Veterans Day is an important time to honor our brave men and women - past and present - who have served in our military to protect our freedoms and country.

Doug Gutwein (R-Francesville) is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

State officials say they will continue with efforts to help veterans transition from military service to civilian life.  Through Indiana’s Next Level Veterans Program, service men and women are matched with civilian careers.

To connect with career training and a home buyer program designed for active duty veterans and returned military personnel, visit in.gov/veterans.

To decrease the financial burden on thousands of veterans, a new law phases in a full income tax exemption for military retirement pensions over four years.  The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs also launched a new online portal that streamlines to process for service members to access their benefits without having to make an appointment or call.  That portal is available at in.gov/dva.