The Voice of Texas Veterans

Could a VA housing grant help make your home more accessible? Learn about the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing and related grants for eligible disabled Veterans including who qualifies, and how to apply, and how the grants can be used.

For the past two months, the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance has traveled across Texas congratulating its fiscal year 2027 grantees. Nearly $41 million was awarded to nonprofits serving Veterans and their families. Hear where the money goes and meet some of the people making a difference in communities across the state.

Suicide prevention starts with awareness, connection, and knowing what to look for. This episode shares important information for veterans and their families, plus how Texas Parks and Wildlife’s ruck hikes are helping raise awareness and bring people together.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently warned veterans about a growing number of scams targeting their benefits and personal information. In this episode, we breakdown three schemes making the rounds: a postcard claiming veterans are eligible for extra money, fraudsters redirecting benefit payments to unauthorized accounts, and deceptive calls claiming veterans owe money due to VA overpayments.Learn how these scams work, the warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take if you think you've been targeted.

Did you know eligible Texas veterans with a service-connected disability may be able to save thousands of dollars on their property taxes? The Homestead Exemption applies to a home you own and live in, and it all starts with a disability rating. Your county tax assessor-collector’s office will grant the exemption if you qualify. Listen to find out if you are eligible, and what to do if you are.

TVC’s Veterans Employment Services connects veterans with the resources and support they need to find meaningful employment. In this episode, we explore the role of Veteran Career Advisors, who help veterans figure out what they want to do after service, help them navigate the job search and step into new careers.

The Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) Grant Tour is underway, traveling across Texas to celebrate organizations making a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Every year, the FVA awards millions of dollars in grants to nonprofit organizations, veterans service organizations, and local government entities that provide direct services to veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses. In this episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, we visit with two FVA grantees: the El Paso Veteran Treatment Court and the Wilson County Veteran Service Office.

Military life brings unique parenting challenges, finding the right support can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore the ⁠Parenting-STAIR (P-STAIR) ⁠intervention model—specially adapted to help military-connected moms build confidence, manage stress, and strengthen family relationships. Learn how military and veteran moms can ⁠join the study.

Understanding your education benefits can open doors to new career opportunities and future success. In this episode you'll discover what federal and state education benefits are available to veterans and their families. Learn the differences between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and how the Hazlewood Act can help eligible veterans and their children pursue higher education.

JOB FAIR-CON is back and bigger than ever! On July 22, 2026, veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and Central Texas job seekers join us for the third annual JOB FAIR-CON at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock. With more than 200 employers ready to hire, on-site interviews, career counseling, and resume assistance, you may find your next career opportunity. Learn how the Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services team offers services all year round, to get you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding civilian career.

This episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans is your guide to the VA Women Veterans Enrollment Summit, coming to the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio July 24–25.Enroll in VA health care, get info on disability claims and benefits, mental health support, legal services, and choose from dozens of breakout sessions designed specifically for women veterans. You'll also find a resource fair featuring veteran-serving organizations, including the Texas Veterans Commission. Learn how the Texas Veterans Commission's Women Veterans Program provides free, year-round assistance connecting women veterans and their families with the state and federal benefits they've earned.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're also looking ahead to another milestone—nearly 100 years of the Texas Veterans Commission serving veterans, their families, and survivors. On this episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, you'll learn about all the free services we offer. Claims filing, employment services, education benefits, health care advocacy, entrepreneurship, the Women Veterans Program, mental health resources, and The Fund for Veterans Assistance. You must share this episode with all your veteran friends!

Filing a VA disability claim can seem complicated, but getting the right help can make all the difference. On this episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, we talk with a Texas Veterans Commission Claims Benefits Advisor about the claims process, common mistakes veterans make, Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams, denied claims, disability ratings, and survivor benefits. Make a Claims Appointment today!

In this episode we profile Marine Corps veteran Dr. Betty Mosley Brown, who enlisted in 1978 and has spent decades serving her community and fellow veterans. Dr. Brown shares her experiences as a Marine and discusses the importance of Women Veterans Day.We also invite women veterans to connect with benefits and resources, at the VA's Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative Southwest Summit in San Antonio, July 24 and 25. Learn how the Texas Veterans Commission helps women veterans access disability benefits, health care, employment assistance, education benefits, entrepreneurship resources, mental health services, and more.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and in this episode, we learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We will also hear from veterans who discovered alternative therapies that are helping with recovery.

Texas is home to more than 200,000 women veterans, and many continue their commitment to service through careers at Texas Veterans Commission. Among them are the Women Veterans Coordinators who work in communities across the state, connecting women veterans with benefits, resources, employment opportunities, and support networks.We are talking with those coordinators and the program’s director, Army veteran Dr. Krystle Matthews. We discuss the unique needs of women veterans, the outreach happening across Texas, and why it’s important to ensure every woman who served is recognized as a veteran and connected to the benefits and services she has earned.

On June 12, Women Veterans Day, we celebrate the 1948 law allowing women to serve as regular members of the military. There will be events happening across the state in recognition. Texas is home to more than 200,000women veterans, and some of them work right here at Texas Veterans Commission. Today you will hear from three of those women about their service, and commitment to helping women veterans. Plus learn about upcoming Women VeteransDay events in San Angelo, Wichita Falls, and Houston.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Whether you observe with quiet reflection or community activities, know that Texas Veterans Commission supports survivors year-round. In this episode, hear a Memorial Day message from the Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission and learn about benefits for eligible surviving spouses and dependent children. We discuss Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor’s Pension, and the Hazlewood Education Benefit that helps Texas families pursue higher education.

Texas State Jobs are everywhere! Join us for the State Agency Job Fair on May 20, from 10 - 1 at Workforce Solutions Capital Area in Austin. 9001, North I35 in Austin. Listen here for more info!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, in this episode, we focus on practical, everyday steps to support your mental well-being. Army veteran and mental health professional Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell, talks about the importance of reducing stigma, recognizing the role of mental health in overall wellness, and simple ways to start prioritizing your mental health today.

May is Military Caregiver and Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to recognize the family members and loved ones who care for wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans every day. In this episode, representatives from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation share what it means to be a Hidden Hero, explain how communities can support military caregivers and how caregivers can connect with resources available to them.

In this episode, we recognize Military Spouses, by focusing on employment help from Texas Veterans Commission Family Career Advisors. We now have five of them in Workforce Centers around the state, and we are hiring one more. Family Career Advisors, offer spouses and dependents, the same employment support services available to veterans. Learn how they can help spouses build resumes, connect with employers, and continue their career paths—no matter where military life takes them.

April is the Month of the Military Child, in this episode we spotlight the unique experiences and of military-connected kids with the help of Army veteran, author, and entrepreneur Sarah Doran. Sarah shares what inspired her to start her own publishing company, and the challenges and of becoming a veteran entrepreneur. We also highlight how the Texas Veterans Commission supports veterans as they pursue business ownership.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month—a time to listen,learn, and support survivors. In this episode, survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) share their stories, and the Texas Veterans Commission Suicide Prevention Manager talks about the connection between trauma, healing, and hope.

More than 58,000 U.S. service members lost their lives during the Vietnam War, and their names are permanently inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Because not everyone can travel there, The Wall That Heals—a three-quarter scale replica—travels across the country each year. This year, Texas stops include Del Rio and Ranger. In this podcast a Vietnam veteran reflects on what the memorial means to him, and we share what visitors can expect during the Del Rio visit.

Many veterans aren’t aware of the benefits and services available in their own communities. That’s why resource fairs bring organizations like the Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Veterans Land Board, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other partners together in one place.The FREE April 14 Veteran Community Resource Fair is coming up in Houston, where veterans can get claims assistance, learn about education, housing, employment opportunities, and mental health services. All veterans, family members, caregivers and the veteran serving community are welcome.

In this episode, the Texas Veterans Commission provides an overview of the free services available to veterans, family members, and survivors. Learn how to navigate the website, connect with the right programs, and access the benefits you’ve earned. Featuring insights from multiple TVC staff members, this episode is your starting point for understanding how TVC can support you.

Health Care Advocates are a valuable part of Texas Veterans Commission. They help veterans navigate the VA health care system, from enrollment to community care, labs, prescriptions, and billing too. Advocates empower veterans to speak up for themselves. We talked with two advocates who use their own experiences to connect with and assist veterans. Find Your Advocate Here.

As we celebrate Vietnam Veterans this March, let's make sure we connect them with their benefits. Texas Veterans Commission can help with that, offering free services to veterans, spouses, and survivors.

What a great name for one of our Fund for Veterans' Assistance grantees,Henry's Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary. I put a comma in there to help you understand just how helpful this Mental Health grantee has been for veterans. Sometimes just talking to a horse can have a calming effect and make a world of difference.

Sometimes it is not enough to ask if someone is a veteran. It is better to ask: "Did you or a family member serve in the military?" It is also important to know what to do if the answer is Yes. There are many benefits and services that veteran families can use. We'll explore some of the reasons veterans may not identify as veterans and we invite organizations to join the "Texans Ask: Did Y'all Serve" initiative. Get the Texans Ask Guide Here.

Texas Veterans Commission has launched a special webpage for veterans aged 55 and older — filled with important information you can use now. If you were denied a disability claim years ago, don’t give up. In this episode, we talk with Army veteran and award‑winning TVC Claims Benefits Advisor Reggie Lewis about why it’s worth trying again and how TVC can help.

We talk with Williamson County’s Veteran Service Officer and the Veterans Treatment Court judge about their Texas Veterans Commission grant. The VSO uses funding to provide financial assistance, while the court uses its grant for staff, monitoring devices, and therapy for justice‑involved veterans.

Military life brings unique parenting challenges, finding the right support can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore the Parenting-STAIR (P-STAIR) intervention model—specially adapted to help military-connected moms build confidence, manage stress, and strengthen family relationships. Learn how military and veteran moms can join the study.

Operation Final Salute offers guidance to help veterans protect their families long after they’re gone. In this episode, learn what this workshop teaches about end-of-life planning, that includes wills, survivor and burial benefits, and organizing essential military records. The discussion also covers everyday details like passcodes, bill paying, and forms that must be completed while the veteran is still living—to ease the burden on surviving loved ones.

Discover how Heroes Resource Center in Cedar Park, creates a strong support network for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Hear from Program Director Carmen Valenzuela and Executive Director Brandon Crook as they share their personal stories and explain how their TVC grant helps veterans and their families thrive.

When a disabled veteran in Austin needed critical home repairs, Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grantee, USA CARES partnered with local businesses to step in and help. In this episode, hear how a new roof and landscaping—provided free of charge—restored safety and peace of mind to the veteran and his family.  

Join Texas Veterans Commission for a look at two key programs funded by the Fund for Veterans' Assistance: the Williamson County Veteran Service Office and the County's Veteran Treatment Court. Learn how to connect with these same resources in your community.

Today, we’re celebrating a champion of veteran hiring—the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Named our 2025 Government Entity of the Year, TCEQ is setting the standard for what it means to be a veteran-ready employer. In this podcast we hear from TCEQ employees about the work, the mission, and why veterans are an important part of TCEQ. Get TVC Employment Support TCEQ Job Openings

Texas Veterans Commission offers veterans and their families free benefits assistance across Texas—from claims and education to employment, entrepreneurship, health care advocacy, mental health, women veterans services, and the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Many of our staff are veterans or family members of veterans. Let’s meet some of them.

HURRY! Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grant applications are due December 2, 2025. FVA grantees deliver direct, life-changing services to Texas veterans and their families: from financial assistance and clinical counseling to service dogs, home modifications, veteran treatment courts, and more. In this episode, we talk with several grantees about their veteran services.

Applications are open now for the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants—deadline is December 2, 2025. In this episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, we talk with three current FVA grantees about how these grants help them make a difference. Learn how non-profits can apply to be a part of the statewide effort to help Texas veterans and their families. List of Grant Services.

In this Veterans Day episode of The Voice of Texas Veterans, Chairwoman Laura Koerner shares a special message of gratitude, children remind us what Veterans Day is all about and we chat with retired Marine Corps Colonel William Dwiggins from our Education Department—soon to be inducted into the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame. Join us as we honor the courage, dedication, and legacy of Texas veterans.

November 4-20, Hiring Red, White & YOU! job fairs are happening all across Texas. These statewide events connect employers with veterans, transitioning service members, and their families—helping them take the next big step in your career. In this episode, we share what to expect, how to prepare, and why showing up ready can make all the difference. Hiring Red, White & You! - Texas Workforce Commission

We talk about Hiring Red White and You! every year, the statewide Job Fairs designed to recruit transitioning servicemembers, veterans and spouses. We dusted off the archives to get some insight from past HRWY attendees who told us just why they decided to attend. Remember, Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services offers help all year long to eligible veterans and their family members.

The 2025 Austin Veteran Arts Festival kicks off October 17 with a military and veteran film festival — and that’s just the beginning. This month-long celebration highlights how creativity can help veterans heal from the effects of military trauma. From traditional paintings to dance, comedy, magic, and even a therapist-led seminar on art as medicine — there’s something for everyone. The Austin Veteran Arts Festival is open to all.

The statewide Hiring Red, White & You! job fairs are coming this November! Veterans, spouses, transitioning service members, National Guard, and Reserve — this is your chance to connect with employers across Texas who are ready to hire. The Texas Veterans Commission is helping you prepare with Off-Base Transition Training workshops in West Texas, and TVC career readiness sessions at Workforce Centers statewide. Tune in to learn how to make the most of this opportunity and land your next career!

Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is now accepting grant applications through December 2, 2025. These grants support nonprofits that directly serve veterans, offering help in areas such as financial assistance, home modification, career training, veteran treatment courts, and mental health services. One of our current grantees is Marriage Management, workshops designed to help military and veteran couples reconnect, fostering stable and fulfilling relationships. In this episode, we spoke with co-founders Bob and Barbara Zielinski about their mission to guide couples in understanding and learning from one another."

On October 2, Texas Veterans Commission begins accepting applications for the 26-27 grant year. Veteran serving nonprofits and local governments are urged to apply for a Fund for Veterans' Assistance grant. Our website offers help along the way. You can also get info about the grants we have now. This year we awarded 213 grants totaling $46,315,000. Those grants will provide direct services to an estimated 40,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses. Listen to learn about some of our grantees.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance will begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 grant year on October 2, 2025. Right now, we are crisscrossing Texas congratulating this year’s grantees.  Grantees provide a number of free services including Mental Health support. Skeleton Crew Adventures takes that support to a whole new level. How does sailing out in the Gulf and beyond sound?