Just before Veterans Day on November 11, Governor Kelly Ayotte held a ceremonial bill signing today to highlight New Hampshire’s First for Veterans Initiative and unveil a new license plate that will help fund the State’s efforts to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

“New Hampshire has a proud tradition of honoring our veterans, military service members, and their families, and our state’s new First for Veterans Initiative brings together state resources and community partnerships to make navigating services and opportunities easier for our military community,” said Governor Ayotte. “I was proud to sign a bill that supports this initiative, and I look forward to continuing our work to make New Hampshire the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

New Hampshire First for Veterans is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families through veteran-friendly policies, employment and workforce transition opportunities, improved mental and physical wellness resources, and greater awareness of available state benefits and services.

“The First for Veterans initiative ensures that New Hampshire doesn’t just thank our military veterans in words, but backs that gratitude with meaningful action in employment, support, and services,” said Maj. Gen. David Mikolaites, Adjutant General of the New Hampshire National Guard. “I’m both proud and honored that New Hampshire is a top-ranked state for military veterans and retirees. This initiative reminds us that we can’t rest on our laurels because our mission to support those who have defended our freedom continues.”

The Governor ceremonially signed House Bill 1415, which establishes a special license plate and the New Hampshire First for Veterans Number Plate Fund, with proceeds supporting programs that promote the general welfare of veterans, service members, and their families. Plates will be available for order starting January 1, 2027, from the New Hampshire DMV.

Swim with A Mission (SWAM), a lead partner of First for Veterans, also announced the creation of a website, nhfirstforvets.com, which aggregates available state and nonprofit resources to help veterans and military families live, work, and thrive in the Granite State.

“Swim With A Mission is proud to be able to support Governor Kelly Ayotte and the NH Department of Military and Veteran Services’ efforts to attract more veterans and their families to move to New Hampshire,” said SWAM co-founder Phil Taub. “Our state ranks as one of the best states for veterans to live and work. We have beautiful mountains, lakes and ocean, a patriotic population that appreciates veterans, many businesses that want to hire veterans, a great VA in Manchester and more than 60 veteran service organizations that support our veterans.  Veterans make great citizens, neighbors, and employees. We look forward to welcoming more Veterans and their families to New Hampshire!”