Lawmakers Reflect on Military Service and Community Commitment

By Sarah Evans

As Veterans Day approaches, it’s a fitting time to recognize the 12% of state legislators who have served in the military. Future Caucus recently spoke with two of them—Representative Shirley Arriaga (D-MA) and Representative Stetson Painter (R-AR)—about how their military service shapes their work as elected officials.

Painter, the Arkansas House majority whip and the only active-duty legislator in his state, joined the military at 17, driven by what he describes as “a calling to serve people.” Reflecting on the experience, he said, “In the military, you bring people from all walks of life together to accomplish a mission, often in high-stakes situations. That experience has helped me tremendously as a legislator.” 

Arriaga, a former Air Force member who served for 10 years, echoed the transformative impact of military service. “I had the chance to participate in humanitarian aid missions, where I learned a lot about the world, different cultures, and myself,” she said. “There are so many people in need, and one of the things our military does well is provide relief and aid. Sometimes that goes unrecognized.”

Service remains a core principle for both Arriaga and Painter in their legislative roles. Since assuming office in January 2023, each has made it a priority to advocate for veterans and active-duty service members. Painter emphasized his ongoing commitment to supporting the Arkansas National Guard, which is often on the front lines during state emergencies. “I’ll keep working to make sure they have the resources they need,” he said. “When disaster strikes, they’re the ones who are right there.”

Arriaga, too, has pushed for veterans’ rights, introducing several bills to improve access to resources. “I served for 10 years, and I’m still fighting for my brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces,” she said. “Service doesn’t just impact the individual—it affects families and loved ones too.” One of her initiatives involves studying the long-term effects of combat on motherhood, an area she says remains understudied. “We don’t really understand the impacts of combat on women who are mothers,” she noted. “Most of what we know is based on men’s experiences. The military is largely male, and those who’ve come forward for help have often been men.”

Despite their dedication to veterans’ issues, both legislators focus broadly on the needs of all constituents. Painter, a member of the Arkansas House Education Committee, has prioritized resources for students who face challenges similar to those he encountered as a child. “I struggled with speech and reading early on, and I want to ensure that kids who face similar issues have the support they need to succeed,” he shared. With a young daughter, he feels particularly invested in strengthening educational resources. “It’s important that all kids, including my own, have the tools to thrive.”

Arriaga also exceeded her goal of passing one major bill in her first term. One standout achievement was the Healthy Homes bill, which she says “addresses the urgent need for safe housing.” The bill is part of a larger effort to improve living conditions for vulnerable populations across Massachusetts. “This is about making sure our friends, families, and veterans have secure places to live,” she said.

Both Arriaga and Painter credit their military training for honing their leadership skills, including working across ideological lines. “No matter who you are or where you come from, I’ve always believed in serving everyone,” Painter said. “Serving the people of Arkansas is my dream, and it’s something anyone can achieve if they pursue it with grit and determination.” 

This Veterans Day, as we honor those who’ve served, legislators like Arriaga and Painter remind us that service can take many forms. Their commitment to their communities and willingness to tackle tough issues reflect the enduring values they learned in the military, applied now to their work as public servants.