Governor Greg Abbott today attended an event to honor fallen military heroes and thank Texas veterans at the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) headquarters in Austin. The Governor was joined by Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Chairman Al Cantu, Texas VFW State Junior Vice Commander Richard “Dick” Shawver, and veterans from across Texas.
At the Memorial Day event, the Governor announced the release of a special Texas edition of the Vietnam War 50th commemoration book, a gift for all Texas veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The book, entitled A Time to Honor: Stories of Service, Duty, and Sacrifice, chronicles the events of the time and details the heroic actions of American soldiers. Additionally, it provides modern day reflections of veterans and pays tribute to all who served in Vietnam.
“Today and every day, we must honor the veterans and fallen heroes who bravely defended our freedoms on the battlefield,” said Governor Abbott. “As our nation continues to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, this book is a symbol of a grateful state and nation. However, this book is not simply a tribute to the heroic service of the veterans and fallen heroes of the Vietnam War. It is also a reminder of our duty as Americans to ensure that veterans have access to the support they have earned. That is why I encourage veterans throughout Texas to apply for and claim the state and federal benefits and support available to them. On behalf of the state of Texas, I extend my deepest gratitude to our Vietnam veterans and to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.”
The commemoration book is part of a broader initiative to encourage all Vietnam veterans to apply for and claim their state and federal veteran benefits and entitlements. All Texas veterans who served in the Vietnam War are eligible to receive a free copy of the book as a sign of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Vietnam veterans throughout Texas are especially encouraged to visit their nearest TVC Claims Benefit Advisor or call 1-800-252-VETS to find the nearest facility. TVC advisors can also assist veterans in all matters pertaining to veterans’ state and federal disability benefits and entitlements.
When a veteran picks up their book, they will have the opportunity to provide their information on-site to TVC advisors and begin the process of claiming their rightful benefits and support resources. The commemorative books are currently available at the following locations, with more locations being added in the future:
TVC Waco Regional Office
701 Clay Avenue
Waco, TX 76799
Phone: (254) 299-9944
Houston Regional Office
6900 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 383-2727
Central TX Veterans Health Care System
Olin E. Teague Center
1901 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Bldg. 208 Rm. 119
Temple, TX 76504
Phone: (254) 743-0549
Texas VFW
8503 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
Phone: (512) 834-8535
