NATIONAL GUARD

The Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon, born from a National Guard tribute to the Bataan march, marked 22 years of honoring veterans on South Dakota's Mickelson Trail this month.

New York extended 9/11-related benefit deadlines for National Guard members and first responders ahead of the 25th anniversary, giving more people time to file WTC-related claims.

A new federal law ends surprise out-of-state tuition bills for Guard and Reserve members using the Montgomery GI Bill, effective for terms starting August 1, 2026.

Three bipartisan Minnesota veteran laws take effect Aug. 1: honorary diplomas for Korean and Vietnam vets, a National Guard pay raise, and wider burial eligibility.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed three bills strengthening Illinois veterans' access to education, National Guard recruitment, and suicide-prevention therapies.