As a new Trump administration prepares to take office, there is a critical opportunity to correct years of neglect in veterans’ services and provide real, effective solutions for those who have given everything for our nation. One question looms large in this endeavor: What do veterans truly need from their country in their journey from active duty to civilian life? The answer, I believe, lies in addressing the full range of barriers that veterans face—from transition programs to tax incentives to healthcare and housing support.

Veterans’ transition to civilian life is filled with unique challenges, but these can be effectively tackled through initiatives that both empower veterans and streamline their access to resources. One of the most significant steps President Trump could take in his second term would be to enhance the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which allows service members to gain valuable civilian work experience before they officially separate from the military.

Expanding SkillBridge, alongside offering substantial tax breaks and incentives to companies that participate, could make an immense difference. It is imperative to reward companies that commit to hiring veterans, recognizing their experience, and preparing them for success. By eliminating tax barriers and easing the path for both veterans and employers, we can drive down unemployment rates among veterans and give those transitioning out of service a fair start in their new lives.

Equally important is reevaluating the tax burdens faced by veterans once they retire. Military pensions are currently subject to federal taxation, placing an unnecessary financial strain on those who’ve already sacrificed so much. Exempting military retirement pay from federal taxes would directly improve veterans’ quality of life. This small act would serve as a tangible thank-you, especially for those who served during difficult times or in active conflict zones.

Veteran homelessness also demands immediate and creative solutions. During President Trump’s first term, we saw a tangible reduction in veteran homelessness—progress that can and must be reignited. By directing funds from agencies like FEMA to develop safe, supportive communities specifically for homeless veterans, the administration could tackle this crisis head-on. A FEMA-backed approach, along with enhanced funding for HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), could make a substantial difference for thousands of veterans living on the streets today. However, it is essential to ensure that these funds actually reach veterans. Another idea could be what I’ve called Base Camps—infrastructure providing housing and essential services that would create a longer runway into successful sobriety and reintegration.

The mental health of veterans, both active-duty and retired, is also crucial to ensuring their successful reintegration. Combat experiences and the physical and psychological demands of military life often create unseen burdens that can complicate veterans’ transition to civilian life. During his first term, President Trump emphasized the importance of continuity and community care for veterans through the VA. Bringing back and expanding these initiatives would ensure that veterans continue to have access to the care they need, particularly as they adjust to new roles and environments after service. The ability to receive specialized, veteran-focused healthcare in community settings was a major win for veterans, but this option must be expanded to make a deeper impact.

The transition process itself must be reformed, with the military prioritizing veterans’ long-term stability and mental health in a more meaningful way. Every service member, whether they’ve served four years or forty, should have access to robust transition resources during the last six months of their active duty. Establishing universal programs that provide career counseling, job placement, psychological evaluations, and group therapy would lay a stronger foundation for veterans’ civilian lives. This holistic approach could help prevent some of the tragic outcomes veterans face, from homelessness to suicide.

We are witnessing troubling numbers—43,000 homeless veterans and over a million others on the brink of homelessness. Our duty as a nation is to prevent this trend from worsening. Additionally, as we navigate an era of economic uncertainty and complex geopolitical threats, we must consider the cost of unjust wars that impose lasting scars on veterans. Avoiding unnecessary conflicts can save countless lives and reduce the challenges our veterans face when they return.

In total, there are 1.2 million active-duty service members today. We must not allow these future veterans to become the next generation of homeless and underserved citizens. President Trump’s second term holds immense potential to reshape how our nation serves its veterans. Through a combination of expanded transition programs, strengthened tax incentives, housing initiatives, and renewed healthcare commitments, we can honor their sacrifices with real, impactful solutions. These are not luxuries but responsibilities, and they are well within our reach.

It is time to fulfill the promise that every veteran deserves—a safe, stable, and supportive transition back into civilian life. By building on past successes and investing in these critical areas, we can ensure that our veterans receive the support they have earned and a future they deserve.