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Message 2024ANNUAL REPORTF i s c a l Y e a r 2 0 2 4

Indiana's Veterans, by the NumbersExecutive TeamIDVA TeamAgency OverviewDivision Overviews: Training & ServicesMilitary Family Relief FundState Approving AgencyLegal & LegislativeOutreach & CommunicationsIndiana Veterans Memorial CemeteryIndiana Veterans HomeIndiana Veterans Center010203060708091011131415MissionThe mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is to Support,Serve and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.VisionIndiana is the choice for Veterans to Live, Work and Thrive. F Y 2 0 2 4 Contents

Indiana Veteran Treatment CourtsCurrently:30Suicide Rates(per 100,000 Population)34.8% Total Veteran Suicide Rate20.7% Total Suicide RateF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1Indiana veterans by the numbersIndiana Veterans7.8% Female92.2 % Male

Gabrielle Owens, General CounselJoseph DeVito, Outreach DirectorAmy Gibson, IVH SuperintendentDennis is a well-rounded leader who has put his years of experience in business, non-profit, and education to work for the agency. His passion for helping people andserving the veteran community is what drives his commitment to supporting Indiana'sveterans and their families.Tim Winslow, Operations DirectorDennis A. Wimer, DirectorTim is the Assistant Adjutant General in the Indiana National Guard and oversees fourdivisions within IDVA. In his role, he collaborates with various organizations and Stateagencies to help veterans access their earned benefits.As the General Counsel, Gabrielle brings over 25 years of legal experience to theteam. She also provides leadership in policy, audit and legislative functions.Gabrielle’s father is a retired Air Force colonel.Joe, a Coast Guard veteran, Indiana University Southeast graduate, former CountyVeteran Service Officer and District Service Officer, brings experience in business,outreach, and volunteer work. He is passionate about reaching veterans and increasingthe number of veterans served and benefits awarded across the state.Amy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our community of veterans atthe Home. With over 10 years of experience as a Nursing Home Administrator invarious communities, she provides oversight and ensures quality care. Amy is a proud graduate of IUPUI and Indiana Wesleyan.F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 2Executive team

Gary BengeService OfficerCambria SparksService OfficerT R A I N I N G & S E R V I C E STimothy E. DykeDirectorMark GourleyService OfficerCameron LochnerService OfficerJosh TolenService OfficerRonald HigginsService OfficerKevin HintonService OfficerKelly CherryOffice ManagerShannon NicoloffCustomer ServiceC U S T O M E R S E R V I C EF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 3Idva teamPhil A, KrummTraining Manager

Albert S. BennettForemanLynn DickeyDirectorJanie GregoryAssistant DirectorM I L I T A R Y F A M I L Y R E L I E F F U N DAlan J. BurnhamSuperintendentCharlie J. BurtonAsst. SuperintendentDavid McKayForemanI N D I A N A V E T E R A N S M E M O R I A L C E M E T E R YF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 4Idva teamKathryn ConyersProgram CoordinatorKyle GrossDeputy DirectorL E G A L & L E G I S L A T I V EBrookelynn DeatonGrant & Compliance Administrator

Gary RaineyProgram DirectorF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 5Idva teamTim WilsonAssistant DirectorKimberly BloodgoodProgram DirectorSean LitchfordProgram DirectorS T A T E A P P R O V I N G A G E N C YLaura McKeeWomen VeteransCoordinatorO U T R E A C H & C O M M U N I C A T I O N SBrad HarperIGC Suicide Prevention ManagerSalon N. OsborneDigital MarketingManagerBryan SchmidtHealth & WellnessDirectorLesley EvansIGC ProgramAdministratorAmber R. MertensDirectorT E C H N O L O G YDevon SprongIT Director

Improving the Lives of Indiana Veterans: The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)Since its establishment in 1945, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has been committed toenhancing the welfare of Indiana veterans. As benefits and veteran communities have evolved, IDVA hascustomized its communication to accommodate all veteran groups. Its staff members organize andparticipate in various events and activities across the state to reach out to veterans and their familiesthroughout the year.IDVA's partnerships with other state agencies and public and private organizations continue to expand. TheIndiana Veterans Center houses numerous veteran agencies, including federal, state, city, and nonprofitorganizations. This combination is unparalleled to any other facility in the country.The organization is growing rapidly, and IDVA has been expanding its operations and staff to meet its goalof Supporting, Serving, and Advocating for Indiana's entire veteran community. Under the guidance ofDirector Wimer, the executive team focuses on transparency, implementing effective policies, empoweringstaff, and striving for positive change.The entire IDVA, including the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the Indiana Veterans Home, isdedicated to achieving its vision that Indiana is the ideal place for veterans to live, work, and thrive.Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran CommunityThe Indiana Veteran Community consists of veterans, family members, caregivers, friends,organizations, and providers who touch veteran lives in some way. Indiana owes a greatdebt to its veterans, past and present, for their personal sacrifices and dedicated service.IDVA is committed to providing quality services, benefits, and programming. We aredevoted to enhancing and expanding Indiana’s resources, and continuing our vision:Indiana is the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive.F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 6agency overview

NorthwestMark GourleyCentral-WestJosh TolenCentral-EastCambria SparksSoutheastRon Higgins SouthwestKevin HintonNortheastCam LochnerF Y 2 0 2 3The IDVA Training and Services Division comprises several key members, including the Director of Veterans Services,the Training Manager, and the State Veteran Service Officer. In addition, the mobile team consists of six District ServiceOfficers (DSOs).The Director of Veterans Services and the Training Manager manage daily state benefits applications and online Tuitionand Fee Exemption applications. The State Service Officers specifically focus on assisting veterans applying for federalbenefits, VA pension benefits, and VA health care enrollment.IDVA maintains a quality partnership with Indiana’sCounty Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). The CVSOsprovide front-line state and federal benefit servicesfor Indiana’s Veteran Community. While theCVSOs are county staff, and IDVA assiststhem with attaining and maintaining state-mandatedVA accreditation. IDVA provides full access to VetraSpec,a standardized veteran claims management systemwhich include one account per CVSO office at no charge.IDVA’s six District Service Officers each cover 13-15CVSO offices. They provide on-site accreditation trainingand special projects assistance to the CVSO and office staff.The DSOs provide full training and support for theclaims management system, federal benefitsapplication, and VA healthcare eligibility. 29VA Accredited90VA AccreditedCVSOsAsst. CVSOsTuition & Fee Exemption Applications2023-2024 Academic Year1,764 Awarded54 Denied67 On HoldIndiana VeteranBenefitsProperty Tax Deductions853Veteran License PlatesDisabled VeteranPurple HeartPOW/MIA601Hunting & Fishing License162Total Active VetraSpec AccountsF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 7training & services688Disabled VeteranPeacetime & WartimeSurviving SpouseDisabled VeteranReduced FeeOne Year & Ten YearApplicationsProcessed1,890IDVA Sponsored Accounts89

APPROVED45.3%DENIED32.3%CLOSED22.4%636*We make every effort to contact applicantsand obtain any necessary information whenan incomplete application is received. If we'reunable to reach them after 30 days, theapplication is closed without any impact onthe applicant's ability to reapply.MFRF Denial Reasons2,833 MFRFApplications Processed9151,282The Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) is dedicated tosupporting veterans and their dependents who are facedwith financial hardships. The fund assists with essentialhousehold expenses that have become difficult to afford.In fiscal year 2024, the MFRF continued to offer its regularprogram and two specialty programs: Operation HolidayProgram and Operation Back to School.To streamline the application process, the MFRF hascreated an online portal for submitting applications on itswebsite. Additionally, a new digital case managementsystem is in place to ensure more efficient and accurateprocessing of applications.The MFRF has established a robust network of partners tosupport veterans in various areas of need, including jobsearches, financial counseling, federal and health benefits,and legal counsel.F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 8military family relief fundHas no current hardshipHousehold income is over the poverty limitReported expenditures were inappropriateDid not meet stipulation requirementsHad other assets availableWas not an Indiana residentHad already exhausted MFRF fundsWas not a veteran dependentMilitary discharge was not acceptedThe Applicant:47.5%15.4%13.1%8.0%6.1%3.5%2.8%2.2%1.3%DeniedApprovedClosedEDU OH BFUEducation$269,437.12Other:MedicalInsuranceProperty TaxBMV$269,437.12Housing$181,021.81Food$79,703.74Utilities$53,637.31BasicTransport$87,287.9030.7%23.5%20.6%9.9%9.1%6.1%Total MFRF Expenditures$877,514.12MFRF Expenditures by need:

APP attracts veterans and theirfamilies from across the nation to live,work & thrive in Indiana918Assigned bythe VAApprenticeship Program (APP)Without these APP programs, many federalGIBILL® benefits would remain unused!F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 9state approving agencyThe State Approving Agency (SAA) is responsible for approving a variety of educational programs, includingcollege and non-college degree programs, vocational flight training, high schools, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training programs. These approvals enable veterans and other eligible individuals to receive federaleducational assistance benefits through programs managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Working in conjunction with the VA, the SAA is responsible for approving and maintaining the approval ofeducational and training facilities. The agency successfully fulfilled all requirements of the federal fiscal year2024 cooperative agreement.The SAA received a Satisfactory rating, the highest rating score from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in FY2024.Institutions of Higher LearningApprenticeshipsNon-College Degree SchoolsOn-the-Job Training FacilitiesVocational Flight Schools12211569233332 Indiana Active FacilitiesThe purpose of Risk-Based Surveys is to review and mitigate potentialfraud, waste, and abuse by utilizing data and risk factors that areoutside of the normal approval, compliance, and liaison processes.Supervisory Visits are on-site reviews of an institution’srecords and practices to ensure compliance with VArequirements regarding veteran benefits and training quality.CompletedCompletedGI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefitsoffered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Aff.37Dism17REM4Rev4Indiana Legal ServicesVeterans Life Changing ServicesOperation Combat BikesaverLafayette Transitional HousingHope Southern IndianaTurnstone CenterFamily Services Howard Co.InteCarePets Healing VetsYMCA Greater IndianapolisIndy Warrior PartnershipLiberty PlaceWelcome Home Vietnam VeteransReach ServicesMuncie-Delaware$45,000$45,000$40,000$20,000$16,500$20,000$30,000$20,000$10,000$27,000$26,000$36,000$20,000$25,000$10,000100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%100%70%10%GRANTEE AWARD SPENT4 DenialsReversed60%MFRF Appeals62TOTALMFRF OVER $2,500 REQUESTS37 Applications - 37 ApprovedTotal Awarded $86,159.79The IDVA Legal & Legislative Division (ILL) serves as atrusted advisor to the IDVA Executive Team and all otherdivisions of IDVA. ILL is responsible for representing IDVAin appeals, coordinating all IDVA legislative functions,administering grants to nonprofit organizations that assistveterans and nationally chartered veteran serviceorganizations, conducting compliance monitoring of stategrant funds, executing contracts and other legalmemoranda, and overseeing administrative activities forthe Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.Grants For Veterans Services F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 0legal & legislativeALDAVAMVETS VFWVVAVeteran Service Organization GrantsGranted$261,000Utilized$253,46294%Granted$292,000Utilized$276,56995%Granted$344,500Utilized$344,500100%Granted$277,000Utilized$277,000100%Granted$25,000Utilized$25,000100%37 DenialsAffirmed4 DenialsRemanded17 DenialsDismissed27%7%7%EVENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMAmerican LegionVeterans of Foreign WarsDisabled American VeteransAmerican VeteransVietnam Veterans of America2Tuition & FeeExemptionAppeals Dismissed2FiledALVFWDAVAMVETSVVA-----51 Eventssponsored$24,000Distributed

W INVetWomen of IndianaWho are VeteransIDVAWELLNESSHEALTH &in.gov/dvaIDVA Women Veteran Wellness RetreatsIDVA Women Veteran Wellness RetreatsThe WINVet program is dedicated to empowering womenveterans to attain the utmost quality of life by providingreliable resources, delivering quality community outreach,and cultivating vast networking opportunities.WINVet provides education and enrichment to womenveterans through coordination and collaboration with serviceorganizations, community partners, and the VA.F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 1outreach & communicationsIDVA's Outreach Division has been diligently delivering information about benefits, services, and programmingstatewide. The agency’s reach has expanded further than ever combining curated partnerships and the use ofinnovative technology with an entrepreneurial grassroots community action plan. Four main areas of focus andgrowth have been essential for the agency to deliver on our mission and achieve our vision. (1) The expansion of theIndiana Governor’s Challenge (IGC) team. IDVA welcomed our Upstream Suicide Prevention Manager and the IGCProgram Administrator and furthered expanded the team with cross-agency IGC staff at FSSA and IDOH. (2)Expand utilization of IDVAs Short Messaging System (SMS) to identify and connect with the Indiana VeteranCommunity. (3) Continue the growth of the Woman Veterans programming.(4) Develop in-house talent for a direct focus on IDVAs website and socialmedia creation and modification.Women VeteranRegistry EnrollmentWomen VeteranRegistry Enrollment24% in FY 202424% in FY 2024Retreats offer Indiana’s women veteranscamaraderie, wellness activities and provideone-on-one sessions with women serviceofficers.The retreats are held at Indiana state parks inpartnership with the Indiana Departmentmentof Natural Resources.Participants help IDVA gather key data aboutthe women veteran community and boast aAs of January 2024, the Indiana Governor’sChallenge to Prevent Suicide Among ServiceMembers, Veterans, and their Families was fullyoperational, marking a major milestone in thestate’s commitment to addressing suicideprevention for the Indiana Veteran Community(IVC). The IGC team empowers local communitycoalitions across the state with data, provenconcepts, and resources to plan and implementsuicide prevention strategies tailored to the needsof their local Veteran community. This initiative is a testament to the real-life impactthat federal and state partnerships, intrastateagency collaboration, and communityempowerment can fuel. This unique partnershiphas produced suicide prevention programsgrounded in evidence and derived fromcollaboration offering a chance of saving lives.Under the dedicated leadership of the IDVA and itsmission to Support, Serve, and Advocate for theIndiana Veteran Community, Indiana is dedicatedto the fight against veteran suicide.INJOIN98% 98% “Excellent” Ratingby retreat participants!“Excellent” Ratingby retreat participants!Creating healthyopportunities for theIndiana VeteranCommunity toLive, Work & Thrive.

FacebookTotal Followers 9,246 Added in FY24611Page Reach2.708MTotal Posts 464 Total Impressions159,724Engagement Rate3.17%InstagramTotal Followers 753 Added in FY24682Page Reach13,863Total Posts 214 Total Impressions13,491Engagement Rate3.55%LinkedInTotal Followers 1,071 Added in FY24337Page Reach31,098Total Posts 208 Total Impressions52,525Engagement Rate7.16%225KWebsiteUsersTotalNew179KMobile Most UsedDevice:110KTotal Sessions180KSocial MediaF Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 2outreach & communications1,061,495 Total Recipients 1,011,446 Total Delivered 913,526 Total Received95%95%264,865 Total OpenedWebsite ActivityIDVA Webpage Visits90,144 Homepage47,742 MFRF30,783 Prop. Tax Deduction30,664 Tuition & Fee Deduction29,899 Find Your CVSO27,060 Benefits @ a Glance22,783 OHO* & BTS*35,162 All Other Pages28.8%15.2%9.8%9.8%9.6%8.6%7.3%10.9%29%29%Subscriber Activity45 Email Bulletins & 12 Newsletters SentOther 0.9%WebSearchTypeOrganic55.8%Direct25.6%Organic Social7.3%Referral 6.7%Email 3.7%*MFRF Specialty Programs: Operation Holiday Program and Back to School

1,891Governor's MemorialCertificates IssuedP R E - N E E DB U R I A LA P P L I C A T I O N104 Submitted104 Approvedvets74.2%spous25.8%Honoring Veterans and Their Families at the Indiana Veterans Memorial CemeteryThe Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery serves as both a final resting place and a lasting tribute toveterans and their families. It stands as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made inservice to our country. GOVERNMENT HEADSTONES163 Ordered163 SetI V M C I N T E R M E N T SDependentsVeterans26% 74%198TOTALHonoring Our Fallen Heroes: Wreaths Across America at IVMCOn December 16, 2023, IVMC hosted Wreaths Across America, an event that saw aremarkable turnout from the community with around 350 attendees. Together, we laid wreathson every gravesite to honor those who sacrificed everything for our country. A total of 1,650wreaths were placed, each one a symbol of gratitude for our fallen heroes.On May 27, 2024, IVMC hosted aMemorial Day service thatgarnered a large turnout. Theevent was hosted by IVMCSuperintendent Alan Burnhamand featured a poignant speechMadison Mayor Bob Courtney.2024100%F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 3indiana veteraNS MEMORIAL CEMETERY5 National Guard51147IVMC is now open to honoring Indiana’s NationalGuard Veterans with full interment accesses.

3,000 +Wreaths PlacedF Y 2 0 2 3New Residents52Residents: 117as of 06/30/2024New Recreation BusRibbon CuttingJanuary 2024Great Thanks to:DAV, Elks, VFW, VFW Auxiliary,American Legion Post 502, and theAmerican Legion Post 502 Riders Our MissionTo meet the unique needs of Indiana's veterans, spouses and families. Deliver high level care in a therapeutichome-like environment with compassion and comprehensive skilled care while integrating arts and culturalprogramming.Our Vision Honor Indiana's veteran community through high level care, enhancing health and yielding optimal quality of lifewhile preserving the rich history of the home.F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 4INDIANA VETERANS HOMEIVH Recreation ActivitiesIVH hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year.Residents enjoy attending Lafayette Aviators games andfishing in the Legion Pond located on-site. They also havevisits from various organizations. On Christmas Day andduring the Christmas parties, every resident receives gifts,and last year, they were delighted by a visit from Santaand Mrs. Claus!VA Nursing Hiring and Retention GrantThis grant, part of the VA Nursing Hiring andRetention Program, specifically focuses on increasing the hiring and retention of direct-care nursing staffat IVH, helping achieve the goal of employing more statenursing staff rather than relying on agency staff.Purdue football players visitthe residentsIVH residents enjoy a day atthe ballpark

SECOND FLOORTHIRD FLOORFOURTH FLOORIndiana Department of Veterans Affairs (317) 232-3910 Indiana Department of Workforce Development (317) 234-8661Local Veterans Employment Specialist (LVER)Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP)Operation Job Ready VetsHistoric Auditorium - Conference/Meeting Space (317) 921-5563VA HUD-VASH Veteran Health Initiative Clinic (317) 778-0217FIRST FLOORVeterans AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration (VBA) (800) 827-1000Veterans Readiness & Employment (VBA) (800) 827-1000VA HUD-VASH Vocational Rehabilitation (317) 464-1400Indiana Veteran Service OrganizationsVolunteers of America (463) 202-5864Disabled American Veterans (317) 319-3844INVETS (317) 353-3674American Legion (317) 916-3605F Y 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 5indiana veterans centerOn March 15, 1919, members of the American ExpeditionaryForce convened in Paris to form the first American Legioncaucus. This historic event marked the start of an organizationdedicated to veteran benefits, resources and, programs,marking the start of a legacy of caring for veterans in the stateof Indiana. In 1925, the American Legion took up residence inthe four-story, 40,000 square foot iconic structure at 777 N.Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis, IN.“The Indiana Veterans Center is a veteran’s first and laststop,” IDVA Director Dennis A. Wimer said. “If you are aveteran or veteran family member looking for assistance,you can come here and we will do our best to meet yourneeds. Our goal is to support, serve and advocate forIndiana’s veteran community, we can achieve these goalsat the Indiana Veterans Center.” SERVING THOSE WHO SERVEDBENEFITS RESOURCES SERVICES777777INDIANAINDIANAVETERANSVETERANSCENTERCENTER

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVEDBENEFITS RESOURCES SERVICES777777INDIANAINDIANAVETERANSVETERANSCENTERCENTERMissionThe mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is to Support,Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.Indiana Veterans Center777 North Meridian Street, Suite 300Indianapolis, IN 46204INDIANA DEPARTMENT ofVETERANS AFFAIRS