January 21, 2025

Transforming Veteran Support Nationwide
This week, during the Senate hearing (1:38:00) on the nomination of Douglas A. Collins to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Senator Ruben Gallego spoke about the importance of the Be Connected for veterans, service members and their families in Arizona. His remarks not only highlighted the critical role of community-based initiatives but also underscored the value of the public-private partnerships that make them possible.
At the Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF), we are proud to facilitate Be Connected, a program that complements the vital work of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by addressing the comprehensive needs of service members, veterans, and their families. While the VA provides essential care and resources, programs like Be Connected extend that care into every aspect of a veteran’s life.
Through our work, we ensure that veterans not only access VA services but also connect to additional community resources for their mental, physical, financial, social, and spiritual wellness. This relationship with the VA is symbiotic: we enthusiastically refer veterans to the VA for specialized care while helping them implement plans that holistically address needs the VA may not cover. In many ways, we serve as an extension of the VA’s work, implementing approaches that foster long-term wellness and stability in our effort to prevent suicide upstream, before a crisis can even develop.
Arizona’s Be Connected program has become a proven model for success in suicide prevention and comprehensive care coordination. This success is rooted in partnerships with the VA, community organizations, nonprofits, and partners across the state. Together, we provide a single point of connection for veterans and their families, ensuring no door is the wrong door for accessing the help they need.
We deeply appreciate the VA’s continued partnership at both the state and federal levels. It is through this collaboration that we can deliver the best outcomes for veterans. The Be Connected program is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors unite around a common goal.
Senator Gallego’s support reminds us that this model can—and should—be replicated nationwide. Veterans in every state deserve the comprehensive, coordinated care that Be Connected provides in Arizona. We stand ready to share our expertise and provide technical assistance to help other states develop the infrastructure needed to serve their veterans with the same level of care and commitment.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Each day, veterans face challenges that require more than one organization or agency can provide alone. Be Connected’s success in Arizona shows us that collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment can transform how we support those who have served.
As we continue this important work, we are grateful for leaders like Senator Gallego and Representative Juan Ciscomani who have championed these efforts and help ensure veterans and their families receive the support they have earned through their service. Together, we can create a future where every veteran has access to the resources, care, and community they need to thrive.