During her time as Lieutenant Governor, Becky Skillman has done more than pay simple lip-service to the brave Hoosiers who serve in America's armed forces. She has walked the halls of the Pentagon, fighting for Indiana's critical military infrastructure. She has led the effort to create a comprehensive Defense Asset Study, allowing Indiana to bid for more lucrative Department of Defense contracts. She has sent brave soldiers off to war with words of passion and patriotism, and she has had the solemn privilege of greeting the caskets of those who fell in the fight to protect Indiana's freedom.

Becky Skillman has exemplified the deep appreciation Hoosiers feel for the best and bravest who don uniforms and serve our country at great personal sacrifice. Believing that Hoosier veterans deserve more than simple thank yous on national holidays, Lt. Governor Skillman, as Governor Daniels' legislative quarterback, ushered new benefits for veterans and their families through the Indiana General Assembly in 2007.

Those benefits are helping Hoosier Veterans become homeowners, support their families while on active duty and attend college when stationed in Indiana. And now, combat pay for active duty military is exempt from Indiana income tax.

From individual service members to Indiana's broad network of defense assets, Becky has worked tirelessly to keep Hoosiers safe. During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) hearings, Becky traveled to Washington D.C. to fight for one of Indiana's most prominent defense resources, Crane Naval Base. A lifelong resident of Lawrence County, where many Crane employees make their homes, Lt. Governor Skillman knows firsthand the economic and strategic importance of this critical base.

She led a team of defense experts to Washington D.C., where she met with top Pentagon officials, explaining the immense resource Indiana has in Crane and the ongoing benefit it offers the entire nation when fully funded and operational. Thanks to her efforts, Crane continues to employ thousands in southern Indiana. And Crane has more than survived, it has flourished, with the opening of a new technology park at the base's West Gate and the continued cooperation with Indiana's research schools, like Purdue and Indiana University.

Knowing how important Crane and its partners have become, Lt. Governor Skillman led the effort to create a comprehensive study of Indiana's defense assets. In 2007, that study was complete, revealing a formidable framework throughout the state that included more than 1,500 companies and institutions with defense contracts that bring millions of federal dollars into Indiana's economy every year. Companies now have a searchable database of defense contracts at their fingertips, which allows them to make quick connections, collaborate and win more federal dollars. Thanks to the defense asset study, Hoosiers have good tools and strong direction for growing Indiana's defense industry.

At a time when Indiana's security is more important than ever, Hoosiers need leaders who support the armed forces with more than words. Hoosiers need leaders like Mitch Daniels and Becky Skillman, who have led by action and example, showing our best and bravest that they truly are American Heroes.