District 126 is proud to be home to a significant community of veterans and military families who have sacrificed greatly in service to our nation. These brave men and women, along with their families, deserve our unwavering support and appreciation. However, many veterans and military families face unique challenges, including access to healthcare, mental health support, employment opportunities, and navigating the complexities of military-to-civilian life transitions. These challenges can often lead to struggles with mental health, financial stability, and family dynamics. As a military spouse of over 20 years, I have lived these challenges firsthand. I have worked alongside our service members, commanders, military programs, and military families. I know the pain of loss, having lost a loved one, KIA in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2007, and many close friends. My personal connections include wounded warriors, fellow widows, and countless military families. As an Army Family Team Building Master Trainer for over 10 years, I served service members and their families at installations around the world. I was also a Battalion Family Readiness Group Leader and Army Family Action Plan Coordinator, roles that deepened my understanding of the unique struggles faced by our military community. The colors of our service branches flow in my veins, and my dedication and loyalty to our brothers and sisters in uniform are unwavering. Supporting veterans and military families is not just a duty; it is a deeply personal mission. I am committed to addressing the needs of our veterans and military families, ensuring they receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve. It is not enough to thank our service members for their sacrifices—we must also provide them with tangible support to help them thrive in our community.
Challenges Faced by Veterans and Military Families in District 126:
– Access to Healthcare and Mental Health Services: Veterans often face barriers in accessing healthcare, particularly mental health services. Long wait times, lack of specialized care, and challenges navigating the VA system can prevent veterans from receiving the support they need.
– Employment and Financial Stability: Transitioning from military to civilian life can be difficult, and many veterans struggle to find employment that matches their skills. Military spouses also face employment challenges due to frequent relocations and gaps in their resumes.
– Housing and Homelessness: Some veterans face housing instability or homelessness, often due to financial difficulties, mental health issues, or a lack of support networks.
– Family Dynamics and Support: Military families, especially those dealing with deployments and relocations, often face unique stressors that can strain relationships, impact children’s education, and affect overall family well-being.
Proposed Actions to Support Veterans and Military Families in District 126:
- Establish a Veterans Resource Center in District 126 Action: Create a dedicated Veterans Resource Center that provides access to healthcare navigation, mental health support, job training, legal assistance, and benefits counseling. This center will serve as a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access the resources they need. Measurement: Success will be measured by the number of veterans served, with a goal of reaching 1,000 veterans annually, and by tracking improvements in access to services, job placement rates, and overall satisfaction with the support provided.
- Expand Access to Mental Health and Crisis Support Services Action: Partner with local mental health providers and veteran organizations to expand access to mental health services, including counseling, PTSD support, and crisis intervention specifically tailored for veterans and their families. Measurement: Measure success through reduced wait times for mental health services, increased usage of crisis support resources, and a targeted 30% reduction in veteran suicide rates within the next three years.
As a veteran-owned small business, my husband and I are committed to continuous growth, embracing new technology, pursuing continuous education,etc. Our company is in fields of federal contracts, aerospace, international business, and logistics. We take pride in extending our knowledge, experience, and resources to the veteran community through workshops, trainings, and one-on-one coaching, helping other veterans succeed as business owners. Serving veterans and their families is a responsibility we take seriously—providing job opportunities, training, and advocacy on all levels. I stay informed on the latest bills, policies, and issues that impact veterans and veteran businesses because their success is among one of my missions.”-Sarah Smith
- Develop Employment and Job Training Programs for Veterans and Military Spouses Action: Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development programs to create job training and placement services tailored to veterans and military spouses. Offer career coaching, resume workshops, and certifications that align with civilian job markets. Measurement: Track employment rates among participating veterans and spouses, aiming for a 50% increase in job placements within the first two years, and monitor feedback on the effectiveness of job training programs.
- Advocate for Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Programs Action: Work with housing authorities, nonprofits, and state agencies to provide affordable housing options for veterans and implement homelessness prevention programs that offer rental assistance, financial counseling, and emergency support. Measurement: Success will be measured by the reduction in veteran homelessness in District 126, with a goal of a 40% decrease within the next five years.
- Support Family Resilience Programs for Military Families Action: Establish support networks and resources for military families, including deployment support groups, financial planning assistance, and educational resources for children of military families. Focus on helping families navigate the unique challenges of military life. Measurement: Evaluate the success of family support programs through participation rates, satisfaction surveys, and improved family outcomes, such as better academic performance among children and reduced family stress levels.
Measuring Outcomes of These Actions in District 126:
- Veteran and Family Satisfaction Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to assess the effectiveness of support programs and gather feedback from veterans and military families on their experiences with accessing resources.
- Employment and Housing Stability Metrics: Track employment rates, job retention, and housing stability among veterans participating in the programs, focusing on long-term success and financial security.
- Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Data: Monitor the usage of mental health and crisis support services, measuring improvements in mental health outcomes and reductions in suicide and crisis incidents among veterans.
Addressing Veterans and Military Family Support at the State Level:
- Advocate for Increased State Funding for Veteran Services: Push for expanded state funding to support veteran healthcare, mental health services, job training, and housing assistance. Advocate for funding allocations that prioritize communities with high veteran populations like District 126.
- Support Legislation to Simplify Access to Benefits: Champion bills that streamline the process for veterans to access their benefits, reducing bureaucratic barriers and wait times within the VA and other service providers.
- Promote Statewide Mental Health Initiatives for Veterans: Advocate for the expansion of state-funded mental health programs tailored to veterans, including PTSD treatment, substance abuse counseling, and support for military families dealing with the stress of service.
- Enhance Employment Protections and Opportunities for Veterans and Spouses: Support legislation that provides tax incentives to businesses that hire veterans and military spouses and expands funding for job training programs that align military skills with civilian job opportunities.
- Increase Support for Veteran Housing Programs: Work to expand state funding and support for affordable housing programs, including veteran-specific housing projects and homelessness prevention services that provide critical support to veterans in need.
Current State-Level Initiatives and Bills Supporting Veterans:
– Texas Veterans Commission Programs: Offers a variety of programs, including mental health services, employment assistance, and housing support specifically for veterans and their families.
– Veterans Mental Health Program: State-funded initiatives that provide mental health support and crisis intervention specifically for veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues.
– Veterans Land Board Housing Assistance: Provides affordable housing options and loan programs to help veterans and military families secure stable housing. Through these actions and continued advocacy,
I am committed to ensuring that our veterans and military families in District 126 receive the support, respect, and resources they deserve. By addressing their unique needs both locally and at the state level, we can create a community that truly honors the sacrifices of those who have served and those who stand by them.