal law enforcement officers under state law.

Governor Lee recounted visiting Tennessee National Guard soldiers stationed in Kuwait and Germany, sleeping in barracks and eating in mess halls. He connected the nuclear energy legacy from the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge to today's innovation, recognizing the Whedbee family's three-generation service at Oak Ridge. He proposed $25 million for the Nuclear Fund and announced the Tennessee Quantum Initiative.

Incoming Governor (the address was an inauguration speech) acknowledged military installations across the Commonwealth and thanked service members. She pledged to stand up for Virginia's federal workforce, including military-connected workers, and committed to investing in apprenticeships and job training that benefit transitioning veterans.

Governor Morrisey highlighted West Virginia's $199 million federal Rural Health Transformation award, which will improve healthcare access including for veterans. He noted a nearly 40% decline in drug overdose deaths, benefiting veteran communities disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. He also emphasized workforce development through the Workforce Readiness & Opportunity Act, which accelerates military personnel's ability to enter the civilian workforce.

Governor Evers noted the creation of a holiday honoring Hmong-Lao Veterans and that students now learn about Hmong and Asian American history in schools. He highlighted bipartisan legislation ensuring firefighters and law enforcement officers can access workers' compensation for post-traumatic stress, which also benefits veteran first responders.

Governor Gordon praised Major General Gregory Porter and the Wyoming National Guard as "the sword and the shield of Wyoming." He pushed for long-overdue upgrades to the Wyoming Veterans Home in Buffalo, recommending the state front costs for federal reimbursement. He recognized Downrange Warriors and Veterans Talking to Veterans for providing trauma-informed care in Byron after a tragedy, and highlighted Dr. Ilene Choal's volunteer dental services providing $67,000 in donated care to over 100 veterans on Veterans Day.