The Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana on Friday named State Senator Jim Arnold of LaPorte Legislator of the Year in recognition of his support for key veteran and military affairs issues at their annual state convention in Indianapolis. Arnold was previously recognized in April by the Michigan City chapter of the DAV for his dedication and commitment to Indiana servicemen and women.
Arnold said that because of his personal experience as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force, these issues are particularly important to him. Since he joined the State Senate in 2007, Arnold has supported several legislative initiatives in support of Indiana’s veterans, including House Bill 1178 in 2010 – an act requiring post-deployment health evaluations of returning Indiana National Guardsmen and women to be conducted in person by a trained healthcare provider.
Arnold said he was truly honored by the award, but he knows there is still much work to be done. He said he plans to remain committed to providing the support Hoosier veterans and their families need as they transition back to civilian life.
As the caucus chair for the Indiana Senate Democrats, Arnold currently serves as the ranking majority member on the Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as well as several other Senate standing and study committees.
