(The Center Square) – Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham is encouraging all Texans to honor military heroes this week during Texas Military Heroes Week. She’s also encouraging Texans and Americans to participate in a Valentine’s for Veterans program.
The Texas General Land Office, the oldest agency in Texas, has administered programs for Texas veterans since 1836.
It oversees the Texas Veterans Land Board, which operates 10 Texas State Veterans Homes and four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.
“From the earliest battles, like the Alamo right here in Texas, to conflicts overseas, please join me in honoring all who have helped secure our freedom throughout the years and those who are defending it still. We truly are the land of the free because of the brave,” said Buckingham, who chairs the VLB and oversees the state’s maintenance of the cemeteries.
“Texans have always played a historic role in the defense of liberty, and that spirit of sacrifice is alive to this day. The freedoms we enjoy come at a cost, which is why the Texas Veterans Land Board works hard every day to serve those who took an oath to serve our nation,” she said.
State veterans’ homes provide affordable, long-term care for Texas veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. The facilities are primarily subsidized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Under Buckingham, the GLO launched the Valentine’s for Vets program as a way to express appreciation to veterans living in the homes.
Last year, a record 37,997 Valentine’s Day cards and letters were mailed to veterans through the program – the largest card donation to date, The Center Square reported.
“Those cards, letters and drawings brought smiles, laughter, and tears of joy,” Buckingham said. “It was a simple gesture that made a world of difference. This year, we want to do even more.
“We need your help to send love to our veterans. Whether it’s a handwritten card, a heartfelt letter or a child’s drawing, every message matters. This is a chance to let our heroes know they are loved, appreciated and never forgotten. I’m asking all Texans, schools, churches and community groups to join us.”
Those interested in participating can download Valentine’s cards from the GLO or mail their own to any of the addresses located here. They should include “Valentines for Vets” in the mailing address and be postmarked by Tuesday, Feb. 10, to ensure timely delivery, the GLO says.
The GLO’s VLB also maintains five state veterans’ cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Lubbock and Mission, where it offers committal services. Later this year, the VLB will hold a grand opening for the fifth cemetery in Lubbock.
State veterans’ cemeteries have been built in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are managed by the VLB. They complement VA cemeteries located in Dallas-Ft. Worth, El Paso, Houston, Kerrville and San Antonio. State burial benefits are identical to those offered at VA cemeteries, the GLO says.
The VLB also launched an Unaccompanied Veterans Program 10 years ago to provide burials for veterans with no known next of kin, The Center Square reported. Before it was launched, veterans’ remains were brought to state cemeteries and directly buried or interred with no honors or recognition of their military service. Now they are interred “with honor and dignity, regardless of where they may have found themselves in life,” the GLO explains.
The VLB also offers low-interest loans to veterans to purchase a home or land or renovate their home.
It is also capturing the stories of Texas heroes through its Voices of Veterans Oral History Program. This year, the program is expanding to include videos of veterans recounting their service.
“During Texas Military Heroes Week, we come together to honor the incredible bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans. Their unwavering commitment to our nation and their selfless acts of courage inspire us all,” VLB executive director Tony Dale said in a statement. “Let us take this time to recognize and celebrate the heroes among us, and to express our deepest gratitude for their service. Texas stands proud and united in our commitment to support our Veterans, today and always.”
Texas is home to 15 military installations, including Fort Hood in Killeen, Joint Base San Antonio and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
Veterans living in Texas are encouraged to contact the Texas Veterans Call Center at 1-800-252-8387 to learn more about benefits for which they are eligible.
