Indy Standard

June marks PTSD Awareness Month, a period dedicated to acknowledging the impact of post-traumatic stress on veterans, service members, and their families. Marine veteran and member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee highlighted the importance of recognizing these invisible wounds. He emphasized connecting Hoosier veterans with resources that can significantly impact their lives.

Indiana is working to enhance support for veterans through various initiatives. This includes legislation aimed at improving benefits for Indiana National Guard members and strengthening support for military families (HEA 1111), modernizing military recognition (HEA 1637), and improving access to assistance through county veterans service offices (SEA 433).

The Military Assistance Project offers free legal services to struggling veterans, focusing on civil cases like wills and guardianship. Additionally, the Military Family Relief Fund provides financial aid for housing, utilities, food, medical expenses, and transportation costs to honorably discharged Indiana veterans facing financial hardship.

County Veterans Service Offices collaborate with the IDVA and other organizations to connect veterans with benefits. Information on locating these offices is available on the IDVA website.

For immediate crisis support, veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one or texting 838255. The service is confidential and available 24/7 without requiring enrollment in veteran benefits or health care.

Veterans seeking additional resources can visit in.gov/h57 or call 317-232-9597 for more information.