 | | Abilene's Purple Heart City Dedication Features Commissioner Hernandez | Abilene was officially declared a Purple Heart City on Nov. 21, 2024. Commissioner Mike Hernandez spoke at the ceremony presenting this honor to Abilene. "It gives a great tribute to the men and women who have been wounded by our nation's enemies and have given their ultimate sacrifice for our country. We give our thanks for recognizing Abilene as a Purple Heart City," said Hernandez. | | | Hernandez, pictured far right, is a Purple Heart recipient himself and a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps and medically retired due to his combat injuries sustained in Vietnam. Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt, at center, noted the designation honored the citizens of their community who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the armed forces and encouraged citizens to never forget and to show appreciation for sacrifices | | | | made by Purple Heart recipients in defending our freedoms. | | | | | | | Uncovered decades old deck logs prove service for $241K compensation award | Found deck logs showed a Navy veteran's proximity to Vietnam and ultimately helped his widow win long sought Dependent Indemnity Compensation. The Borger area veteran's surviving spouse had applied for benefits right after he passed in 2009 and she was denied. In January 2024, TVC Claims Benefits Advisor Tonya Osborn learned of her case and began assisting the widow with her claim. "After reviewing the file, I could see | | | the deck logs for the veteran and knew he was very close to Vietnam," said Osborn, pictured. She noted that when the surviving spouse originally filed her claim, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act had not | | | | | Veterans connect, improve well-being with Military Veteran Peer Network | "A lot of veterans and service members feel lost…that's where peer support is so important. It comes into play because they have someone who has been through that similar experience and they can walk them through that path so they are not left alone," said Jayni WhiteField, Army veteran and TVC Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) Manager. "They (MVPN members) get connected to an individual and get them the resources they need."
MVPN was featured on KXAN NBC Austin Mid Day News on November 26. Watch MVPN. "There's that instant camaraderie and understanding. Peers notice if someone is struggling and come along side and help them get the resources and they need." said Cynthia Gray, Air Force veteran, TVC Justice Involved Veteran Manager and Licensed Professional Counselor Associate." Find other veterans to talk with in MVPN. | | Noticing Purple Heart plates, Veteran Services Officer connects widow with compensation | A chance meeting at a party honoring a WWII veteran culminated in a retro payment to a widow for over $238,560. "Last year I was at a party for a 100 year old WWII veteran and presented him a Galveston County Appreciation plaque alongside Senator Mayes Middleton. Upon leaving I saw a Purple Heart on a lady's license plate and that's where | | | it all began," said Galveston County Veteran Services Officer and Marine Corps veteran Jeff Gottlob, pictured. "I talked to her a | | | | bit, gave her my card and she came in to see me." Read about the veteran, his widow and what happened next at Purple Heart plates. | | Take TVC's customer satisfaction survey | Let us know how we are doing. It's quick. The TVC survey is only nine questions. | | | | | Improving veterans' lives with needed medical equipment | Project MEND's mission is to improve the quality of life for veterans living with disabilities and illnesses in south Texas. They do this by providing durable medical equipment and assistive technology to veterans and their family members who are need. Project MEND focuses on refurbishing, reusing, and distributing medical equipment to ensure that veterans have access to the tools they need to live more independent, fulfilling lives. Since 2011, TVC's Fund for Veterans' Assistance has awarded Project MEND over $2.2 million to provide services to over 3,000 veterans and their families. Read more at Project MEND. Those interested in services may sign up for Project MEND, or email info@projectmend.org . | Pictured below is Adrian, a retired Air Force veteran living with a leg amputation. He has received several pieces of professionally refurbished and sanitized medical equipment from Project MEND. | | Award honors higher education commitment to veteran students, apply now | TVC's Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) honors Texas public academic institutions of higher education that significantly support the academic success of veteran and military connected students and provide outstanding services and environments for them. Applications for VEERA are now open. Colleges and universities may apply at VEERA. | | South Texas Resource Fair connects veterans with benefits, services | A resource fair is being hosted by TVC and the Texas Veterans Land Board with lunch compliments of Texas Senator and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Edinburg. Veterans are invited to enjoy comradery and find out about the local and state benefits and services available to them. Register at South Texas Resource Fair. | TVC offices across the state will be closed on Dec. 24, 25 and 26, 2024 and on Jan. 1, 2025. | | | | | | | Follow TVC on social media! | | | | | The mission of the Texas Veterans Commission is to advocate for and provide superior service that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.
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