The Voice of Texas Veterans
By Texas Veterans Commission
The Voice of Texas VeteransJan 03, 2022
Veterans Helping Veterans
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.
The Month of the Military Child
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.
What Can TVC Do For YOU?
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/
Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
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.
Celebrating Women's History Month
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.
Operation Roll Call
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.
The Boss is "Me"!
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 is Accepting VEERA Applications Now
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
Celebrating Black History Month 2024
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: Part 1
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
Your Heart Wants You to Pay Attention!
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/
Take a Guided Tour of VA Health Care
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.
Free Entrepreneur Summit 2024
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
Connect with a Texas Veterans Commission Business Consultant:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs/
What’s Your COLA? Getting Service Records, and Health Care Advocate Know How!
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
Rise to Recovery: Helping Those Affected by the Opioid Crisis
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 New Home for a Vietnam Veteran
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.
Wreaths Across America and the Texas Veterans Land Board
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!
From Service to CEO: One Veteran's Plan to Be His Own BOSS"
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.
Nonprofits Can Still Apply For An FVA Grant
Applications for Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grants are still being taken. Click here and get started, after you listen to some of our present grantees explain how they help veterans.
Happy Veterans Day! And More!
Celebrate Veterans day with your favorite Veterans on November 11. Listen to hear a message from Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner, Kids talk about Veterans Day, Hiring Red White and You! continues and so does the Austin Veteran Arts Festival. See Hiring Red White and You! times and dates here.
Hiring Red White and You! 2023, Begins Nov. 1
Are You Ready? Hiring Red, White and You starts Nov 1. The statewide job fairs continue thru Nov 17. Transitioning service members, veterans and spouses are urged to visit the one near you. They only last a day wherever they are so find yours here. Now listen as we talk about what makes these hiring fairs the perfect fit for those connected to the military.
The Austin Veteran Arts Festival has Begun!
Healing through Art, is a real thing. The Austin Veteran Arts Festival (AVAFEST), can prove it with exhibits, performances and testimonials from veterans who say they felt better after they began painting, acting, dancing, singing or making people laugh. You’ll see all that at AVAFEST 2023. Get the list of events here. Listen as we talk with AVAFEST founder, Glenn Towery, and the volunteers who make it happen.
Hiring Red, White and YOU! 2023
In November, we celebrate our Veterans with parades and special events and we invite Veterans to take part in the annual Hiring Red, White and You! statewide hiring fairs. From November 1-17, connect with employers that are looking for your skills! Find your HRWY here. Ask about workshops too. Send them an email. Listen Now for info on what to expect.
It's Time to Apply for an FVA Grant
What is an FVA Grant? Well FVA stands for Fund for Veterans' Assistance. Texas Veterans Commission awards monetary grants to veteran serving nonprofits and local governments. We give away millions every year! Agencies must meet certain requirements. Listen to find out more. The application process is open now.
Apply Here. Application Deadline is Dec 4, 2023.
Not What, but Who is the VMHD?
Over the past few weeks we have introduced you to all the Program Managers in our Veterans Mental Health Department. Of course all these Managers work together for the benefit of veterans, their families and community providers. Here they are all on one show! Listen and share! Click Here for Mental Health Resources and Contacts
Let's Hear it for our FVA Grantees!
The Fund for Veterans' Assistance Big Check Tour is underway as Texas Veterans Commission travels across the state meeting our latest grantees. On this show we hear about services offered by current grantees and we have info on how to apply for FVA grants. The next grant application cycle is coming soon. FVA Grant Info is Here
Operation Hope Resilient Warrior 22K
Don't forget to get your steps in for the Operation Hope Resilient Warrior 22K. Our Women Veterans Program wants your videos/pictures of your journey during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. You can take 22 steps, walk 2.2 miles or finish a 22K. Proof of participation could mean a prize! Get all the details here and listen as Sharron Stewart, Women Veterans Coordinator explains how to join in. Operation Hope Info Here
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Our Veterans Mental Health Department maintains a steady stream of training aimed at suicide prevention all year long. These classes are free and can be scheduled for organizations across the state. Listen to learn about suicide prevention, our Mental Health Department and how to take part in Operation H.O.P.E. Resilient Warrior 22K and Virtual Town Hall. Click Here to Register. Contact the Veterans Mental Health Department Here.
Health Care Advocates Can Help With That!
Veterans who deployed to a combat zone but never enrolled in VA health care, you may be eligible if you left active duty between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, even if you never filed a disability claim. Our Health Care Advocates can help you apply. But act fast—the open enrollment deadline is September 30, 2023. Apply for VA Health Care and Who is Your Health Care Advocate?
TVC Works With Justice Involved Veterans Too!
The Veterans Mental Health Department here at Texas Veterans Commission works with communities and agencies across the state to insure veteran access to vital mental health services. We also work with Justice Involved Veterans and their families, veterans behind bars and those who are adjusting to life on the outside. Managers of our Justice Involved Veterans Program explain how TVC helps. Connect with our Veterans Mental Health Program here.
VA Mental Health Summit August 16, 2023
The Public is invited to the Virtual VA Veteran Mental Health Summit, August 16, 2023, from 9 am - 1 pm, Central. Listen as Dr Emilia Brown talks about the importance of community support for veteran mental health recovery. Register for the summit here. Click here for Texas Veterans Commission Services.
PACT ACT Intent to File Deadline Looms
Did you know Texas Veterans Commission Claims Benefits Advisors have filed over 80 thousand PACT Act Claims? If you still have to file yours, do this first. Submit your “Intent to File” to the VA on or before August 9, 2023. That way if your claim is approved, compensation is backdated to August 2022. You get a years’ worth of retroactive pay! But only if you file the claim or the “Intent to File” on or before August 9, 2023. No need to complete the claim yet, you’ll have a year from your intent. Mike Jaeger our Southwest Claims Supervisor explains it all, plus sheds some light on who benefits from the PACT ACT. Intent to file info here
1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)—available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—Press 8 for Pact Act phone tree, then 0 to speak to a human and norify of "Intent to File".
Suicide Prevention: What Can You Do?
Ensuring the well-being of our veterans and preventing suicide is top priority at the Texas Veterans Commission. Listen as our Suicide Prevention Coordinator, shares action we can take to reduce veteran suicide. Then discover how you can join the VA Virtual Mental Health Summit coming up on August 16, 2023.
Learn more about the Veterans Mental Health Department here.
Register for the Virtual VA Mental Health Summit here.
The Military Veteran Peer Network Helps Veterans Succeed
Our Veterans Mental Health department provides excellent services to veterans, their families and mental health providers and supporters.. We offer a justice-involved veteran’s program, collaborate with local communities to prevent veteran suicide and combat veteran homelessness. We provide training in military cultural competency and educate law enforcement and first responders on deescalating veteran interactions. Additionally, we have a Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) led by a manager who was once helped by the network. Listen to Arlene’s story and find out how the MVPN helps veterans connect with valuable resources. Find Your Peer Service Coordinator Here
Women Veterans Get a Special Call to Join AVAFest
The Austin Veteran Arts Festival, AVAFest, returns for 2023. This fall the public gets another chance to learn about veterans who have found that the road to healing is paved with their creative spirit. Artworks from paintings to poetry, sculpture to sewing, comedy to crafting, whatever veterans have found helpful, will be exhibited during AVAFest. There is no entry fee. This year there is a new category, Military Women Surviving. Listen to find out more.
https://www.avafest.org/
Homeless Veterans are a Top Concern for the Veterans Mental Health Department
Our Veterans Mental Health Department offers a number of services to help veterans and their families. The Homeless Veterans Program works within local communities to improve access to resources and services to military veterans and their loved ones who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of becoming homeless. Amber Morson and A.B. Bustos are the managers of that program. Listen as they talk about goals, cooperation and their motives for working with homeless veterans. Find out more about the fight to end Veteran Homelessness
Veteran County Service Officer Gets Widow A Life-Changing Benefit
He hasn't been on the job for very long, but the Veteran County Service Officer for Young County never stops working for veterans, their families and survivors. Meet Adam LaVine, a Marine Corps veteran who loves helping out the veteran community. Find your Veteran County Service Officer Here.
PTSD Awareness Month
In addition to connecting veterans in need directly to local services, our Veterans Mental Health Department also works with partners at the national, state, and local level to address veteran-specific issues including suicide prevention/intervention, veteran homelessness, peer support services, military-related trauma, and justice involvement. On this program you will learn about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available. Click here to learn about the free Military Cultural Competency training we provide. Register here for Buddy Check Day - Call to Action
Celebrating Women Veterans 2023
Women Veterans Day is June 12, celebrating the day President Truman signed the bill allowing women to join the regular US Armed Forces. It has been 75 years since that law was signed. In 2017, Governor Greg Abbott designated June 12 Women Veterans Day in Texas. Celebrations are happening all over Texas including San Antonio where TVC dropped in. The Texas Veterans Commission Women Veterans Program is ready to help women veterans get their benefits and meet their sister veterans. In this show you will meet our Women Veteran Program Director and our Women Veteran Coordinators. Click here to connect with a coordinator.
Memorial Day Reflections: Honoring Fallen Heroes and Support for Survivors
Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on the military members who have died in service to our country. Listen in for a message from Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman, Laura Koerner. Plus we talk with Claims Benefits Advisors about help for survivors.
Texas Veterans Commission assists survivors, dependent children and parents in accessing survivor's benefits. Our help is free. Please make an appointment: https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/compensation/.
The KEY Mentor Group: Keep Elevating Yourself
Making it through a tough transition meant making it easier for the military families that followed Rey and Samantha Domingo. Sharron Stewart from our Women Veterans Program talks with Samantha about her family's journey into civilian life and how that journey led to the Key Mentor Group. Listen to Learn about the Key Mentor Community and how it helps active duty, veterans, spouses, and the entire family.
Free Military Appreciation BBQ!
May is Military Appreciation Month! From active duty, to reserve, veterans and spouses, the Nation salutes you. A FREE tasty salute is coming up on May 20th from 10 am to 3 pm from Heroes Night Out in Cedar Park. Family members and First responders are invited too. Enjoy FREE Food and Fun at Reunion Park in Georgetown, courtesy of the non profit Heroes Night Out and their generous sponsors. Heroes Night Out is more than Free BBQ, they offer a number of weekly meetings and FREE resources for veterans and their families. Listen to find out just how helpful Heroes Night Out can be. Eat Free BBQ and get info about loads of veteran resources across Central Texas ! Register for the BBQ Here.
Raising the Flag Job Fair
San Antonio Area Job Seekers are encouraged to attend the Raising the Flag Job Fair on May 25th from 10-1. But first get ready with some Pitch Practice on May 10 from 10-2 pm Register and get the details here. Pitch Practice. Job Fair Info. Listen as some of our Employment folks explain what is happening and why transitioning service members, veterans and family members should attend. .
The Texas Veterans Network is Statewide!
The Texas Veterans Network is now available in all 254 Texas Counties. That means easy access to resources and services available for active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans and family members. Texas is the first state in the union to develop such an interconnected network. Listen to find out how you can connect. Register at texasveterans.network. Visit Texas Veterans Commission Here
April Info You Need to Know
Communities in Schools and The Month of the Military Child, The Wall That Heals is coming to Texas and how to get a Veteran ID card for Helpful Discounts.
The Wall That Heals Tour Schedule Get Your Veteran ID Card The Fund For Veterans' Assistance
The Wall That Heals is Coming to Texas
The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Inscribed on the Memorial are 58,281 names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Wall That Heals is making a three city tour of Texas this year. Listen as a Vietnam veteran talks about his service and what the Wall means to him.
Communities in Schools is Helping Students Succeed
As the nation celebrates Military Children this month. Listen in to learn how Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantee, Communities in Schools calls upon local resources to help the children of veterans succeed.
Fund for Veterans' Assistance Communities in Schools
Veterans, Health Care Advocates Work For YOU!
Have questions about VA medical care? Are you eligible? How do you enroll? Those are just some of the questions our Health Care Advocates can answer. They can also help sort out issues you may have with VA appointments or prescriptions, even treatment. Texas Veterans Commission Health Care Advocates are there for you Texas Veterans. We have them all over the state and this show will introduce you to two of them. Find the Advocate closest to you and make that connection. https://www.tvc.texas.gov/health-care-advocacy/.
Vietnam Veterans Day is March 29
Visit with the Vietnam Veterans in your life as we recognize their service on March 29. Right now, listen in to get info on filing claims for conditions related to Agent Orange from the VA, and from TVC Claims Benefits Advisor Robert Macias. We'll also introduce you to Vietnam Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, Commissioner Mike Hernandez. Make a Claims appointment here.
Texas Women Veterans, This One's For You!
Women Veterans across Texas you’re invited to join Texas Veterans Commission to learn about our FREE services and the other resources in your area! Ask questions and get answers LIVE. Our Women Veteran Coordinators want to connect with you and help you get the benefits you have earned.
Register here and get a free Proudly Served Button. Invite your veteran sisters to join the discussion. Learn more about the Women Veterans Program Here.