(Washington, D.C.) — “Vietnam Veterans of America is pleased to recognize Texas as a top veteran-friendly state and to present to them our VVA State Award for Veterans Services. This award was designed to honor states that have excelled in current, pro-veteran, state-level legislation; cost-of-living for veterans; and employment and retirement security,” announced Thomas Burke, VVA National President.
VVA National Secretary Bill Meeks presented the award to Texas Governor Greg Abbott in a ceremony held at historic American Legion Post 76 in Austin, Texas, on March 19, 2026. VVA Texas State Council President William Stepp and Vice President Tom Cottar joined in the celebrations, as well as Sandra Witt, standing in for Terri Rangel (AVVA President on the Texas State Council) and VVA National Legislative Director Jim Brennan.
“We as a state will continue to support those who served our country at home and abroad,” Governor Abbott said, upon receiving the award. “Texas is proud to be home to more veterans than any other state in the United States. The award we got today is a tangible way that shows Texas is at the top of our game, ensuring that we are providing our veterans with the support and resources they need and deserve. No state loves our veterans more than the great state of Texas.”
“We value the state’s commitment to providing Texas veterans with their hard-earned benefits and support, and we hope their example will spur other states to action,” said Burke. “For instance, Texas offers property-tax relief for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, including full homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans (Tex. Tax Code §11.131). They also grant licensing accommodation for military spouses enabling rapid practice on arrival (state law and agency guidance); and they have well-established employment and apprenticeship infrastructures through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that connect veterans with quality jobs and on-the-job training.”
“As long as we continue to send America’s sons and daughters into harm’s way in the defense of democracy,” Burke said, “we must continue on both the state and the federal level, to meet their needs and continue to support them when they return home and are no longer actively engaged in battle.”
