SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah paused on Monday, May 12, 2025, to celebrate the remarkable dedication and achievements of its military community at the fifth annual State of Utah Service Member of the Year Awards. Hosted by Governor Spencer Cox and the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, this event recognized the top performers from across the Army, …
UDVMA named an Enduring Partner by the Military Spouse Employment Partnership
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) is pleased to announce its selection as a Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Enduring Partner Employer by the Department of Defense. This recognition from the Department of Defense highlights UDVMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting military spouses through active recruitment, hiring, and the provision of meaningful career …
Utah Honor Flight brings ‘virtual flight’ experience to veterans in Payson
“Utah Honor Flight brings ‘virtual flight’ experience to veterans in Payson” by Alex Cabrera, KSL TV, March 30, 2025, https://www.ksl.com/article/51285549 PAYSON — If there were ever a soundtrack to service, the sound of bagpipes and drums would be a fitting choice. On Saturday afternoon, that music echoed through the halls of the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, setting the tone …
Governor Cox Declares April 2025 Month of the Military Child in Utah
This April, Utah joins the nation in recognizing the incredible resilience and strength of our military children. Governor Spencer J. Cox has officially declared April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child in Utah, a time dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of the roughly 17,000 military children who call our state home. These young heroes face unique …
2025 Utah Legislative Wrap-up
The 2025 Utah Legislative Session brought forth a series of bills aimed at supporting Utah’s veterans, service members, and their families. From enhancing protections and addressing homelessness to expanding educational opportunities and recognizing military service, these legislative actions reflect a commitment to those who have served. Here’s a brief overview of the key bills passed, covering general provisions, recognition of …
A Day of Honor and Remembrance: Marking 50 Years Since the End of the Vietnam War
SALT LAKE CITY — This past Friday, March 28th, the Utah State Capitol Rotunda became a place of remembrance and gratitude as the state observed Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. This year carried added weight, marking the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam War. The ceremony paid powerful tribute to every individual who answered the call of duty …
Research Groundbreakers; Listening to Those Who Serve: A Study to Support Utah’s Veterans and Military Service Members
By Amanda Ashley, Sr. Director of Research & Innovation Communications — Published originally on research.utah.edu. Behind every breakthrough at the University of Utah, there’s a researcher driven by curiosity, passion, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. Research Groundbreakers is dedicated to showcasing these innovators—the faculty, scholars, and entrepreneurs whose work is shaping industries, improving lives, and expanding knowledge. From …
Utah Legislature Honors all those who served during Vietnam War
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Dozens of Vietnam War Veterans filled the Utah State Capitol yesterday, February 26th, to be recognized. The Utah Legislature, under the sponsorship of Representative Karianne Lisonbee, took a moment to formally recognize and thank all those who served in uniform during the Vietnam War. The resolution served as a testament to the state’s commitment to …
The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape: How It Will Open Doors for Great Salt Lake
“The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape: How It Will Open Doors for Great Salt Lake” by Marisa Weinberg, FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake Newsletter, Winter 2025 – https://www.fogsl.org/newsroom/newsletters The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape, or “GSLSL,” is another acronym to add to the growing Great Salt Lake vernacular. The GSLSL represents a novel convergence of conservation, working lands, and national …
Utah’s Military and Defense Industry: A Major Economic Driver
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) is excited to share the findings of a comprehensive economic impact study recently conducted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. This research, commissioned by UDVMA and the Utah Defense Alliance, sheds light on the significant contributions of Utah’s military and defense industry to our state’s …
Utah Tax Benefits for Military Personnel and Their Spouses
The Utah State Tax Commission has published the Military Personnel Instructions for state income tax and we want to provide a quick summary of some of the key points. Utah offers several tax benefits for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses. These benefits can be significant, so it’s important to understand how they work. One of …
Governor Cox declares Veterans Day in Utah
Governor Spencer J. Cox has declared November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day in Utah, honoring the state’s nearly 140,000 veterans. This declaration recognizes the immense debt owed to these brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, defending our nation and its values with courage and unwavering commitment. They represent a diverse group, with service …
Governor Cox Expands Military Leave for State Employees
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Governor Spencer J. Cox signed an executive order on October 25, 2024, increasing paid military leave for eligible state employees from 15 to 20 days per year. This change, effective January 1, 2025, aims to better support those who serve their country both in uniform and as state employees, recognizing the dual commitment these individuals …
POW/MIA Recognition Day declared in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — On September 20, 2024, Utah joins the nation in observing POW/MIA Recognition Day to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who were prisoners of war (POWs) or remain missing in action (MIA). As Governor Spencer J. Cox stated in his recent declaration, “The absence of 1,575 Americans from the Vietnam War, compounded by the …
Utah recognizes and celebrates Service Members of the Year
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — On Friday, May 17, 2024, Governor Spencer Cox, along with the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, hosted the fourth annual State of Utah Service Member of the Year Awards. This event aims to honor the exceptional performers from each major military branch in the state, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and …