At Indy Warrior Partnership (IWP), we believe that veterans and their families deserve strong support and real connection. Blue Star Families helps military families across the country, while we help veterans right here in Central Indiana; that’s why our partnership with Blue Star Families (BSF) means so much to us, as well as the community we serve. Together, we make sure veterans and their loved ones feel welcome, supported, and empowered. 

Earlier this August, leaders and advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 12th Annual Warrior Symposium, hosted by America’s Warrior Partnership. Held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together a powerful mix of voices committed to improving the lives of veterans, and Indy Warrior Partnership (IWP) was proud to be among them. 

Kirby Gray, a native of Indianapolis, dedicated 27 years to the U.S. Army and National Guard. He began his service in 1978 as a tanker and went on to master artillery, heavy and light vehicle mechanics, and mechanized infantry. 

Being stuck in a cycle of poverty can feel like trying to climb a ladder with missing rungs. When you're actively trying to find a job but can't afford something as basic as gas to get to an interview, every opportunity feels just out of reach. It's not a lack of effort or ambition holding you back—it's the relentless reality of limited resources making even small steps forward seem impossible.