Perry gave the keynote speech at the Lone Survivor Foundation Gala at Minute Maid Park.
"There is no higher form of public service, in my opinion, than those of you who have and continue to wear the uniform of our country," Perry said.
Perry spoke before hundreds of people gathered at the gala.
The Lone Survivor Foundation was started by a retired Navy SEAL and close friend of Perry's last year.
Its mission is to assure wounded warriors and their families get therapy and support they need during and after times of combat.
In his keynote address, the governor spoke about some of the highs and lows in military combat in the last year, and he told the audience how he'd like to see the types of resources offered to veterans in Texas extended to families across the nation if he were president.
"Americans always face these challenges. We face them head on, and they don't stop us because that's part of our national character," he said. "Nowhere is that character of our country clearly found than in the courage and dedication of our veterans. Our society is blessed with faithful, determined and effective men and women of all walks of life who consistently make a difference in the lives of others."
