Your May 2018 E-Vets!

Since 1927, the mission of the Texas Veterans Commission has been to advocate for and provide superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

TVC honors America's oldest living veteran

When Richard Overton was born in Bastrop County on May 11, 1906, there were only 45 stars on the United States flag. Theodore Roosevelt was President, and the first World War was still eight years away. There had only been two World Series champions and football players were learning about a new offensive play called the "forward pass".

On Friday, members of the local community gathered at Overton's Austin home to celebrate his 112^th birthday.

Overton is both our nation's oldest living man and veteran, having served in the 1887^th Aviation Engineer Battalion in the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Following the war, Overton returned home to Texas, eventually working for the Texas Department of the Treasury.

We had the chance to visit with him on his birthday, and were met with a smile as he relaxed on his front porch enjoying a cigar. While there, we had the distinct honor to present him with a Texas flag flown over the State Capitol to recognize his special day.

No matter how old or young the Texas Veterans Commission is committed to serving each one of the 1.67 million veterans who have chosen to call Texas their home. We wish Mr. Richard Overton the happiest of birthdays!

Al Cantu, Commission Chairman

The Reverend Richard McLeon, Commission Vice Chair

Jake Ellzey, Commission Secretary

Daniel Moran, Commissioner

Kevin Barber, Commissioner

Thomas Palladino, Executive Director

2018-2019 FVA grants announced!

The Texas Veterans Commission is thrilled to announce the selection of the recipients of Fund for Veterans' Assistance 2018-2019 grants. During the agency's May 9 quarterly meeting, 117 grants totaling over $25,000,000 were awarded to 102 organizations across the state who will provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families beginning on July 1, 2018. Congratulations to the recipients of this funding!

A complete list of organizations that were selected, as well as information for those wishing to learn more about our available grants, can be found on the TVC website.

Know Before You Enroll!

Want to know if your program of study, apprenticeship, or OJT is eligible for GI Bill® or other VA veteran education benefits? Can you enroll in online, face-to-face, or hybrid classes? How do you know?

Your first step in this process is to apply for your GI Bill benefits by visiting the Department of Veteran Affairs website and completing the application process. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) once this process is complete.

When you receive your certificate, contact your school's or training institution's VA representative (commonly referred to as Certifying Official or SCO) and talk about the program that interests you.

The SCO will be able to tell you whether the program is eligible for GI Bill or other federal benefits, as well as the eligibility of specific programs, courses, job sites or campuses, including methods of training (e.g., online, in class, work site apprenticeship).

If you're not sure what program you wish to attend, check out the VA's website, WEAMS! All programs eligible for VA education benefits are recorded in WEAMS, so spend some time and see what is available - the database is a living document and updates are provided regularly!

Have more questions? Call the Veterans Education Department at 512-463-3168, or send us an email! We're ready to help you know before you enroll.

Bring your family and friends to the 70^thCommemoration of the Women in Armed Services Integration Act, hereafter known as Women Veterans Day, on June 12, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The featured speaker will be Kayla Williams, Director of the VA's Center for Women Veterans. The day will also include a veteran resource fair and veteran art exhibit inside the capitol. For event details click here.

Other Women Veterans Day events are taking place around the state. Visit the TVC Calendar to find an event in your area.

Want to know what veterans' events are going on in your area?

Then head on over to our Texas Veterans Commission events calendar where you can find out about all the latest events taking place across the state!

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Mental health problems can cause changes in your thinking, feelings, behavior, and physical activity. It can also affect your loved ones. Without seeking help, it can affect your family, career, and physical health.

Here are some resources to use and share with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and the service members, veterans, and family members in your community.

Take an anonymous self-assessment that can help you find out if your feelings and behaviors can be related to treatable conditions.

Schedule training. Resiliency Training helps veterans and their families build resilience to cope with the effects of wartime service and combat-related physical and psychological injuries. For a list of available VMHP trainings and presentations contact vmhp@tvc.texas.gov

Join the Network! Visit the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) to find your local Peer Service Coordinator, learn about mental health resources and information, connect with veterans and veteran groups, and learn more about the Veteran Mental Health Program.

Attend a Summit. On June 22, the Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting the 6^th Annual Mental Health Summit at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center in Waco, TX. Register here.

On June 7, the Veteran Mental Health Program is hosting a Mental Health Summit for Texas mental health professionals and providers to create better practices for serving the Service Member, Veteran, and Military Family community. For more information contact vmhp@tvc.texas.gov

Excellence in Media Award nominations now open!

The Texas Veterans Commission is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2018 Excellence in Media Awards are open!

Each year, TVC presents these awards to recognize members of the media who have published or presented works that have helped foster public understanding on veterans' issues.

If you know someone who you think is deserving of a nomination, click here to learn more.

Memorial Day Ceremonies at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries

The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) invites members of the public to join them at one of Texas' state veteran cemeteries for a Memorial Day Ceremony. Memorial Day is a time to remember those men and women who served this nation with honor and distinction, and to reflect on the many sacrifices they have made in the defense and liberty of our country.

You can find out more about the various Memorial Day events taking place across the state on the VLB's blog.