FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott announces record-breaking $46.3 million In grants to serve Veterans and their families AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) announced more than $46.3 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants will be distributed to 175 organizations across the state. Approved by TVC Commissioners at their meeting last week, FVA grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies throughout Texas that provide direct services to veterans and their families. The grants are expected to serve more than 40,000 veterans and their families.

“Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans— more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families. Setting a new record with over $46.3 million in state grants, Texas will help thousands of veterans and their families access vital support and resources needed to thrive in our great state. Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.”

“Veterans receive vital services and assistance from these nonprofits and local governments across the state,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “From clinical counseling to housing and financial assistance to legal services, these Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will help thousands of Texas veterans and their family members.”

The FVA grants help fund the following services and support:

• Clinical counseling

• Employment support

• Financial assistance

• Home modification

• Homeless veteran support • Peer support services

• Pro bono legal services • Referral services

• Supportive services

• Transportation programs and services

Veteran Treatment Courts

TVC awards grants in five categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health Grants, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.

Texas veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses in need of resources and assistance can find organizations that serve their area by county with the Grant Services Directory at tvc. texas.gov/fund.

Funding for these grants is generated primarily by the Texas Lottery Commission’s games designated for veteran support. Other sources of funding for the grants come from individual donation options on drivers’ licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing, and vehicle registrations.

Since 2009 through the current 2025-2026 grant cycle, over $359 million in grant funding has been awarded through 1,600 FVA grants.

The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior services that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits.

Abbott commemorates fallen Texas heroes at Memorial Day ceremony AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott commemorated the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives in service to our nation in the last year during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Texas Capitol.

“In this Capitol, we remember and honor those who gave their lives for our country,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, we recognize Texas service members who were killed while serving since our last Memorial Day ceremony in this chamber. The legacy of these extraordinary men and women lives on because they fought and died for a cause greater than themselves. We honor their dedication, we remember their sacrifice, and we celebrate their lives.”

The Governor was joined at the Memorial Day ceremony by Speaker Dustin Burrows, Senate Veteran Affairs Committee Chairman Kelly Hancock, House Homeland Security, Public Safety, & Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Cole Hefner, Representative Philip Cortez, and other legislators and families of service members.

The Governor recognized the following fallen service members:

• Staff Sergeant Felix Berrios, United States Army

• Major Tobin Lewis, United States Marine Corps

• Navy Seal Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram, United States Navy Seals