INDIANAPOLIS (March 17, 2006) ? Governor Mitch Daniels today signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Hoosier Veterans Seamless Transition Program (HVSTP) to assist Active Reserve Forces, which includes the Indiana National Guard and Reserves, with the transition to civilian life upon returning from active-duty overseas. In addition, the governor signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 75, which creates a military relief fund for the families of Hoosier veterans and restores a veterans? disability benefit.

?Our veterans have performed the most important public service of all. We are a state of patriots and we should do everything we can to assist and thank these men and women who have given so much for our benefit,? said Daniels.

The program ensures that returning veterans are provided with assistance related to their transition from military active-duty to civilian life, including necessary medical care, information about benefits and entitlements, and employment. The HVSTP is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters, U.S. Department of Labor, Indiana Workforce Development, and the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation as well as other state veterans? service providers.

The governor was joined today by Adjutant General R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tom Applegate, and representatives from veterans service providers across the state including the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, and the Disabled American Veterans.

?This program will bring first class transition services to Hoosier veterans,? said Applegate. ?During this legislative session, Governor Daniels has taken action to support veterans, who are very important to Indiana.?

SEA 75, authored by Senator David Long (R-Fort Wayne), establishes the military relief fund which provides grants for the families of Hoosier members of the Indiana National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves who have been called to active duty since September 11, 2001. A portion of the money for the fund will be raised through the sale of a new Hoosier veteran license plate created through the bill. Also, SEA 75 restores the Remission of Fees benefit to the children of all wartime-era veterans who were disabled in the line of duty while serving their country, regardless of their disability rating.