Few in the state have done more to promote the interests of Utah veterans than Attorney General Reyes. His passion for protecting military families led him to create “Utah At Ease”, the first program in state to provide nearly free legal services to veterans who couldn’t otherwise afford representation. Leveraging his relationships with managing partners at the major law firms in Utah, Reyes personally called to secure commitments from them to provide thousands of hours of pro bono legal services for a variety of matters critical to our men and women in uniform. According to military families, Utah At Ease has been a godsend in their times of greatest need.
Reyes led out once again on a national level when he spearheaded a proposal to the Trump Administration, signed by 50 other AGs of states and territories, to forgive school loan debt to those veterans who are “totally and permanently” disabled. Secretary of Education, Nancy Devos, adopted the proposal and blessed the lives of many warriors who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation.
Reyes has also worked with the Trump administration to streamline VA data and technology systems to allow veterans to access benefits and information much more easily. President Trump personally recognized Reyes at a White House event for his work in support of veterans. Reyes has also supported numerous organizations, programs, events and bills to support our men and women in uniform.
As your Attorney General, Reyes:
Led successful request by 51 AGs of USDOE to forgive outstanding student loans for veterans “totally and permanently” disabled
Helped President Trump host White House summit for veterans’ benefits and care
Joined recent request for temporary Covid19 relief for certain loans to veterans
Expanded the SafeUT App coverage to Utah National Guard personnel struggling with mental and/or behavioral health challenges
Created Utah At Ease, a program that provides nearly free legal services (very small payment required according to clients ability to pay) to veterans, active, retired, guard and some other military personnel; with services provided pro bono by law firms of all sizes in Utah
Produced an episode on A&E’s show “Addiction Unplugged” to highlight addictions and mental/behavioral trauma and challenges among combat veterans
Visited and trained U.S. seamen, soldiers and airmen on various bases regarding leadership, fighting addictions, human trafficking and other threats to our nation
Supports organizations, initiatives and programs for veterans and all military families, including: Operation Teddy Bear (toys for gold star families and children of deployed parents), Navy Seal Foundation (for families of fallen Seals), Life’s Worth Living (focused on preventing youth and veteran suicide), Warrior Rising (empowering veterans in business), Honor Flight (paying tribute to heroes of WWII and other wars), VFW Jose Valdez Memorial (commemorating the valor of Utah WWII Medal of Honor recipient)
Received Award from Hill Air Force Base for leadership in protecting Utah and America
Selected his top-two Deputies in the AG Office with military backgrounds including a U.S. Army Major General (Retired) and a former United States Army Special Forces (Green Beret) and Vietnam Veteran
