The men and women who fight our wars define heroism, yet too often they face hardship as they transition to civilian life. As someone who hails from a proud military family, caring for our veterans is about more than just policy, it's personal. That's why I was pleased to help announce recent federal grants that will help veterans in North Carolina access housing.

It is unacceptable that veterans make up 13 percent of the homeless population around the country, and I'm pleased that organizations in North Carolina, such as the United Way of Forsyth County, will receive a total of $6 million in grants to increase housing for our veterans.

North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the country, but we must ensure we're also the most veteran-friendly state as well. That's why I'm fighting to reduce delays our veterans face when they seek crucial benefits at the Winston-Salem Regional VA office; it's why I helped to pass legislation that gives North Carolina businesses incentives to hire veterans; and it's why my constituent services team has resolved more than 2,000 veteran-related cases.

I will continue to do everything I can to support our brave service members when they return home, and these grants to fight homelessness will improve the lives of veterans who need our help.

To read this letter to the editor at The Winston-Salem Journal, please click here.