The Voice of Texas Veterans

Discover how Heroes Resource Center in Cedar Park, creates a strong support network for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Hear from Program Director Carmen Valenzuela and Executive Director Brandon Crook as they share their personal stories and explain how their TVC grant helps veterans and their families thrive.

When a disabled veteran in Austin needed critical home repairs, Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grantee, USA CARES partnered with local businesses to step in and help. In this episode, hear how a new roof and landscaping—provided free of charge—restored safety and peace of mind to the veteran and his family.  

Join Texas Veterans Commission for a look at two key programs funded by the Fund for Veterans' Assistance: the Williamson County Veteran Service Office and the County's Veteran Treatment Court. Learn how to connect with these same resources in your community.

Today, we’re celebrating a champion of veteran hiring—the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Named our 2025 Government Entity of the Year, TCEQ is setting the standard for what it means to be a veteran-ready employer. In this podcast we hear from TCEQ employees about the work, the mission, and why veterans are an important part of TCEQ. Get TVC Employment Support TCEQ Job Openings

Texas Veterans Commission offers veterans and their families free benefits assistance across Texas—from claims and education to employment, entrepreneurship, health care advocacy, mental health, women veterans services, and the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Many of our staff are veterans or family members of veterans. Let’s meet some of them.

HURRY! Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grant applications are due December 2, 2025. FVA grantees deliver direct, life-changing services to Texas veterans and their families: from financial assistance and clinical counseling to service dogs, home modifications, veteran treatment courts, and more. In this episode, we talk with several grantees about their veteran services.

Applications are open now for the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants—deadline is December 2, 2025. In this episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, we talk with three current FVA grantees about how these grants help them make a difference. Learn how non-profits can apply to be a part of the statewide effort to help Texas veterans and their families. List of Grant Services.

In this Veterans Day episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, Chairwoman Laura Koerner shares a special message of gratitude, children remind us what Veterans Day is all about and we chat with retired Marine Corps Colonel William Dwiggins from our Education Department—soon to be inducted into the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame. Join us as we honor the courage, dedication, and legacy of Texas veterans.

November 4-20, Hiring Red, White & YOU! job fairs are happening all across Texas. These statewide events connect employers with veterans, transitioning service members, and their families—helping them take the next big step in your career. In this episode, we share what to expect, how to prepare, and why showing up ready can make all the difference. Hiring Red, White & You! - Texas Workforce Commission

We talk about Hiring Red White and You! every year, the statewide Job Fairs designed to recruit transitioning servicemembers, veterans and spouses. We dusted off the archives to get some insight from past HRWY attendees who told us just why they decided to attend. Remember, Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services offers help all year long to eligible veterans and their family members.

The 2025 Austin Veteran Arts Festival kicks off October 17 with a military and veteran film festival — and that’s just the beginning. This month-long celebration highlights how creativity can help veterans heal from the effects of military trauma. From traditional paintings to dance, comedy, magic, and even a therapist-led seminar on art as medicine — there’s something for everyone. The Austin Veteran Arts Festival is open to all.

The statewide Hiring Red, White & You! job fairs are coming this November! Veterans, spouses, transitioning service members, National Guard, and Reserve — this is your chance to connect with employers across Texas who are ready to hire. The Texas Veterans Commission is helping you prepare with Off-Base Transition Training workshops in West Texas, and TVC career readiness sessions at Workforce Centers statewide. Tune in to learn how to make the most of this opportunity and land your next career!

Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is now accepting grant applications through December 2, 2025. These grants support nonprofits that directly serve veterans, offering help in areas such as financial assistance, home modification, career training, veteran treatment courts, and mental health services. One of our current grantees is Marriage Management, workshops designed to help military and veteran couples reconnect, fostering stable and fulfilling relationships. In this episode, we spoke with co-founders Bob and Barbara Zielinski about their mission to guide couples in understanding and learning from one another."

On October 2, Texas Veterans Commission begins accepting applications for the 26-27 grant year. Veteran serving nonprofits and local governments are urged to apply for a Fund for Veterans' Assistance grant. Our website offers help along the way. You can also get info about the grants we have now. This year we awarded 213 grants totaling $46,315,000. Those grants will provide direct services to an estimated 40,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses. Listen to learn about some of our grantees.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance will begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 grant year on October 2, 2025. Right now, we are crisscrossing Texas congratulating this year’s grantees.  Grantees provide a number of free services including Mental Health support. Skeleton Crew Adventures takes that support to a whole new level. How does sailing out in the Gulf and beyond sound?

Henry’s Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary, a Fund for Veterans’ Assistance Mental Health grantee, offers free peer support services that allow rescued horses like Henry, and veterans to heal together. In this episode, we explore how the sanctuary creates a safe space for growth, connection, and recovery—and hear about new programs designed to support veterans and their entire families.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Texas Veterans Commission is raising awareness with workshops and training always available so individuals and groups will have the resources needed for suicide prevention. In this show we discuss the risk factors, warning signs and available help for veterans, family members and the community.

This September, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host its annual Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hikes. Military, veterans, families, and friends are invited to join in at parks across Texas for trails, activities, and community connection in support of suicide prevention. The Military Veteran Peer Network will be at some of those hikes. Listen to find out how they help veterans every day.

Texas Veterans Commission’s Claims Department is the busiest in the agency, County Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are a vital part of the team. In this episode, we meet Donald Bourgeois of Childress County, he turns 93 this year. For the past 11 years, Mr. B has been helping veterans and their families with disability claims, pensions, and survivor's benefits. Hear why he says this “part-time” role is anything but, and why he’s still serving his fellow veterans.

In this episode, we are asking for applicants for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance Advisory Committee, we'll take a look at the Highly Rural Transportation Grant, and remind you of our TVC online resource for veterans age 55 and older.

Texas Veterans Commission has launched a special webpage for veterans aged 55 and older — filled with important information you can use now. If you were denied a disability claim years ago, don’t give up. In this episode, we talk with Army veteran and award‑winning TVC Claims Benefits Advisor Reggie Lewis about why it’s worth trying again and how TVC can help.

The Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans 55 Plus Campaign has begun, reminding older veterans that it’s never too late to claim the benefits they’ve earned.

Learn about the free, personalized support TVC offers,from help filing VA claims to career advising and VA health care enrollment assistance. Family members you play a crucial role by helping veterans get online and connected.Veterans Over 55 ⋆ Texas Veterans Commission

In this episode, we explore how Veteran Career Advisors and Employer Liaisons help veterans make the move from military life to the civilian workforce. TVC Career Advisors help veterans find careers that fit, assist with resumes, andprep them for interviews. Employer Liaisons match veterans' skills with the businesses who need them. Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services

In this episode we learn how the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is helping grantee, Wheelchairs forWarriors change lives. From basketball courts to daily routines, these free custom mobility devices are more than wheelchairs, they’re tools for independence.Veterans, JP, John and Tiffany tell us how Wheelchairs for Warriors made a difference in their lives. (This episode contains candid descriptions of combat injuries. )

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) supports nonprofits that directly assist Texas veterans and their families. Some serve across the state, others focus on local communities. Today we spotlight one of our long-time grantees, Bring Everyone in the Zone, (BEITZ). They have been providing peer support to Central Texas service members, veterans, and their families long before their first FVA grant in 2014. Listen to hear how BEITZ is making a difference for veteran families.

The Texas Veterans Commission does a lot—but it does more with help from our Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Texas, offer clinical counseling to veteran families in the Fort Hood area, while American GI Forum offers supportive services to veterans across Texas.

In recognition of PTSD Awareness Month, Don Hipp, Provider Training Manager with the Veterans Mental Health Department, breaks down what PTSD is, how to recognize it, and what treatment can look like. We also talk with one of our Mental Health grantees Skeleton Crew Adventures about veterans finding peace through therapeutic sailing trips.

In honor of Women Veterans Day, this episode shines a spotlight on the Women Veterans Program Coordinators who work across Texas to connect women veterans with the benefits, services, and support they’ve earned. We'll meet the Program Director and the coordinators who are working every day to make a difference.

Disabled veteran artists here's your chance to shine! Each October, Texas celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month, and they're looking for artwork to feature on this year’s official poster. Listen to learn how you can get involved and make your art part of something big!

Guidelines and entry form here.

Memorial Day is personal, whether you spend the dayremembering with quiet reflection or special activities. In this episode we feature a message from the Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission. Also, keep in mind, Texas Veterans Commision serves survivors and their families. Listen to learn about VA benefits for eligible survivors including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Survivor's Pension, plus a detailed look at the Hazlewood Education Benefit for surviving spouses and dependent children.

In this episode, we shine a light on the statewide Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN), which connects Texas veterans and their families with local mental health services and support. We talked with two dedicated Peer Service Coordinators (PSC): Army veteran Greg Gutierrez from Bring Everyone in the Zone in Killeen, and Marine Corps veteran Oscar Pulido who’s using a rolling billboard to promote the Victoria MVPN.   Connect with your MVPN here.

In this episode, we explore how Texas Veterans Commission Family Career Advisors are making a difference in the lives of veteran spouses and dependents. Learn how tailored resume assistance, interview coaching, and employer connections are helping veteran family members find meaningful employment.

This show features Army veteran Sarah Doran, children’s book author and entrepreneur. Sarah draws on her life as a young dependent to write about the unique experiences of military children. She launched her own publishingcompany to make her dream happen.  We’llalso discuss how the Texas Veterans Commission is supporting veterans like Sarah on their journey to business ownership.

Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas is making a big difference for students. With support from the Fund for Veterans' Assistance, their onsite coordinatorsare right there in the schools, helping kids push through tough times—whether it’s struggles at home, in class, or just life in general. It’s all about giving students the support they need to stay in school, graduate, and build a better future.

The healing process is not the same for every veteran. In this episode, we dive into adventure therapy with Skeleton Crew Adventures—A Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantee that takes vets sailing with pros and mental health experts. It’s all about reconnecting with nature, finding purpose, and trying new ways to support suicide prevention.

In Young County, the role of Veteran County Service Officer (VCSO) may not be officially full-time, but it sure feels like it. Join us as TVC Excellence Award winner Adam Lavine shares how his commitment to helping veterans keeps him working well past quitting time.

As we celebrate Vietnam Veterans this March, let's make sure we connect them with their benefits. Texas Veterans Commission can help with that, offering free services to veterans, spouses, and survivors.

Stop putting off filing that VA disability claim, a Texas Veterans Commission Claims Benefits Advisor will file it for you, free!We never charge for our services.Meet Army veteran Reggie Lewis, one of our VA accredited CBAs who loves helping veterans and their family members.

Make a Claims Appointment Here

Wheelchairs for Warriors provides FREE custom-made mobility devices for veterans injured in the line of duty. These wheelchairs can be life changing for veterans who want to stay active with their families and friends, fostering independence and pride. Get More Info on Wheelchairs for Warriors Here⁠

As you celebrate Women's History Month, remember Texas Veterans Commission's Women Veterans Program is here to help women who served access their earned benefits, and connect with other women veterans. Did you know the Military Women's Memorial is all about celebrating women vets? You can visit this expansive museum in Arlington, Virginia, or take a virtual tour.

Are you a Veteran? may not be the right question to ask when, trying to connect individuals with the military benefits earned. Try asking "Did you Serve in the Military?" For various reasons, some who served don't think of themselves as veterans, but they still earned benefits. Asking the question "Did you Serve in the Military?" may lead to more veterans getting the resources they need. Listen, then join the Texas Ask Campaign.

It is a fact; Veteran Career Fairs are happening all over the state, all the time! Are you ready for the next one in your community? Veteran Employment Services prepares eligible veterans for the job search, offering resume help, interview practice, translating military skills, and job fair prep too. Plus, a whole lot more. Listen!

You only have one heart, might be time for you to start taking care of it. Listen to learn about symptoms of heart disease, risk factors, and how to stop the damage.American Heart Association. Connect with aTexas Veterans Commission Health Care Advocate.

What a great name for one of our Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees,Henry's Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary. I put a comma in there to help you understand just how helpful this Mental Health grantee has been for veterans. Sometimes just talking to a horse can have a calming effect and make a world of difference.

A Fund for Veterans' Assistance grant helps Camp Shield empower women veterans as they make the transition from military service. For some, military trauma has hindered their reemergence into the civilian world. Camp Shield provides retreats, workshops, and support from other veterans, to help women find the way forward. Camp Shield. TVC Women Veterans Program

Texas Veterans Commission offers a number of free services to veterans, family members and survivors. From filing claims and appeals, helping with VA health care, clarifying education benefits, job search prep to entrepreneurship consulting, and more, listen for info on all our free services. Visit the website to make appointments and such.

The Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance has a new category, Service Dog Training. There are four new grantees in this category, include Austin Dog Alliance. Plus, the VA provides health insurance for qualified veteran service dogs. Also, Texas veterans, you still have time to join the Marine veteran who is walking across America.

The road to civilian life can be challenging for some transitioning service members. We spoke with a Vietnam-era veteran who, after years of personal struggle, is now dedicating himself to helping others. Ron Zaleski is Walking Across America to raise awareness and convince others to take action to prevent veteran suicide. His website: The Long Walk Home is an active tool for veterans, mentors and those who want to join the fight against veteran suicide.

Marriage Management, one of our Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees, is starting off 2025 with Couples Tune Up workshops. The courses are free for military and veteran couples. Listen to find out what they are and how you can register.

On this show we highlight our Veteran Entrepreneur Program and how we helped a veteran start a Home Inspection Service.  Shawn Patterson gives insight on his journey, talks about how TVC helped, and offers advice to veterans who are thinking about joining the entrepreneur world. 

Texas Veterans Commission has a Justice Involved Veteran (JIV) Program which works to improve veteran services across the criminal justice system. We have two Claims Benefits Advisers who help veterans understand how incarceration affects their disability compensation and how families can get relief. Filing claims is just one part of TVC assistance.

Health Care Advocates are a valuable part of Texas Veterans Commission. They help veterans navigate the VA health care system, from enrollment to community care, labs, prescriptions, and billing too. Advocates empower veterans to speak up for themselves. We talked with two advocates who use their own experiences to connect with and assist veterans. Find Your Advocate Here.

Veterans, enjoy your day. Listen to hear a message from the chair of Texas Veterans Commission, Navy veteran Laura Koerner, kids talk about Veterans Day, HRWY job fairs continue and so does the Austin Veteran Arts Festival. Also, find out what TVC can do for YOU!

Polish up those resumes, work on those interviewing skills, dress like you want the job, and head for your nearest Hiring Red, White and YOU! The annual statewide hiring fairs are happening Nov 1 - 22 in various regions across Texas. Listen as we talk about what to expect and why transitioning service members, veterans, dependents and spouses should attend. Click Here for the HRWY List

For the 6th year in a row the Fund for Veterans' Assistance has awarded a grant to Baylor Scott and White's Warriors Research Institute. This grant provides free virtual mental health services to veteran families through Telehealth. Dr. Elizabeth Coe explains how it works. Listen then get registration information here.

Sometimes it is not enough to ask if someone is a veteran. It is better to ask: "Did you or a family member serve in the military?" It is also important to know what to do if the answer is Yes. There are many benefits and services that veteran families can use. We'll explore some of the reasons veterans may not identify as veterans and we invite organizations to join the "Texans Ask: Did Y'all Serve" initiative. Get the Texans Ask Guide Here.

USA CARES, Families in Crisis and Bring Everyone in the Zone, are all Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grantees. They went thru the process last year, filling out the grant application, meeting the deadline and reaping big rewards. You could be on this Podcast next year! Veteran serving non profits apply here now! Deadline is Nov 12, 2024 5pm CDT.

The deadline to get your Fund for Veterans' Assistance application in is Nov. 12, 2024, 5pm CDT. Veteran serving nonprofits if you assist veterans and their families, you may be eligible. Transition Skills Training tried for the first time, and they were awarded $50,000! Apply For Grants Here

It's coming! The West Texas Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) Road Show, starts Oct. 7 and continues through Oct. 18 in various West Texas cities. Listen for info on the Roadshow and other OBTT locations. It's a great way to get ready for the Hiring Red White and You! Job Fairs! Register for West Texas Here! Find Other OBTT Here.

Our Women Veterans Program has identified a specialized medical transportation service for veterans who require more than just a ride to appointments. Women Veteran Coordinator Sharron Stewart talks with the founder of Circle of Arms. They also discuss Vanessa Guillen Day and how they plan to recognize her on Sept 30 in San Antonio.

You’ve seen the ‘Grants Across Texas’ postings every week. Millions in ‘Fund for Veterans’ Assistance’ grants have been awarded to nonprofits across the state. Your nonprofit could be a stop on the tour next year! Get your applications in now. Deadline is November 12, 2024, 5pm Central. It’s all done on line and there are resources on the TVC website to help right here. Wheelchairs for Warriors made it this year. They offer FREE custom made wheelchairs to qualified Texas Veterans. Listen in!

Everyone is invited to the Austin Veteran Arts Festival. A month of Central Texas activities, events and exhibits to show how the arts and activity can help veterans heal. Listen as founder Glenn Towery talks about the Festival that took flight 6 years ago.  And take a look at all the exhibits, activities and entertainment you can enjoy.

AVAFest Events Enter the PTSD Exhibit

#TexasVeterans, September is Suicide Prevention Month, Texas Veterans Commission continues to increase awareness about suicide prevention. On this show we talk about factors that may increase the veteran risk of suicide. Plus Texas Parks and Wildlife is raising suicide awareness with special events for military families and their communities.

Suicide Prevention Resources

TPWD Ruck Hike Events

Texas Veterans Commission's business consultants are always busy, helping veterans bring their business ideas to life. We are partners with many organizations that assist veterans with free classes, workshops and real connections that mean results for future small business owners. Our guest today had a novel idea for wreath making material. Listen to find out how she turned that idea into a thriving business. Veteran Entrepreneurs get help here.

Peer support services provided by FVA grantees come in various forms, including a course called Marriage Management which is designed to help military and veteran couples reconnect and develop better relationships. In this episode, we spoke with co-founders Bob and Barbara Zielinski about their mission to guide couples in understanding and learning from one another.

Marriage Management

TVC Grants Directory

We have been talking about the Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grants over the past few weeks, we continue that trend today with Veterans Treatment Courts. Instead of a jail cell, justice involved veterans are placed in an individualized program designed to address military related mental health issues that contributed to their criminal activity. Find Veteran Services Here

The Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance has awarded grants to veteran serving nonprofits all over the state. Maybe one of these agencies can assist you or a veteran you know. This week we talk with more grantees. USA Cares, Tunnel to Towers, Outsiders Anonymous and TBI Warrior Foundation. Find All TVC Grantees Here.

This show highlights three Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees, all dedicated to supporting veterans with free services. Today we’ll learn about Adventure Therapy with OATH Inc. Outdoor Association for True Heroes. Canine Companions for Independence trains service dogs for veterans. Veterans across the state benefit from both nonprofits, while The Central Texas Council of Governments is working to expand transportation services for veterans in seven counties.

Find Grantees Here

Peer Service Coordinators (PSCs) in our Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) offer direct peer-to-peer support for veterans and their families. PSCs are all over the state, each finding unique ways to engage veterans. Sometimes the first step is letting veterans know the network exists! PSC Oscar Pulido in Victoria seized upon an age-old method of getting the word out.

Find Your Peer Service Coordinator Here: https://veteransmentalhealth.texas.gov/military-veteran-peer-network/

The first one was such a success, Lampasas decided to do it again! The FREE Entrepreneur Summit is back at the Calvert Center, 302 E. 3rd Street, July 23, 2024 from 9 - noon. Learn about veteran owned business perks, branding, marketing and real world experiences of entrepreneurs. Listen for a preview of the summit, then Register here.

The Nueces Veteran County Service Officer is dedicated to helping veterans and their families. We also talk with two Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees. Skeleton Crew, offers Adventure therapy in the Gulf and beyond, while Wheelchairs for Warriors provides customized mobility devices for veterans.

Skeleton Crew Adventures

Nueces County VCSO

Wheelchairs for Warriors

The Texas Veterans Commission has helped yet another veteran achieve their dream of becoming a business owner—this time, it's a Navy veteran couple. Listen to hear how they transformed their passion for home brewing into Bay Area Brewing Co., a family-friendly place. Through extensive research, education, asking questions, and guidance from mentors, along with a boost from the Texas Veterans Commission, they turned their dream into reality. Veteran Entrepreneur Program

Bay Area Brewing Co.

This show highlights one of our newest grantees, Skeleton Crew Adventures. They were awarded a Mental Health, Fund for Veteran’s Assistance grant for what’s called adventure therapy. Sessions may involve activities like camping, rock climbing, or sailing. Activities that are supervised by mental health professionals. Skeleton Crew is all about the ocean! Listen in to learn about the history behind Skeleton Crew Adventures, and how you can be a part of it. .

Texas Veterans Commission awarded over 44 million dollars in Fund for Veterans' Assistance grants this year. A number of nonprofits are new recipients of the reimbursement grants. Wheelchairs for Warriors is one of them. These FREE custom made wheel chairs can be life changing for veterans. Get More Info on Wheelchairs for Warriors Here

Texas Veterans Commission has partnerships with other veteran serving organizations across the state, the Veteran County Service Office is one of them. With 254 Texas counties, many of them rural, these offices and the people who staff them are a vital part of veteran services. This show features two of those people. A Veteran County Service Officer from the Hill Country and another helps veterans at the tip of West Texas. Find Your VCSO Here!

In this show, we sit down with our Women Veteran Coordinators who work to ensure that women veterans can access the benefits they have earned. We'll also explore the importance of Women Veterans Day, which is June 12.

Connect with our Women Veterans Program here!

In this episode we feature a message from the Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission. We also take a look at VA benefits for eligible survivors including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Survivors Pension. Plus surprising facts about the Hazlewood education benefit for eligible surviving spouses and dependent children. Make a Claims Appointment Here.

Get Hazlewood Information Here

Do you have any plans to celebrate Women Veterans Day this year? It can be a quiet family thing or you may want to join some of the events happening in your area. Listen in as our Women Veteran Coordinators talk about their Women Veterans Day activities.  There will be local celebrations all over the state as we acknowledge the contributions of Texas Women Veterans. Registration info here

The Samaritan Center, one of our Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees, is celebrating 50 years in Austin, that's a half century spent 'Healing Mind, Body, and Soul'. The Military Veteran Peer Network has a spot at the Samaritan Center featuring Peer Service Coordinators helping veterans and their families get the resources they need, and connecting them with counselors and therapies.

Samaritan Center.

Find Your Peer Service Coordinator Here

Charles ‘Chuck’ Wright is the newest Commissioner of the Texas Veterans Commission, appointed in March 2024, to replace Kimberlee Shaneyfelt as she wrapped up almost 6 years of dedicated service. On May 16, Wright will take part in his first Commission meeting. But first let’s get to know this Marine Corps Veteran.  TVC Website

Celebrate by taking the first steps towards starting that business you've been thinking about for a while now. Listen as a Marine veteran talks about his journey to becoming the owner of a diving school. Connect with a TVC Veteran Business Consultant here!

Millions of kids across the country are proud to be part of the Military BRAT Club. National Military BRAT Day is April 30, closing out the Month of the Military Child. We all have stories to tell, author Sarah Doran is sharing her military childhood with the world, well part of that childhood anyway, by writing books. Connect with Sarah here.

Peer Service Coordinators, they keep the Military Veteran Peer Network running all across Texas. Without the Peers there would be no network. Veterans helping Veterans, no matter the discharge status! The services and resources the network provides can be life changing for service members, veterans, and their families. Find your Peer Service Coordinator Here.

April is the Month of the Military Child, you can celebrate their triumphs and offer support to help them face their challenges. That is what Communities in Schools does all year long. Listen to find out about some of the ways they help the children of veterans.

Texas Veterans Commission is the state agency here for veterans, their family members and surviving spouses. We are ready to help you get your earned state and federal benefits. Listen to find out what we can do and visit the website to contact us! https://www.tvc.texas.gov/

March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day. Many of these veterans have never filed a disability claim or enrolled in VA health care. Help them take those steps while there is still time. Make a Claims Appointment here.

Veterans can enroll in VA health care now without filing a disability claim. Health Care Advocates can help!

Also a visit with Vietnam veteran Commissioner Mike Hernandez.

Women Veterans have a lot of stories to tell, and the Military Women's Memorial wants to hear them. Active duty, and veterans are encouraged to upload their stories, pictures, and videos as part of the virtual exhibit. The public is invited to visit the Memorial in person in Arlington, or online.

The Texas Veterans Land Board Veteran Homes are hosting Operation Roll Call this year, a traveling exhibit featuring a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Cost of Freedom Tribute, brought to you by the American Veterans Traveling Tribute. The Public is invited to visit free of charge! Temple is first on March 13-15. See the rest of the stops here. We talked with the Tribute owner, LTC (Retired) Don Allen about his passion for this project.

Veterans have a lot of ideas for new businesses, and Texas Veterans Commission can help make those ideas reality. Listen in as some of our veterans talk about their businesses, Crime Scene Cleanup, Beer Brewing and Writing Children's Books.

TVC Entrepreneur Program

So what is a VEERA? VEERA stands for Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award! Austin Community College got one last year. Listen to find out what they are doing for veteran students and military families. Texas Veterans Commission awards VEERAs to Texas public academic institutions of higher education that provide excellence in education and related services to veteran students. Schools can apply for a VEERA now, the deadline is April 1, 2024 at 5 pm Central. Apply Here

As the nation celebrates the contributions of Black Americans, let's revisit the time when we discovered a group of kids who schooled us on the military accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers, Cathay Williams, Navy Mess Attendant Doris Miller, and the 761st Tank Battalion. You'll know who they all are after you listen in!

The Military Veteran Peer Network is part of the Texas Veterans Commission's Veterans Mental Health Department. Run by veterans who have a calling to look out for their fellow veterans. Whether it's connecting families with local resources, implementing innovative ways to engage veterans or providing peer to peer support at crucial times. Listen to the first of many podcasts that will traverse the state learning about the different ways Peer Support Coordinators reach out to their fellow veterans. Find Your Peer Support Coordinator Here

February is American Heart Month. The Women Veterans Program urges you to take time to learn about the risk factors for heart disease and learn what you can do to keep your heart healthy and strong.⁠ American Heart Association Info⁠. https://www.heart.org/

⁠Texas Veterans Commission ⁠ https://www.tvc.texas.gov/

Texas Veterans Commission Health Care Advocates are eager to spread the word about VA health care, and how advocates can help veterans, family members and caregivers understand the whole VA health care process. Join us for a virtual meeting Feb 16 , starts at 1:30 Central Time. Bring your Questions. Register here.

Find Your Health Care Advocate Here.

The Free Central Texas Entrepreneur Summit in happening in Lampasas, January 30 from 9 to Noon. Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners will learn about business planning, marketing, finance, and more through presentations and panel discussions.

Get practical advice from a Texas Veterans Commission business consultant and fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of starting and growing a business.

Register for the Summit

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lampasas-entrepreneur-summit-tickets-tickets-795243644147?aff=oddtdtcreator

 Connect with a Texas Veterans Commission Business Consultant:

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs/

All that in one show! The 2024 Cost of Living Adjustments for disability payments are in.  Learn how to get your service records from the National Archives. Texas Veterans Commission Health Care Advocates invite you to ZOOM to knowledge!

VA COLA; Request Military Service Records: Register for VA Health Care ZOOM

Lone Star Legal Aid has been a Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grantee for many years now, providing free legal service to low-income veterans and their families. The Texas Veterans Commission grant is there for veterans, but now Lone Star Legal Aid has found another way to fund a program benefiting low-income victims of the Opioid crisis.  

Lone Star Legal Aid, Rise to Recovery  

RISE TO RECOVERY HOTLINE: 1-888-251-3492

A Smithville Vietnam Veteran was all smiles when he moved into his new home courtesy of Operation Finally Home, McCoy's Building Supply and a Texas Veterans Commission grant. This new home means peace of mind for retired MSGT Miguel Olvera.

Learn more about Operation Finally Home

Learn more about Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grants

Dec 16 is Wreaths Across America Day, the Texas Veterans Land Board is taking part, like they do every year. We'll talk about what happens on Wreaths Across America Day and how you can get involved. The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) is also where Texas veterans can find low interest loans to buy  land, homes and pay for home repairs. The VLB also operates our veteran long term care homes and the state veteran cemeteries. On this show we’ll talk about all that. So Hit That Play Button!

More info about the VLB here.

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Texas Veterans Commission’s Entrepreneur Program has business consultants, connections, resources, and workshops that can lead a veteran to business ownership. Listen as a veteran business owner tells us how TVC helped him follow his dream. Then click here to make an appointment with a Veteran Business Consultant.