The Foundation of Veteran Support in America
At Warriors Fund, we recognize that supporting veterans isn’t just a duty—it’s a fundamental part of our nation’s history. Since the founding of the United States, presidents have played a crucial role in ensuring that those who served receive the care and opportunities they deserve. This President’s Day, we reflect on the legacy of leadership that has shaped veterans' benefits and how these policies continue to impact our heroes today.
George Washington: Setting the Standard for Veteran Support
As the first commander-in-chief, George Washington understood the sacrifices made by soldiers during the American Revolution. Even before he became president, Washington was an advocate for veterans, pushing for financial support for those who had risked their lives for independence. In 1783, he wrote a letter to Congress emphasizing the moral obligation to care for those who had served, stating:
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
His advocacy helped lead to the passage of the Act of 1790, which provided pensions for disabled Revolutionary War veterans. This was the earliest form of federal support for veterans and set the stage for future policies ensuring that those who serve are not forgotten.
Abraham Lincoln: "To Care for Him Who Shall Have Borne the Battle"
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln recognized the immense toll that combat took on Union soldiers. In his Second Inaugural Address in 1865, he famously declared:
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan."
This statement became the foundation for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and remains its motto today.
Lincoln also played a key role in the establishment of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in 1865. This was the first federal institution dedicated to the long-term care of veterans, laying the groundwork for today’s VA hospitals. The National Asylum later evolved into the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, a system of homes that provided shelter, medical care, and employment for veterans.
The Civil War Pension System: A Turning Point
Following Lincoln’s death, Congress expanded veterans' pensions, ensuring that Union Army veterans and their families received financial compensation for service-related injuries and disabilities. By the late 1800s, over one-third of the federal budget was allocated to veterans' pensions. This system marked the beginning of more structured federal support for veterans, an idea that future presidents would continue to refine and expand.
The 20th Century—Transforming Veteran Support
The 20th century brought major advancements in how the U.S. government supported veterans. As the country fought in two world wars and multiple conflicts, presidents took significant steps to ensure that those who served had access to education, healthcare, and financial stability. Warriors Fund continues to honor these legacies by working to ensure that veterans today receive the support they need to thrive.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the GI Bill: A Game Changer for Veterans
One of the most impactful pieces of legislation in U.S. history for veterans was the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the GI Bill, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This landmark law provided:
The GI Bill revolutionized the American workforce by helping millions of veterans obtain college degrees, leading to a more skilled labor force and contributing to post-war economic prosperity. By 1956, nearly 8 million veterans had used GI Bill benefits to further their education.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Expanding Healthcare for Veterans
As a former five-star general and Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deeply understood the needs of service members. In 1953, he took action to expand healthcare for veterans by signing legislation that transformed the Veterans Administration (VA) into a modern system.
Eisenhower’s policies led to:
During his presidency, Eisenhower also supported veteran homeownership initiatives, reinforcing the importance of stable housing for returning service members. His commitment to veterans' well-being helped shape the structure of the VA system as we know it today.
The Vietnam War Era: A Shift in Veteran Support
Following the Vietnam War, many returning service members faced significant challenges, including:
Recognizing these issues, President Jimmy Carter signed the Veterans Health Care Amendments Act of 1979, which expanded mental health services for Vietnam veterans suffering from PTSD (U.S. National Library of Medicine). This marked a turning point in acknowledging the psychological toll of war and set the stage for future mental health initiatives within the VA.
Page 3: Modern Advancements in Veteran Support
As the needs of veterans have evolved, modern presidents have continued to refine and expand policies that support those who served. From improving healthcare access to addressing mental health challenges and employment opportunities, these efforts reflect a growing understanding of the long-term impact of military service. Warriors Fund remains committed to ensuring that today’s veterans receive the benefits and resources they deserve.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill: A New Era of Education Benefits
With the rise of the Global War on Terrorism, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan faced new challenges in reintegration. In response, President George W. Bush signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008, providing:
Since its passage, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has helped over 800,000 veterans and family members gain access to higher education. This bill reaffirmed the country’s commitment to empowering veterans through education and career development.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: A Growing Priority
As awareness of PTSD and veteran suicide increased, recent administrations have taken steps to expand mental health resources. Under President Barack Obama, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act was signed into law in 2015, aiming to:
Following this, President Donald Trump signed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act in 2020, further strengthening:
The Honoring Our PACT Act: Addressing Toxic Exposure
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Honoring Our PACT Act, a groundbreaking law that provides health benefits to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous substances. This act:
This law marks one of the most comprehensive expansions of veteran benefits in recent history and highlights the ongoing need to address the long-term health consequences of military service.
Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
As we reflect on President’s Day, it’s clear that U.S. presidents have played a crucial role in shaping veteran policies. From George Washington’s early pension system to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Honoring Our PACT Act, these initiatives demonstrate a continued commitment to those who have served. Warriors Fund remains dedicated to ensuring that this legacy of support continues, advocating for policies and programs that empower veterans to build successful, fulfilling lives.
