Publication
George W. Bush Institute
Veterans & Military Families
Helping veterans and their families thrive in civilian life.
“Our warriors are the one percent of America who kept the 99 percent safe. We have a duty to help make their transitions as successful as possible.”
— President George W. Bush
The Veterans and Military Families program helps veterans, service members and their loved ones make successful transitions through leadership programming and research-driven policy recommendations. We focus on informing the veteran employment, education, and health and well-being space so that transitions are simpler and more accessible.
Connect to Care
Veterans, service members, families, caregivers, and survivors experiencing difficulties in daily life or in distress can reach out to Check-In and trust that an advocate will find a licensed mental and brain health professional who can help.
Experts
David J. Kramer
Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President
Megan Bunce
Director, Veterans and Military Families
Kelley Jiou
Director, Leadership Programs
Blayne Smith
Interim Director, Health and Well-Being, Veterans and Military Families
D’Juan Wilcher, Lieutenant Commander, USNR
Deputy Director, Veterans and Military Families
Michael Bailey
Deputy Director, Leadership Programs
The Latest
Publication
An open letter to new veterans
Publication
Helping Veterans Achieve Their Potential With Higher Education Resources
Publication
Unity in the trenches
The world’s most pluralistic society is protected by its most diverse organization: the U.S. military
Podcast
Jim Hake: The Spirit of America at home and abroad
In Veterans
The latest
Q & A · Jul 1, 2026
Meet the Veteran Wellness Alliance: D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance is a coalition of veteran peer-to-peer networks and best-in-class mental and brain health care providers who connect veterans, service members, their families, caretakers, and survivors to high-quality care for their invisible wounds. <br> <br> Q&A with Stacy Hawkins, managing director for Research and Evaluation at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Jun 16, 2026
Over 250 years of service: the families behind the uniform
May 28, 2026
Meet the Veteran Wellness Alliance: Avalon Action Alliance
The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance is a coalition of veteran peer-to-peer networks and best-in-class mental and brain health care providers who connect veterans, service members, their families, caretakers, and survivors to high-quality care for their invisible wounds. <br> <br> Q&A with Greg Frey, vice president of strategic engagement and partnerships at Avalon Action Alliance
Mar 31, 2026
Meet the Veteran Wellness Alliance: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance is a coalition of veteran peer-to-peer networks and best-in-class mental and brain health care providers who connect veterans, service members, their families, caretakers, and survivors to high-quality care for their invisible wounds. <br><br> Q&A with Dr. Lynda C. Davis, the Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Feb 28, 2026
Meet the Veteran's Wellness Alliance: Blue Star Families
The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance is a coalition of veteran peer-to-peer networks and best-in-class mental and brain health care providers who connect veterans, service members, their families, caretakers, and survivors to high-quality care for their invisible wounds. <br><br> Q&A with Ryan Callahan, a 2022 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholar and executive vice president of digital innovation at Blue Star Families
Jan 23, 2026
Meet the Veteran Wellness Alliance: Wounded Warrior Project
The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance is a coalition of veteran peer-to-peer networks and best-in-class mental and brain health care providers who connect veterans, service members, their families, caretakers, and survivors to high-quality care for their invisible wounds. <br><br> Q&A with Dani Larson, triage operations specialist