Supporting Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members and Their Families

WHEREAS, the AFT represents 1.8 million members in healthcare, education, public service, and retirees united in advancing dignity, equity and access to high-quality public services; and

WHEREAS, to commemorate the importance of our active duty, reservist and National Guard henceforth active members and veteran members; in May 2025, the AFT constituted the Veterans Committee by a unanimous vote of the AFT executive council, and

WHEREAS, veterans and active service members have served our nation at great personal cost, often experiencing complex physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, and moral injury that require comprehensive, long-term care; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a nationally recognized, integrated healthcare system uniquely equipped to provide specialized, veteran-centered care; and

WHEREAS, efforts to underfund, privatize or fragment VA healthcare services undermine continuity of care, workforce stability and health outcomes for veterans; and

WHEREAS, AFT members, including nurses, healthcare professionals, educators, public employees, and retirees are essential to delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent and holistic services addressing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health; and

WHEREAS, active service members and their families face extraordinary demands and deserve the visible, sustained support of the labor movement and the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, many members of the AFT are themselves veterans, active service members or family members of those who serve, and are directly and personally impacted by the availability, quality and continuity of healthcare, support services, and public policies affecting military and veteran communities; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has long affirmed the importance of human rights, ethical responsibility, and the rule of law, including the obligation to follow lawful orders and the right to refuse unlawful orders without retaliation:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will reaffirm our unwavering support for veterans, active service members and their families, honoring their service and committing to their lifelong care and well-being; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate and support veterans and active service members in public sector and union jobs, and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support the VA and public sector workforce, including the right to organize, safe staffing levels, fair wages and the resources necessary to deliver high-quality care; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will commit to ensuring that active service members and their families know they are supported, respected and valued, both during service and in their transition to civilian life; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will call for full funding, staffing and protection of the VA healthcare system, and will oppose any efforts to privatize, outsource or weaken this essential public institution; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care, including expanded access to mental health services, treatment for post-traumatic stress and moral injury, substance use care, and supportive services for families; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will affirm the rights and dignity of service members, supporting those who carry out lawful orders and recognizing the legal and moral obligation to refuse unlawful orders, consistent with military law and democratic principles; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will encourage AFT affiliates and locals to partner with veteran-serving organizations, expand community-based supports, and reduce stigma associated with seeking care; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will direct AFT leadership to advocate at the federal, state and local levels for policies that strengthen veteran services, protect public healthcare infrastructure, and support military families.

Adopted July 19, 2026