Your March 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 receives national award for Health Care Advocacy Program achievements

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) was honored to receive the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs on Feb. 28 in Washington D.C.

The award recognizes the outstanding work of TVC's Health Care Advocacy Program (HCAP) in the field of improving access to VA health care and services.

Established in 2015, HCAP team members serve as advocates for Texas veterans in addressing issues involving Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services related to health care. The program has 12 full-time employees strategically positioned within VHA facilities across Texas.

Advocates guide patients through the process of making or rescheduling appointments, as well as work to resolve other access issues including VA health care related billing and pharmacy assistance.

In fiscal year 2018, the program is currently on track to exceed its goal of 6,500 cases, providing veterans with a health care champion who works on their behalf to access health care services, resolve complaints, and address issues and concerns that will ensure they receive the long-term health care they deserve.

Their tireless work has resulted in VHA patient access across the state of Texas outperforming the national average, according to VA patient access data reports.

This is the third Pillars of Excellence Award for TVC. The agency was recognized for the creation of its' Military Veteran Peer Network and the State Strike Force Team.

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

If you qualify for state or federal education benefits earned through military service and payment to the school is delayed, you may be eligible to avoid late fees and/or being dropped from your classes.

Texas House Bill 846 – which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2017 – states that a public, private, or independent institution of higher education must provide a student deferred payment of tuition and fees if the receipt of military related financial assistance awarded to the student is delayed by less than 60 days. TVC, in cooperation with these institutions, has prescribed a standard form for the purposes of this deferment; which can be found on our website.

Once completed, this form is submitted to the institution of higher education the student is attending. Additionally, the use of this form does not prohibit an institution from requiring a student to submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).

If you have any questions regarding the form or other veterans education services, please visit our website or call us at 512-463-3168.

The Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration Association and the Texas Veterans Commission hosted the 2018 Planning & Coordination Conference in Austin, Texas. The conference hosted various speakers to cover topics designed to support communities and organizations preparing to recognize the role of Texas and Texans in the Great War. Planning a commemoration event? Get more information and resources here.

A few months ago the Women Veterans Program was asked to find an all-female color guard for the organization Wreaths Across America. That proved to be an impossible task. After reaching out to several schools and putting the word out on our Women Veterans Professional Network, the program was unable to locate one.

However, we are pleased to announce that the Women Veterans of America, Chapter 48, in Denton, Texas is establishing an all-female color guard. Camilla Zimbal, Commander of Chapter 48 and Vietnam Veteran is diligently working to have an all-female color guard ready to celebrate Women Veterans Day, June 12, 2018. To learn more about Women Veterans of America Chapter 48 and Women Veterans Day, visit our website.

When was the last time you evaluated your soft skills or asked a coworker to provide feedback on areas of improvement? How do you use your soft skills for leverage at work?

Whether seeking employment or gainfully employed, we should continuously seek ways to improve our interview, problem-solving and presentation skills. This short article can assist you in this area.

Have you invested in your brand? What does your brand communicate? Your first impression is a lasting impression, therefore how you market and brand yourself is important. This article provides a few tips on professional branding.

The Texas Veterans Commission, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Texas Veterans Land Board, will be hosting veterans benefit fairs across the state throughout 2018. Below are the dates and locations for our next two events:

April 7, 2018, McAllen

VA Outpatient Clinic

901 Hackberry Ave

McAllen, TX 78503

May 5, 2018, San Antonio

Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital

7400 Merton Minter Drive

San Antonio, TX 78229

Looking to see what other veterans' events are going on in your area?

Then check out our Texas Veterans Commission events calendar to see the latest events near you!

Centurion Military Alliance and Soldier For Life 2018 Transition Workshop

A free workshop for transitioning military, veterans and spouses will take place on March 20, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at Fort Bliss. Click here to register and for more information.

Gainesville Medal of Honor Host City Program

Since 2001 the city of Gainesville has hosted an annual event to recognize recipients of our nation's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

This year's event will take place from April 4 to April 7, with more information, including event registration and a history of the program, can be found on their official website.

The New York Film Academy in collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Film Commission, and the City of Austin, is pleased to provide an exciting six-hour class free to veterans and their dependents.

"The Anatomy of a Scene" is a workshop combining lecture, film clip screening, and group participation to explore all aspects of filmmaking. For more information and to register, click here.