The Voice of Texas Veterans
By Texas Veterans Commission
Women Veterans are Stronger Together
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.
Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Contest
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: Honoring Sacrifice, Supporting Survivors
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.
MVPN: Veterans Helping Veterans
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.
Celebrating Military Childhood with Children's Stories
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.
Supporting Student Success with Communities in Schools
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.
Skeleton Crew Adventures 2025
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.
Award Winning Veteran County Service Officer Loves to Serve
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.
Connecting Vietnam Veterans with their Benefits
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.
TVC Files Your Claim for Free!
Wheelchairs for Warriors 2025
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
Celebrate Women's History Month!
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.
Did You Serve in the Military?
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.
Veterans Employment Services: Sharing the Keys to Career Success
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!
Henry's Home Horse and Human Sanctuary
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.
Camp Shield: Empowering Women Veterans
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
What Can TVC Do For You In 2025?
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.
Take Care of Your Service Dog with VA Help
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.
Walk Across America: Preventing Veteran Suicide
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.
Building Success, One Veteran at a Time
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.
What Happens to VA Disability Claims During Incarceration?
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 People Too!
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.
Hiring Red, White and You! 2024
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
Telehealth Mental Health Services for Veteran Families
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.
Ask the Question: Did You Serve in the Military?
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, FIC and BEITZ - All FVA Grantees!
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.
Transition Skills Training has an FVA Grant, First Try!
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
Off-Base Transition Training Roadshow
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.
Circle of Arms
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.
Apply for a TVC Grant Now!
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!
The Austin Veteran Arts Festival 2024 is Coming!
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
Suicide Prevention Month 2024
Introducing Another Veteran Entrepreneur
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.
Marriage Management is a Real Thing!
Veterans Treatment Court
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
More FVA Grantees Lending a Hand
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.
Grants Across Texas is Coming!
Did I Just See An MVPN Car Go By?
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/
Lampasas Entrepreneur Summit 2.0
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.
Nueces County Service Officers, Adventure Therapy on the Water, Wheelchairs for Warriors
Veteran Owned Bay Area Brewing Co.
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
Skeleton Crew Adventures Can Be Good for the Soul
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. .
Wheelchairs for Warriors
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
Veteran County Service Officers Keep on Giving
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!
Memorial Day 2024
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.