Archive for May, 2020

Commissioners award over $30.7M in grants to more than 120 organizations, approve veteran employer awards

At their quarterly meeting May 14th, 2020; Texas Veterans Commissioners approved a total of $30,775,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants to be awarded to over 120 organizations across Texas. These funds are distributed as part of the 2020-2021 grant cycle and are expected to provide assistance to more than 33,400 veterans and their families.

The FVA awards annual grants to non-profit organizations and local governments which provide a wide range of assistance directly to veterans and their families. Support ...

Continue Reading
0

“Lighthouse in the storm”- Food & essential items drive launched by Atascosa VCSO

“During difficult times the goal of our office is to be a lighthouse in the storm, a place where veterans can turn to and know that they can get a helping hand,” said Sarah Gamboa, Atascosa Veteran County Service Officer (VCSO) and US Marine Corps veteran.

Gamboa’s team has launched a food and essential items donation drive to help veterans experiencing economic hardships. The campaign is in addition to her usual duties of helping veterans with benefits claims, transportation to VA ...

Continue Reading
0

Hazlewood education benefits help 42,835 in 2019

Over the past five years, Hazlewood education benefits use increased by more than 10%. In 2019, it was used by 42,835 individuals, compared to with 38,822 in 2015.

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption after G.I. Bill benefits have been exhausted. This includes most fee charges at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It does not include ...

Continue Reading
0

Employment readiness workshop virtually attracts a crowd

Translating military experience into civilian job matches can be difficult. Experienced coaching in writing resumes and other job search skills is a staple of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Employment Services (VES). These job seeking skills trainings were interrupted by the COVID-19 health emergency. Training sessions are now resuming with live online events, such as the Employment Readiness ...

Continue Reading
0

VA honors TVC’s Emma Breitbarth & Katasha Gray as Veteran of the Day

Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) Emma Breitbarth was recognized as VA Veteran of the Day and featured in the VA blog VAntange Point on April 26, 2020. A few days later, the VA named TVC VCA Katasha Gray as its Veteran of the Day for May 8.

“We, the Texas Veterans Commission, salute you for your hard work, focus on the mission and unwavering dedication to the service you provide for the veterans of Tyler, and North Texas!” ...

Continue Reading
0

Claims numbers increase, helps secure $2M retro payments

From March 19 when the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Claims Department transitioned to remote service through May 8, Claims has had over 74,000 interactions with veterans. These have been on a strong uptick. For example, the week of May 4 had 15,600 interactions compared to 2,902 the week of March 22. A highlight of the recent activity has been the awarding of $2 million in combined retroactive payouts distributed among five veterans.

Regarding the combined total $2 million retroactive payment, TVC ...

Continue Reading
0

Entrepreneur tips & resources for business downturn

The Texas Veterans Commission’s Entrepreneur Program offers the following tips and resources to small businesses to face the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business downturn.

Brainstorm creative ideas. Phone a friend, Zoom a business mentor, call a family conference.  Do not underestimate ideas of young children and teens whose tech savvy ideas may be just the right out-of-the box idea that moves your business forward.

Review business finances and cash flow. What expenses can be cut, suspended, or ...

Continue Reading
0

Peer helps released justice involved veteran with employment, mental health, back pay & more

After serving 20 years in prison, a Tyler area veteran who had not applied for his benefits was released. He persevered to receive his benefits and transition back into the community with the help of the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN).

“I got to see this veteran’s journey from before he was released from prison, to when he started corresponding with the Peer Service Coordinator (PSC), up to today when he got confirmation of his back pay,” said Erin McGann, ...

Continue Reading
0

Employment Services Awards

Veteran Employment Services annually presents Employer Awards to business and organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to employing veterans and for effective veteran employment initiatives. The following businesses and organizations were awarded for their dedication to veteran employment in 2019.

Large Employer Award  (251+ employees)
Allied Universal (AU)-Texas, Houston, TX
The company had a workforce of over 5000 of which 14% are veterans. They hired 1700 ...

Continue Reading
0
Page 1 of 2 12
Scroll to Top