Issue Brief by Policy Analyst, Erin Twomey Partin | etpartin@csg.org

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Executive Summary

While the federal government provides foundational support for veterans through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), states play a vital role in ensuring veterans’ economic, social, and healthcare needs are met. State-level policies influence how veterans access benefits, fill service gaps, and structure initiatives to meet the specific needs of local veteran populations.   

In addition to supporting veterans currently residing in their state, policymakers are exploring ways to attract and retain veterans to their workforce. Doing so may allow local economies to harness veterans’ unique skill sets. Several states have even broadened their efforts by targeting veteran spousal support in areas such as licensure transfer and education.   

The purpose of this issue brief is to highlight policies emerging across the CSG South region that are designed to support resident veterans and attract those from out of state. Policies and programs from five CSG South member states, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, are reviewed and analyzed to determine how they meet veterans’ needs. These five states were specifically chosen to highlight potential policy paths, including benefit accessibility, workforce development, mental health, justice involvement, tax policy, and education, while also showcasing how a state may adapt these policies to address broader economic and  
social demands. 

Introduction

State-level veteran affairs departments are key actors in ensuring veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned. While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers federal benefits, housing programs and national cemeteries, state agencies supplement these efforts by helping veterans access federal benefits and by offering additional services. States tend to focus their efforts on assisting veterans in navigating benefits, workforce development, mental health, justice involvement, tax relief, and education.    

Understanding our Veteran Population

Location

A large share of the veteran population lives in the South. In 2025, Texas and Florida had the two largest veteran populations, with 1,518,967 and 1,378,571, respectively.¹ In the Southern region, Virginia has the highest concentration of veterans, with around 7,144 per 100,000 people.² Figure 1 shows a visual representation of the estimated number of veterans in each state per 100,000 people in 2026. 

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of veterans within an individual state can help policymakers identify where service providers are most needed. For example, Figure 2 shows the percentage of veterans in each of Florida’s counties as well as the distribution of VA facilities and provider locations. The data show that metropolitan counties along Florida’s Atlantic coast have higher percentages of veteran residents. As such, VA and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) facilities (Figure 3) are concentrated in similar areas, which often coincide with military base locations.  

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However, basing service location solely on population can lead to access limitations. Figures 2 and 3 also highlight that in less concentrated areas, typically rural, inland areas, there are fewer readily available services and facilities for veterans. This has the potential to limit access for veterans who live in these areas and hinder access to services and benefits. 

Age

Within each state’s population, veterans’ ages range from under 20 years to over 85. Table 1 provides population age data for veterans in each state. Knowing the age of a state’s veteran population can provide insight into the stage of life and the corresponding needs of that population.  

Table 2 identifies the median age for each state. Age demographics in the context of geographic location can also provide insight into a population’s goals. For example, Texas and Virginia have a slightly younger veteran population than their peers, while Florida’s is slightly older. For example, states such as Texas and Virginia have relatively younger veteran populations, which may reflect higher concentrations of transitioning service members. Florida’s older veteran population may reflect its role as a retirement destination.
 

TABLE 1. Veteran Population Age by State (2025)

STATE	<20	20–24	25–29	30–34	35–39	40–44	45–49	50–54	55–59	60–64	65–69	70–74	75–79	80–84	85+	TOTAL
AL	226	2,830	9,646	14,854	19,187	21,565	22,258	26,172	33,085	37,096	36,175	32,887	37,640	23,798	18,266	335,685
AR	197	1,695	5,197	8,637	11,245	12,333	12,101	14,239	18,462	20,168	19,945	19,559	26,605	13,063	13,268	196,712
FL	711	11,088	36,716	53,096	68,574	81,361	83,240	91,216	117,253	143,774	144,175	122,129	180,633	126,657	117,949	1,378,571
GA	448	7,463	24,902	35,241	41,711	44,252	43,943	50,123	64,685	71,207	67,430	55,549	68,084	41,285	34,417	650,739
KY	146	2,368	8,258	11,198	14,230	16,181	16,345	18,951	25,275	28,318	25,849	23,620	31,820	16,154	15,095	253,808
LA	222	2,659	8,064	10,586	3,492	18,120	18,881	20,567	25,685	22,243	21,726	22,763	29,534	17,990	14,513	247,044
MS	161	1,909	5,615	8,456	10,788	12,519	12,932	13,872	17,759	18,965	18,335	16,587	18,294	11,532	9,830	177,553
MO	267	3,596	11,701	18,455	21,824	24,143	22,571	25,332	33,298	38,911	38,587	36,269	47,288	29,918	25,459	377,618
NC	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
OK	330	7,239	26,620	37,163	43,047	45,639	44,312	49,701	60,746	67,632	65,837	58,923	82,759	47,116	38,442	675,487
SC	167	3,152	9,530	14,113	18,296	21,282	20,020	20,505	24,069	24,368	24,711	25,386	32,207	20,616	16,236	274,659
TN	330	5,777	15,956	18,251	22,735	24,640	24,992	27,839	34,300	39,835	37,869	32,677	47,853	26,855	24,934	384,872
TX	860	18,062	64,811	88,789	111,107	128,659	121,871	123,813	143,047	135,150	131,894	124,482	152,659	97,413	76,351	1,518,967
VA	274	6,214	21,774	34,338	44,487	55,495	56,527	58,776	66,422	71,382	65,488	53,527	66,406	36,077	33,647	670,835
WV	51	777	2,763	4,197	5,693	6,664	7,582	9,383	11,559	12,351	10,939	11,107	15,990	10,455	8,456	117,969

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TABLE 2. Median Age of Veteran Population in Each CSG South Member State

STATE	MEDIAN AGE
AL	61.4
AR	61.6
FL	66.2
GA	61.8
KY	61.7
LA	61.5
MS	61.6
MO	61.9
NC	61.8
OK	61.7
SC	61.9
TN	61.8
TX	56.3
VA	56.8
WV	62.1

Veteran age distributions across Southern states show a high degree of regional consistency, with most states’ median age falling between 61 and 62 years. Analyzing this data further suggests that subregional differences, driven by migration patterns and military workforce dynamics, exist across the region. These subregional differences create meaningful variations that could have policy implications for which service gaps may be a priority at the state level. 

Table 3 divides the CSG South member states into three geographic subregions. Additionally, there is a subregion entitled “Military-Influence States.” The states in this subregion have a high active-duty presence that later transitions to veteran status, as evidenced by the lower median age for this group. 

TABLE 3. Median Age of Veterans by Subregion (Southern States)

SUB REGION	STATES INCLUDED	STATE MEDIAN AGES	SUBREGIONAL AVERAGE (MEDIAN AGE)	RANGE (MIN–MAX)
Interior South	AR, KY, TN, MO, OK	AR (61.6), KY (61.7), TN (61.8), MO (61.9), OK (61.7)	61.7	61.6 – 61.9
South Atlantic	FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV	FL (66.2), GA (61.8), SC (61.9), NC (61.8), VA (56.8), WV (62.1)	61.8	56.8 – 66.2
Gulf Coast	AL, MS, LA, TX, FL	AL (61.4), MS (61.6), LA (61.5), TX (56.3), FL (66.2)	61.4	56.3 – 66.2
Military-Influence States	TX, VA, NC, GA, FL	TX (56.3), VA (56.8), NC (61.8), GA (61.8), FL (66.2)	60.6	56.3 – 66.2

Sex

Though most veterans are male, the percentage of female veterans is on the rise. Currently, about 88 percent of veterans are male. The population of female veterans has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2000, women represented approximately 4 percent of veterans. By 2040, the veteran population is projected to be comprised of 18 percent females.⁷ 

Service Branch

Table 4 provides data on the number of veterans served in each branch of the military and further specifies that data by sex. This information helps one understand the backgrounds of our veterans. One way this information may be used is when considering the scale of services near a particular military base. For instance, nearly 44 percent of all living veterans are Army veterans. These demographic trends help inform how states are designing targeted policy responses to better meet the needs of their veteran populations.

TABLE 4. Approximate Number of Veterans by Branch and Sex in 2025
(Reported to the Nearest 1,000)

BRANCH	FEMALE	MALE	TOTAL
Army	906,000	6,789,000	7,696,000
Navy	409,000	3,245,000	3,655,000
Air Force	467,000	2,558,000	3,025,000
Marines	119,000	1,912,000	2,031,000
Non-Defense*	31,000	183,000	214,000
Reserve	181,000	787,000	968,000
TOTAL	2,113,000	15,475,000	17,588,000

Policy and Programs Vignettes

The following examples highlight selected policy approaches across five states. These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate a range of strategies states are using to address veterans’ needs. The states mentioned are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. Though not a comprehensive list of ways states have endeavored to support veterans, the policies and programs named offer an overview of the primary tracks states have been taking recently.  

Alabama — Benefit and Service Accessibility  

There is a gap between benefits for which veterans are eligible and those they receive. During Fiscal Year 2023, of the approximately 18.3 million living veterans, about 9.2 million (roughly half) accessed at least one VA-administered benefit or service, though participation varies by program, and just over half of those users engaged with more than one benefit.⁹ The use of VA healthcare and disability compensation has increased from 74 percent in 2010 to 84 percent in 2023.¹⁰ Viewing these data in tandem suggests that while healthcare and disability service usage is improving, most of the other VA-provided services and benefits are going unused.  

Several factors contribute to underutilization, but among the most frequently reported reasons veterans do not receive their benefits are the complexity of the system and lack of awareness.¹¹ One study found that veterans who do use VA services are more likely to have served longer in the military and in combat,¹² which could suggest that those with more exposure to VA services — whether through simply having more opportunities to learn about VA services due to longer military service or through VA-targeted outreach to combat veterans — are more likely to utilize services and apply for benefits.  

In 2025, Alabama established the Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC) to streamline access to and delivery of veteran benefits. AVRC was created through a one-time appropriation from the state’s General Fund of $5 million (Senate Bill 0070 (2025)). In addition to this initial funding, the center receives both public and private funding through partnerships, grants, and donations.¹³   

AVRC streamlines services by bridging the benefits offered by the VA with those provided by local partners. It connects veterans with five types of services: employment and workforce training, health and wellness support, education and skills development, housing and financial assistance navigation, and community and peer support.¹⁴ To promote accessibility for all Alabamians, AVRC is headquartered in Montgomery, AL, and has a digital hub.¹⁵  

As dictated by the enacted legislation, the AVRC is led by a board of eleven members who meet the  
following criteria:¹⁶ 

• Three members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a female veteran. 
• One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
• One member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in his or her role as Chair of the Alabama Military Stability Commission. 
• One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of  
  the Senate. 
• The Commissioner of the State Department of Veterans Affairs, who shall serve as an ex officio member and vice chair of the board. * Non-defense includes Coast Guard, Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 
• The Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health,  
  who shall serve as an ex officio member. 
• The Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce, who shall serve as an ex officio member and chair of the board. 
• The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, or his or her designee. 
• The Minority Leader of the Senate, or his or her designee. 

While the AVRC has only recently been created and, therefore, has not undergone substantial evaluation, it highlights how states can aggregate resources and eliminate obstacles for veterans seeking benefits and support in their reintegration. The AVRC reflects a policy approach aimed at improving coordination across service providers and reducing barriers to access.  

Florida — Workforce Development

Though veterans leave the military with a unique and invaluable set of experiences and skills, finding civilian employment can prove quite challenging. Veterans might struggle with translating their experiences into marketable skills for the civilian job market. This may contribute to unemployment and underemployment.  

Across all demographics, unemployment has signaled the onset of other challenges (namely mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders) due to the relationship between socio-economic factors and mental wellness.¹⁷ As of March 2026, the veteran unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.¹⁸ Figure 4 shows how the veteran unemployment rate compares to that of non-veterans. 

Underemployment occurs when a person is employed but in a position that does not utilize their skills, potentially resulting in lower compensation. In 2024, approximately one-third of post-9/11 veterans report underemployment.²⁰ As this measure is typically based on self-reported perceptions of whether employment aligns with an individual’s skills, experiences, or desired hours, it may capture a range of circumstances and does not reflect a single standardized economic definition. Underemployment can present similar challenges to unemployment, including lowered self-esteem, financial strain, and worsened mental health. 

To address the challenges, Florida established Veterans Florida (VF), a nonprofit organization that administers workforce and training programs, in 2014. Veterans Florida is a nonprofit organization led by an eleven-member Board of Directors who represent active or retired military and their spouses. VF is designed to manage Florida’s Veteran Education and Training Services Program, which connects veterans with educational opportunities, workforce development training, and potential employers.  

The primary goal of Veterans Florida is to help veterans and their spouses find and retain employment opportunities in the state through programs like VF’s SkillBridge and Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program. Florida established the nation’s first SkillBridge initiative in 2021 through House Bill 0435. SkillBridge is a program designed to assist participants in developing their skills and support workforce transition. The Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program was established in 2016. It works to harness veterans’ and spouses’ skills and leverage them for entrepreneurial pursuits.²¹  

Georgia — Justice Involvement and Mental Health 

Substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions have been identified as concerning factors amongst the veteran population. The most recent data show that 14 percent of U.S. veterans reported having at least one substance use disorder.²² Commonly abused substances are alcohol, opioids, cannabis, and other illicit drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.).²³ Substance abuse is often comorbid with other mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD).²⁴   

Suicidality is another major mental health concern among veterans, and it is also often tied to substance abuse. In 2023, 60.9 percent of the veterans who died by suicide while receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration were diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. Table 5 shows veteran suicide rates from 2018 to 2023. Table 6 shows the number of veteran suicides in each CSG South member state during 2023.  

TABLE 5. Veteran Suicide Rates per 100,000

CATEGORY	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
All Veterans	33.0	32.5	32.5	33.8	34.7	35.2
Female Veterans	14.7	14.7	14.1	17.5	13.7	13.9
Male Veterans	35.0	34.5	34.6	35.7	37.3	37.8

Beyond facing higher risks of substance misuse and mental health challenges, veterans are more likely to have involvement with the justice system as defendants. One report suggests one-third of veterans report interaction with the justice system, compared to one-fifth of non-veterans.²⁷ While the relationship between veteran status and interaction with the justice system is multifaceted and cannot be attributed to a singular variable, there are data that show veterans with a history of substance abuse or mental illness are more likely to also have involvement with the justice system. Studies have shown that veterans with a substance abuse disorder are 2 to 3.5 times more likely to be arrested within their lifetime.²⁸˒²⁹

Georgia has implemented two major policies to improve veteran mental health and reduce veteran justice involvement — the Suicide Prevention Office (SPO) of the Georgia Department of Veterans Services (GDVS) and the Veterans Treatment Courts of the Georgia Accountability Courts. GDVS’s Suicide Prevention Office focuses on raising awareness, performing outreach to at-risk veteran communities, and connecting individuals with the population. The most recent data show that 14 percent of U.S. veterans reported having at least one substance use disorder.²² Commonly abused substances are alcohol, opioids, cannabis, and other illicit drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.).²³ Substance abuse is often comorbid with other mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD).²⁴

Suicidality is another major mental health concern among veterans, and it is also often tied to substance abuse. In 2023, 60.9 percent of the veterans who died by suicide while receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration were diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. Table 5 shows veteran suicide rates from 2018 to 2023. Table 6 shows the number of veteran suicides in each CSG South member state during 2023.

TABLE 6. Veteran Suicide Rates in 2023 by State

STATE	RATE PER 100,000
AL	35.7
AR	51.1
FL	38.6
GA	30.0
KY	39.3
LA	32.0
MS	34.4
MO	37.5
NC	32.9
OK	56.9
SC	33.2
TN	48.2
TX	37.6
VA	25.0
WV	55.6
National	35.2

VA, state, and local mental health care providers. Since its inception, the SPO has identified key risk factors to veteran suicide such as firearm accessibility, which, according to GDVS’s data, accounts for 80 percent of veteran suicides.³⁰ Additionally, GDVS and SPO have launched a closed-loop referral system, reducing the time it takes for veterans to connect with a provider to only 1.6 days.³¹

In addition to GDVS’s efforts, in 2014, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 320 (2014), establishing the veterans court division of Georgia’s accountability courts. These treatment courts are collaborative, therapeutic programs designed to help qualifying veterans avoid criminal charges and corrections. Georgia’s accountability court system comprises five diversion courts. Of the five accountability courts, 4.1 percent of participants in veterans’ treatment courts from FY2020 to FY2023 graduated at a rate of 64.6 percent.³² Moreover, the accountability courts save taxpayers almost $5,000 per participant over traditional adjudication and incarceration.³³

These programs are designed to address underlying behavioral health conditions and reduce justice involvement. Though the population experiences persistent risk factors, the Suicide Prevention Office and Veterans Treatment Courts are designed not only to identify those risk factors early but also to offer an alternative solution to standard corrections.

Missouri — Tax Relief

One way states have sought to ease the transition for veterans from active duty to civilian life is to offer tax relief — either through credit or exemption. This type of policy may reduce financial burdens for veterans as they reintegrate into civilian society. 

Missouri provides property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Current Missouri policy includes property tax credits for 100% disabled veterans, with maximum benefits of $750 for renters and $1,100 for homeowners, supported by dedicated state liaisons to guide veterans through income tax and benefit queries.³⁴ 

Looking forward, proposed legislation House Joint Resolution 0115 (2026) seeks to amend the constitution to fully exempt the primary residences of 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, introducing significant bipartisan support with 57 co-sponsors. Concurrently, there is an effort to expand this exemption to veterans of different disability statuses. House Bill 2535 (2026) aims to expand these benefits by establishing a tiered exemption program for a broader range of veterans and recipients of specialized honors, with funding proposed through new excise taxes on tobacco and hemp products.   

While these policies may increase financial stability for disabled veterans, they may also have implications for local government revenue. Should House Joint Resolution 0115 be implemented in its current form, local governments would initially experience revenue reduction, rather than the state. Because the amendment does not include a reimbursement mechanism, this change could lead to adjustments in tax structures or state funding allocations over time (particularly school districts). The extent of these impacts may vary depending on participation rates and property values.  

Nationally, the number of disabled veterans has been growing over the past five years. Nearly 6 million veterans receive disability compensation from the VA.³⁵ Table 7 shows the number of new VA disability compensation recipients from fiscal year 2020 to 2024. Table 8 shows the number of veterans receiving VA disability compensation in each CSG South member state.
 

TABLE 7. New Disability Compensation Recipients

COMBINED DEGREE	2020	2022	2023	2024	PERCENT CHANGE FY 2023 TO 2024
0 Percent	437	336	667	946	42%
10 Percent	72,117	87,195	97,172	127,510	31%
20 Percent	20,174	23,203	25,952	33,234	28%
30 Percent	19,983	22,752	25,924	33,235	28%
40 Percent	17,377	21,662	24,750	31,364	27%
50 Percent	18,174	20,395	22,403	28,007	25%
60 Percent	18,398	23,361	26,317	33,612	28%
70 Percent	23,364	28,289	31,966	39,018	22%
80 Percent	16,519	22,639	25,445	29,542	16%
90 Percent	17,465	24,224	27,973	31,416	12%
100 Percent	34,628	48,848	58,402	70,035	20%
TOTAL	258,636	322,904	366,971	457,919	25%

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TABLE 8. Number of Veterans Receiving VA Disability Compensation in Each CSG South Member State

STATE	2022	2023	2024
AL	120,962	127,361	135,288
AR	57,984	60,659	64,186
FL	446,270	472,784	503,513
GA	233,812	245,799	260,888
KY	74,151	77,064	80,856
LA	73,665	77,515	82,385
MS	53,296	56,094	60,073
MO	108,835	113,399	119,699
NC	239,894	253,167	269,721
OK	106,892	109,753	114,091
SC	130,132	137,598	146,870
TN	143,884	151,225	160,163
TX	569,520	602,649	642,981
VA	230,843	243,174	259,005
WV	38,663	39,849	41,515

Texas — Education

Continued education is one path veterans can use to support the transition from military service to civilian life. It may support career advancement, skill development, and financial outcomes. Additionally, education for veteran families may help address challenges associated with military service and may contribute to long-term educational and economic outcomes across generations. 

As college tuition has increased in recent years, veterans pursuing postsecondary education may encounter affordability challenges. After adjusting for inflation, college tuition was 312.4 percent higher in 2025 than it was in 1963.⁵² Figure 5 shows the annual growth rate of public college tuition in the United States compared to the tuition inflation rate (the cost of running a college). 

The Hazlewood Act, established by the Texas Legislature in 1923, provides eligible veterans, spouses, and children with an exemption of up to 150 hours of tuition and most fees at public Texas institutions, excluding living expenses and books. Eligibility requires veterans to have served at least 181 days, received an honorable discharge, and met defined Texas residency requirements, with the 2009 Legacy Act allowing the transfer of unused hours to children. To support institutions, the state established the Permanent Fund Supporting Military and Veterans Exemptions (MVE) in 2013, which is funded through appropriations and gifts to offset waived revenue, though some costs may not be fully offset.

As tuition rates have risen, the program has been the subject of legislative and policy discussions regarding long-term financial sustainability and its potential relationship to tuition levels. For example, in 2025, Texas Senate Bill 1735, legislation that would have modified eligibility requirements by revising residency criteria, limiting the duration of benefits, and restricting benefit transfers, passed both chambers but was ultimately left unsigned by the governor. Additional legislation has also been introduced, including House Bill 1867 (2025) and House Bill 5619 (2025), which would expand Hazlewood eligibility to siblings of veterans and active-duty military, respectively.

Conclusion

Veterans are an ever-evolving population, and the policies designed to support them continue to adapt accordingly. Shifts in age distribution, service era, and geographic concentration suggest that ongoing evaluation of program outcomes, participation rates, and fiscal considerations may help inform how different approaches are functioning and where refinement may be needed. State policymakers across the CSG South region continue to explore a range of strategies to address the needs of veterans and their families. As demonstrated by examples provided from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, these efforts span multiple policy areas, including benefit accessibility, workforce development, mental health, justice involvement, tax policy, and education. 

These strategies illustrate how states may tailor their approaches to demographic trends, regional economic conditions, and existing service delivery systems. In some cases, states have emphasized coordination across agencies and service providers to improve access and utilization, while in others, efforts have focused on expanding or modifying specific benefits and eligibility criteria. 

At the same time, several policy approaches highlighted in this brief reflect potential trade-offs. Expanding benefits or eligibility may increase access to services but may also raise considerations related to long-term funding and program sustainability. Similarly, targeted interventions in areas such as workforce development or behavioral health may require coordination across multiple agencies and levels of government.  

The examples in this brief highlight the role of both targeted and broad-based policy approaches. Targeted initiatives, such as specialized courts or workforce transition programs, may address specific barriers faced by subsets of the veteran population, while broader policies, such as tax exemptions or education benefits, can affect a wider group of eligible individuals. The variation in these approaches underscores the importance of aligning policy design with identified needs and available resources. 

End Notes

1. “Veteran Population — National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.” 2016. Va.gov. 2016. https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp. 
2. Review of Veterans by State 2026. n.d. World Population Review. World Population Review. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/veterans-by-state. 
3. Ibid. 
4. “NCVAS State Summary Florida FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/nge7-gsza/. 
5. “Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs | Connecting Veterans to Federal and State Benefits They Have Earned.” n.d. Www.floridavets.org. https://www.floridavets.org/locations/. 
6. “Veteran Population – National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.” 2016. Va.gov. 2016. https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp. 
7. Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health. n.d. “Facts and Statistics – Women Veterans Health Care.” Www.womenshealth.va.gov. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/materials-and-resources/facts-and-statistics.asp. 
8. “Veteran Population – National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.” 2016. Va.gov. 2016. https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp. 
9. “Use of va Benefits and Services: 2021 (Part 1).” 2021. Va.gov. 2021. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/59yt-v847. 
10. “Use of va Benefits and Services: 2023 (Part 3).” 2023. Va.gov. 2023. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/vcsz-q2jk. 
11. “Researchers Examine Why Health and Social Services Go Unused by New Veterans | Penn State University.” 2019. Psu.edu. 2019. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/researchers-examine-why-health-and-social-services-go-unused-new-veterans. 
12. Meffert, Brienna N., Danielle M. Morabito, Danielle A. Sawicki, Catherine Hausman, Steven M. Southwick, Robert H. Pietrzak, and Adrienne J. Heinz. 2019. “US Veterans Who Do and Do Not Utilize Veterans Affairs Health Care Services.” The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders 21 (1). https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.18m02350. 
13. Natasha. 2026. “About the Alabama Veterans Resource Center.” Alabama Veterans Resource Center Foundation – Mission Forward AL. March 9, 2026. https://missionforwardal.org/about/. 
14. Natasha. 2026. “Programs & Services | Alabama Veterans Resource Center.” Alabama Veterans Resource Center Foundation – Mission Forward AL. March 9, 2026. https://missionforwardal.org/programs/. 
15. Natasha. 2026. “About the Alabama Veterans Resource Center.” Alabama Veterans Resource Center Foundation – Mission Forward AL. March 9, 2026. https://missionforwardal.org/about/. 
16. AL Code § 31-5B-5 
17. Yang, Yang, Lisi Niu, Saqib Amin, and Iftikhar Yasin. 2024. “Unemployment and Mental Health: A Global Study of Unemployment’s Influence on Diverse Mental Disorders.” Frontiers in Public Health 12 (1440403). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1440403. 
18. ¹U.S. Department of Labor. 2019. “Latest Unemployment Numbers | U.S. Department of Labor.” Dol.gov. 2019. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/latest-numbers. 
19. Ibid. 
20. “Veterans Report Underemployment, Pay Frustration up to Four Years Post-Service | Social Science Research Institute.” 2024. Psu.edu. August 20, 2024. https://ssri.psu.edu/news/veterans-report-underemployment-pay-frustration-four-years-post-service. 
21. spire-tangerine-operator. 2025. “Florida Is First for Veteran Businesses.” Veterans Florida. October 6, 2025. https://veteransflorida.org/entrepreneur/. 
22. “Substance Use Disorders.” 2023. Www.hsrd.research.va.gov. June 20, 2023. https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/research_topics/sud.cfm. 
23. Ngo, Thye Peng, Salomeh Keyhani, Samuel Leonard, and Katherine J Hoggatt. 2025. “Substance Use and Use Disorders among Veterans on Long-Term Opioid Therapy.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports 16 (May): 100347–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2025.100347. 
24. Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes on Drug Abuse (US); 2020 Apr. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/ 
25. Review of 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report . 2026. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Mental Health. Office of Suicide Prevention. https://mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp. 
26. “VA.gov | Veterans Affairs.” n.d. Mentalhealth.va.gov. https://mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp. 
27. Snowden, David L., Sehun Oh, Christopher P. Salas-Wright, Michael G. Vaughn, and Erika King. 2017. “Military Service and Crime: New Evidence.” Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 52 (5): 605–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-017-1342-8. 
28. Elbogen, Eric B., Sally C. Johnson, Virginia M. Newton, Kristy Straits-Troster, Jennifer J. Vasterling, H. Ryan Wagner, and Jean C. Beckham. 2012. “Criminal Justice Involvement, Trauma, and Negative Affect in Iraq and Afghanistan War Era Veterans.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 80 (6): 1097–1102. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029967. 
29. Orak, Ugur, Katherine Kelton, Michael G. Vaughn, Jack Tsai, and Robert H. Pietrzak. 2022. “Homelessness and Contact with the Criminal Legal System among U.S. Combat Veterans: An Exploration of Potential Mediating Factors.” Criminal Justice and Behavior 50 (3): 392–409. https://doi.org/10.1177/00938548221140352. 
30. Portal, Citizen. 2026. “Georgia Veterans Agency Details Suicide-Review Findings, Expands Outreach and Launches Free Mental‑Health App.” Citizen Portal. February 19, 2026. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7451634/Georgia/Legislative/Committees/HOUSE-OF-REPRESENTATIVES/Defense-and-Veterans-Affairs/Georgia-veterans-agency-details-suicide-review-findings-expands-outreach-and-launches-free-mentalhealth-app. 
31. Ibid. 
32. Review of COUNCIL of ACCOUNTABILITY COURT JUDGES OUTCOMES REPORT. 2025. Carl Vinson Institute of Government . https://cacj.georgia.gov/data-research/publications. 
33. “Publications.” 2020. Council of Accountability Court Judges. 2020. https://cacj.georgia.gov/data-research/publications. 
34. “Missouri Military and Veterans Benefits.” 2025. Army.mil. 2025. https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Missouri#Taxes.   
35. “NCVAS State Summary Alabama FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/kcf9-n95s/. 
36. Review of Annual Benefits Report: Fiscal Year 2024. 2025. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Mental Health. Veterans Benefits Administration. https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/#:~:text=Table_title:%20View%20prior%20years’%20VBA%20Annual%20Benefits,report:%20View%20Report%20(1.43%20MB)%20%C2%BB%20%7C. 
37. “NCVAS State Summary Alabama FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/kcf9-n95s/. 
38. “NCVAS State Summary Arkansas FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/e93z-dwuz/. 
39. “NCVAS State Summary Florida FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/nge7-gsza/. 
40. “NCVAS State Summary Georgia FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/mzut-ta26/. 
41. “NCVAS State Summary Kentucky FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/fnad-6fit. 
42. “NCVAS State Summary Louisiana FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/2hu7-j4tq. 
43. “NCVAS State Summary Mississippi FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/ryqk-cw29. 
44. “NCVAS State Summary Missouri FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/jdiu-wgh7. 
45. “NCVAS State Summary North Carolina FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/dp3p-x4xd. 
46. “NCVAS State Summary Oklahoma FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/ezwf-ztxq. 
47. “NCVAS State Summary South Carolina FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/uc7j-k29c. 
48. “NCVAS State Summary Tennessee FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/44vf-wue7. 
49. “NCVAS State Summary Texas FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/9z5v-j3g6. 
50. “NCVAS State Summary Virginia FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/494i-w45t. 
51. “NCVAS State Summary West Virginia FY2024.” 2024. Va.gov. 2024. https://www.data.va.gov/stories/s/izpa-rx5n. 
52. Hanson, Melanie. “College Tuition Inflation Rate” EducationData.org, 2025-11-26, https://educationdata.org/college-tuition-inflation-rate 
53. Ibid.