March 1836 was a perilous month for Texas independence

March 1836 saw Texans’ fight for their independence in peril. Early victories had been earned by Texans at Gonzales (Come and Take It), Concepcion and a battle west of San Antonio over a supply line (the Grass Fight). On March 2, 1836 Texas independence from Mexico was declared. Just a about a week before on February 23, a large, strong Mexican army of possibly 7,000 troops lead by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna arrived in San Antonio to crush ...

2
MAR
2021

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News & Events

Free legal assistance for civil matters

Housing, family law, disability issues, estate planning & more are among free civil legal assistance available to eligible Texas veterans from Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Volunteer Lawyers and Texas A & M School of Law – Family & Veterans Advocacy Clinic. These organizations are supported by grants from the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Each organization offers its own variety of pro bono legal services and each serve various counties the state.

Lone Star Legal Aid serves multiple ...

8
FEB
2021

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FVA News, News & Events

Help with eyesight & seeing a brighter future

Army veteran Howard McMillan’s eyesight problem made him unable to pursue his career as a welder as he could not pass the necessary eye exam. Unable to secure employment, he was living in a shelter in the Fort Worth area. “I didn’t know how I was going to make it,” said McMillian. He had the contact information of Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Justice Involved Veterans Coordinator Erin McGann and gave her a call.

McGann introduced McMillian to his area Military Veteran ...

2
FEB
2021

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Claims, Health Care Advocacy, Mental Health, News & Events

Her dream is on her career path with help from Veteran Career Advisor

After Gulf War Army veteran Lenora Holmes’ new job fell through, she found herself unemployed and depleting her savings. In her previous job as a VA social worker in North Texas, she had directed veterans to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) for employment assistance. Holmes decided to do so herself. She met with TVC Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) Bobby Lee officed in McKinney.

“In true Bobby Lee fashion, he offered her some snacks, a box of tissue, and assisted in developing ...

2
FEB
2021

0

Employment, News & Events

At 2,700 successful claims & counting, Veteran County Service Officer Rios is benefits savvy

“Every time that we are able to get someone their benefits, we consider that a success,” said Juan M. Rios, Sr., Tarrant County Assistant Veteran Service Officer.

Having completed nearly 2,700 claims for veterans disability, non-service-connected pension, and survivors benefits, Rios creates much success.

Rios’s advice to his fellow veterans is “Do not hesitate to ask. Most are too proud to ask for help but if you do not ask you will never know if you are eligible for the help.”

With his ...

2
FEB
2021

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Claims, News & Events

From homeless veteran to veteran Health Care Advocate

Freddy Salazar served in the Marine Corps from 2005-2009. After he left the service, he was married and had two daughters. “Due to some mental health conditions and drug and alcohol use, I lost it all,” said Salazar. In 2012, he separated from his wife and was homeless.

“I was on the streets with 3 shirts, pants and shoes. I was in a shelter home for over 3 weeks while working for the Army National Guard Bureau. At that time in ...

2
FEB
2021

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Health Care Advocacy, News & Events

Veteran owned North Texas Voice & Speech among select few of Bunker Labs incubator

Army veteran and Speech Therapist Leslie Wegner owns North Texas Voice & Speech, a specialized speech therapy practice helping adults and children with voice, swallowing, and speech related problems. She works with a variety of clients, including veterans, who have vocal fold problems, aging voice concerns, difficulty swallowing, and now those who are recovering from Covid-19 complications. Additionally, Wegner provides voice treatments for patients with Parkinson Disease.

After starting her own company in 2020, Wegner noted that one of the ...

2
FEB
2021

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Entrepreneurs, News & Events

Watch formerly homeless veteran story; Houston Area Urban League, Texas Veterans Commission partner to reach veterans

Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Vice-Chair Kevin Barber was the opening speaker for the Houston Area Urban League veteran outreach event “Operation Empowerment.”

Barber, an Army veteran, provided on overview of TVC services to veterans attending the virtual event, held December 8, 2020. Additionally, he commended the Houston Area Urban League for its overall community involvement and specifically for its Housing Support Program for veterans and for surviving spouses.

“This year, the Houston Area Urban League was awarded a $300,000 Fund for Veterans’ ...

14
JAN
2021

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FVA News, News & Events

Bexar County Veterans Treatment Court lauded by Chairwoman Koerner

Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner spoke at the Bexar County Veterans Treatment Court Graduation virtual event on December 14, 2020.

“This past year has been especially challenging. I thank you all for keeping veterans treatment court working through the pandemic and within health precautions,” said Koerner. “COVID has caused the court to change from in-person counseling and functions. The pandemic may add more mental stress to an already rigorous program. I applaud you all, the members ...

14
JAN
2021

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FVA News, News & Events

Overcoming injuries & obstacles to employment

Veteran Johnathan Igou served just over 4 years in the Air Force. During that time, he was injured during a combat tour in Afghanistan, sustaining injuries from an I.E.D. (Improvised Explosive Device), and a Tracer Round. Igou, pictured below, was medically boarded and while in the VA hospital was referred to the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. In 2016, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas(UNT) in Denton.

Continue reading Overcoming injuries & obstacles to employment Continue Reading

14
JAN
2021

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Employment, News & Events