Leaving the military after 26 years of service, Army veteran Zwannah Sarnor found himself in the unfamiliar territory of trying to find employment. Seeking assistance with his job search, Sarnor visited his local Workforce Solutions Center in Killeen where he met TVC Veteran Career Advisor and Army veteran Victor Gomez.
When Air Force Veteran Patrick Parker walked into the Arlington Workforce Center on February 11, 2026, he was facing a very difficult time in his life. Despite years of professional experience, he was now unemployed, down on his luck, and on the brink of homelessness. His luck began to change
Army veteran Christopher Morisson faced difficulties in gaining employment and transitioning to civilian life. This included having been justice involved with a parole obligation and facing homelessness. Determined to live a better life, Morisson sought employment assistance from the TVC. Doing so made him face his skepticism about a positive
Veterans across the Panhandle will have the opportunity to access on-the-spot benefits assistance, claims support and critical services in one place at the Panhandle Veterans Expo in Amarillo on June 13, 2026. Hosted by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) in partnership with the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), the free,
Army veteran David McKinney had been unemployed for over a year. His need to provide for his spouse and children, plus medical expenses caused anxiety and stress which tested his resilience and diminished his confidence in his ability to find work. That began to change on April 9, 2026, when
Military spouses and dependents of service members can find employment assistance from Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services Family Career Advisors (FCAs). Most FCAs are former military spouses themselves and know the challenges of being in a military family and while seeking civilian employment. FCAs know the employment opportunities available
In September 2025, Army veteran Desiree Henderson‑Onovo met with TVC Rural Veteran Career Advisor and Army veteran Katie Baillio for assistance finding employment. They determined that Henderson‑Onovo’s barriers to employment qualified her for Individualized Career Services from Baillio. Baillio provided one‑on‑one support, through career coaching, résumé development and job referrals.
Ever gone somewhere to help in one way, but ended up helping in a totally different way? That’s just what happened to Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Rural Veteran Career Advisor (RCVA) and Army veteran Marcus Bollinger who was providing employment services at a monthly outreach event at American Legion Post
Navy veteran Lance Hooker found himself unemployed for the first time in decades after being unexpectedly laid off. Suddenly dealing with and feeling alone, Hooker described it as “One of the most testing chapters of my civilian transition.” reached out to his local American Jobs Center and met TVC Veteran
Army veteran Larry Clements, pictured above, moved to East Texas from Washington state, leaving everything he had known for the past 10 years. He settled in the Longview area and began looking for employment. As part of his job search, he visited Workforce Solutions Office in Longview and met TVC
Professional of the Year honors from Workforce Solutions of Central Texas were recently bestowed on TVC’s Tony Ramirez and James Nickerson. The award recognizes individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to job acquisition and have made a meaningful impact in Central Texas. Ramirez and Nickerson both work in TVC’s Veteran
Pictured is Marine Corps veteran Joshua Sexton. After moving to Texas from California a little over a year ago, Marine Corps veteran Joshua Sexton was still having a hard time finding a job in his field of Information Technology (IT). Seeking assistance with his job search, Sexton visited the American
Pictured above from left are TVC Rural Veteran Career Advisor and Army veteran Marcus Bollinger and Navy veteran Albert Tijerina at his new job. After months of unemployment, Navy veteran Albert Tijerina attended an Off Base Transition Training workshop at Workforce Solutions in Bryan in April 2025. Following the workshop,
Picture above from left are Zac Staley and Benito Juarez. Navy veteran Benito Juarez had been unemployed a year when he came to the Workforce Solutions Rural Capital office in San Marcos in July 2025. He had applied for dozens of jobs with no luck. After Workforce Solutions staff verified
Jason Payne After an extraordinary 30-year career in the U.S. Navy from October 1992 to June 2023, Jason Payne retired with honor and distinction. His service included flying various aircraft, executing complex multi-mission operations and holding key leadership positions such as Operations Officer, Naval Aviator, Compliance Officer, and Safety Officer.
Special Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) job search skills workshops are coming to six cities in the west Texas and Panhandle areas in October. It’s the 2025 West Texas OBTT Road Show “This is well timed for honing resumes and interview skills before the big statewide Hiring Red, White and You!
Pictured above are TVC VR&E Liaison Thomas Tichy and Army veteran Dante Wins. Army veteran Dante Wins’ job as a manager in a retail giant’s warehouse was aggravating his service-connected disabilities. It kept him on his feet up to 14 hours a day. Seeking employment with better work conditions, Wins
On July 25, 2025, Navy veteran Tonya Pilot, pictured above, attended a hiring event for employment services provider Pride Industries at the Grand Prairie Workforce Office. At the event, Pilot spoke with Carmen McKinnon, the recruiter for Pride. McKinnon really wanted to help Pilot find something; but, during their conversation,
Employers from across Texas gathered in Abilene on August 8, 2025 for the annual Texas Conference for Employers, hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission. The conference brought together leaders, HR professionals, and business owners to discuss critical employment law updates and foster best practices in the workforce. Attendees had the
Army veteran James Hall, pictured, had been out of work since January 2025. He was struggling with his service connected disabilities but determined to find employment. On April 30, 2025, he visited the Denison American Jobs Center (AJC) and was referred to TVC Rural Veteran Career Advisor (RVCA) and
When it comes to helping veterans find jobs, multiple organizations and partners may be involved. TeQuoya Sheppard is such an outstanding example of effective collaboration between partnering agencies that TVC Veteran Employment Services (VES) West Texas District honored her as its El Paso Borderplex American Job Center (AJC) Business Services
After serving in the Army, Jacqueline Lawrence sought meaningful civilian employment. She soon found work with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); but, wanted something else. In her search for a different job, Lawrence found the State of Texas job application process to be complex. That changed when she attended a
Austin, TX –The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services teams operating in West Texas District Workforce Solution Centers received the Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Veterans at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ (NASWA) 12th Annual Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025. The
TVC Veteran Career Advisor Coach and Army veteran Dennis Aaron, at left, is presented the DAV Department of Texas Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) Award. The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Department of Texas recently presented its Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) of the Year Award to TVC
Army veteran Dalton Barker found himself suddenly without at job. He had recently transitioned from service, having been in the Army from 2017 to August 2024 including leading missions in the Middle East. He was medically retired and soon after leaving the Army found employment as an Operations Manager for
When Army veteran Kelvin King visited the Denison Workforce Center on March 18, 2025, he was facing challenges, barriers to employment due to being justice involved, low income, and his disabilities. He was in the VA Compensated Work Therapy program, earning $8.35 an hour. The goal for those in the
Recently held job fairs attracted hundreds of employment seekers and connected them with employers and TVC Veteran Employment Services. The Law Enforcement Job Fair held on May 7, 2025 in Edinburg attracted over 289 job seekers. It featured over 40 law enforcement agencies seeking employees. It was sponsored and organized
Pictured from left are TVC Rural Veterans Career Advisor Zac Staley and Adria Garcia. Army veteran Adria Garcia was forced to close her healthy cooking business in Buda and had been unemployed for three months. “She was facing a challenging chapter in her life. With no job and mounting expenses,
Veteran and military connected students are focused on their academic success and their opportunities after college. When South Texas College held a Veterans Resource Fair at its McAllen campus in mid-April, it attracted over 60 veteran students and their family members. The Texas Veterans Commission was there to inform and
Above, TVC Commissioner Chuck Wright, center, joined Veteran Career Advisors (VCAs) Orlando Alvarez and Cynthia Lawton and Veterans Employer Liason (VEL) Coach Tee Huling at U&I Spread the Light’s resource fair in Dallas. Four on the spot interviews, referrals to employment opportunities and job seekers assisted with completing their Work
As a TVC Employment Services Family Career Advisor, Dee Stewart assists military spouses and dependents of service members to find employment. Having been a military spouse herself, she understands the challenges military spouses face in maintaining a career as they move from one duty station to the next. Stewart said
The Texas Veterans Commissioners approved the annual Veteran Employer of the Year awards at the quarterly commission meeting on May 15, 2025. TVC Veteran Employment Services staff nominate businesses and organizations which demonstrate a strong commitment to employing veterans and leading effective veteran employment initiatives. “Thank you to all employers
When U.S. Navy veteran Anwar Elboustani found himself in need of a new job, he visited his local Workforce Solutions Center in Waco. There, center staff assessed him as a qualified veteran for TVC Employment Services and in January 2024 connected him with TVC Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) Paul Bilunas.
TVC Rural Veterans Career Advisor and Army veteran Gerardo “Jerry” Garza participated in the Texas Conference for Employers – Lower Rio Grande Valley. The event was organized by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and held in Mission in late February. At the conference, Garza informed employers of the advantages of
Morant Pittman, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, faced a major setback when he was laid off from his role as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Fort Cavazos. “Mr. Pittman was disheartened and discouraged at the possibilities of obtaining a worthy job due to his age. He
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Employment Services (VES) team’s Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) West Texas Road Show is on the go again. After its highly successful debut that attracted hundreds of veterans, the VES team is again bringing this free training to veterans in smaller cities and rural areas.
Marine Corps veteran Jim Moniz visited the Waco American Job Center (AJC) on June 25, 2024 seeking employment assistance. Once identified by the AJC staff as eligible for TVC Veterans Employment Services, the veteran secured an appointment with TVC Veteran Career Advisor and Air Force veteran Paul Bilunas. Together, they
Above is Isaac Marquez-Diaz with Workforce Solutions mascot Job Fair-Con. A job fair in a water park? It may seem unconventional; but, pairing fun and family friendly with a job fair drew nearly 600 job seekers, including families; plus, 74 vendors to TVC’s Job Fair-Con at Kalahari Resorts and Convention
The Centurion Military Alliance (CMA) honored TVC Veteran Employment Services (VES) South Texas District Outreach Coordinator and Army veteran Laurie Pimentel-Johnson with the CMA Legacy Award. Presented to her on July 26, 2024, the award recognized Pimentel-Johnson effectiveness and success in assisting service members to transition to civilian life. “The
The free, Veterans Resource Fair and Back2School Supply Drive for military children will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Tyler. The event is hosted by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) and UT Tyler’s Military Veterans Success Center. It
TVC’s Employer of the Year – Large Government Entity award was presented to the City of Houston on July 16, 2024. It’s workforce of 21,250 consists of 16.1% veterans of which 9.4% are veteran new hires. The Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs coordinates and facilitates access to veteran employment
The American Legion Department of Texas honored TVC with awards and a featured speaker role at it’s recent statewide convention, held July 13, 2024 in Denton. Recognized for their outstanding work to “ensure the economic well-being of veterans” were TVC Employment Services team members Veronica Rodriguez and Joshua Pinson. Rodriquez
TVC’s West Texas Veterans Employment Services (VES) team’s Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) Road Show is on the go again. After its highly successful debut that attracted hundreds of veterans, the VES team is again bringing this training to veterans in smaller towns and rural areas. The OBTT program consists of
When it comes to looking for employment, women veterans are taking holistic approach to the job search. The value of first impressions, self presentation, mentors and networks are known and worked on as well as resumes and interview skills. This was evident at the Boots to Fashion and Work event,
AUSTIN, TX – On June 26, 2024, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) presented its annual Veteran Employer of the Year awards to three Dallas area businesses. TVC Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran Chuck Wright gave the awards that recognize businesses and organizations which demonstrate a strong commitment to employing veterans
Job seeking veterans in the Del Rio area now have a local TVC Rural Veterans Career Advisor (RVCA) they can connect with. RVCA Rustee Flood, an Air Force Veteran, started with TVC Veterans Employment Services at Del Rio in March 2024. A pair of outreach events have allowed her to
Ellis County just started its Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) this May. The program is designed to provide Justice Involved Veterans, those incarcerated in the criminal justice system, the resources and assistance for a successful return to the community. That includes job readiness. Providing job readiness services for the Ellis County
Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops cover crucial aspects to prepare for post-military professions and job searches. This includes hands on work with resume development, interviewing skills and other job search skills. OBBT also provides labor market information. A recent OBTT workshop series held in El Paso in early May attracted
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Veterans Commission’s annual Veteran Employer of the Year awards were approved by Commissioners at their quarterly meeting on May 16, 2024. TVC Veteran Employment Services staff nominate businesses and organizations which demonstrate a strong commitment to employing veterans and leading effective veteran employment initiatives. “Thank
Veteran Jameson Miller is an example of how taking courses and programs, plus the connectivity of the veteran community, can overcome barriers to employment. He was able to find work in the career he desired, assisting veterans. It all began with Miller, pictured, being in the case management program
TVC Veterans Career Advisor (VCA) and Army veteran Dennis Aaron is committed to helping veterans find jobs. He works with them to hone job search skills and in getting interviews. He listens to their disappointment when interviews don’t land jobs. Beyond the responsibilities of his own work, he serves on
A college campus, military base and a nonprofit organization were among the variety of places hosting recent employment events. At all of these was the TVC Employment Services team. To reach veterans around smaller towns, the Regional Employment Expo was hosted by New Braunfels Food Bank in late March. It
When Army veteran James Thomas’s injuries prevented him from being able to perform his job, TVC Veteran Career Advisor and Army veteran Eliseo Torres assisted him in finding another. Thomas knew he could depend on Torres’s “guidance and encouragement” due to the previous success Thomas had with Torres’s assistance on
Maria D. Gonzalez understands the importance of entrepreneurs to economic development and creating jobs in rural communities. This led her to create and coordinate an entrepreneurs’ summit held in Lampasas. Gonzalez, pictured, is a TVC Rural Veteran Career Advisor and Army veteran. As such, her goals include working with,
TVC connected with Texas National Guard members at events hosted by Texas Military Department’s Soldier and Family Readiness Program in late February 2024. Among the TVC programs there was Veteran Employment Services, represented by Homero Prado, Jr. He worked to connect job seeking Guard members and veterans with employment resources
Katasha Gray and Mike Calhoun of the Texas Veteran Commission’s (TVC) Veteran Employment Services (VES) North Texas District team prepare justice involved veterans to return to their communities with job search skills and job readiness training, plus employment leads. “Their workshops are very beneficial and have had an impact on
Madison Covington, pictured, recently earned a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. She had a goal of becoming a Federal Special Agent; however, she had no professional work experience. Covington, a dependent family member of two veterans, was referred by the program manager of the Fort Cavazos Soldier
TVC Employment Services partners with other organizations in producing career advancing events for veterans. At the Texas VFW Foundation Veteran Career Expo, held mid-January in Corpus Christi, 31 employers were on site, 10 on-the-spot job offers were made, 8 interviews were scheduled and over 140 follow-ups were planned. The event
In just his first year of service, TVC Rural Veterans Career Advisor Theo Bell got 22 of 23 veterans he was intensively working with to participate in personal employment plans. He finished the year with a 100% employment outcome rate, exceeding the standard rate by 30%. Further, he connected with
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) West Texas Veterans Employment Services (VES) team decided it was time to take Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) from the big city and out to reach veterans in smaller towns. The OBTT program consists of a series of employment-oriented workshops that were developed by the U.S.
The team at Wichita Falls American Job Center (AJC) of Workforce Solutions North Texas has developed a collaborative and productive relationship with the local Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services team. Together, the two organizations form an effective and reliable Business Services Team (BST) which connects job seeking veterans with
In just his first year of service, TVC Rural Veterans Career Advisor Theo Bell got 22 of 23 veterans he was intensively working with to participate in personal employment plans. He finished the year with a 100% employment outcome rate, exceeding the standard rate by 30%. Further, he connected with
When the U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Headquarters held a recruiting event in July, it reached out to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to participate. “This gave us the opportunity to network with local RGV Sector Border Patrol recruiters and provide information to participating veterans on all
In May of 1990, Greg Hale graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. He went on to use that degree in the United States Navy as a Naval Intelligence Analyst and served honorably for four years. After his Naval service Hale,
The American Legion Department of Texas presented its 2023 Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) of the Year Award to Kelly Norris, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Career Advisor in Garland. Additionally, the American Legion presented its Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) of the Year Award to Eric Brown, TVC
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Chairwoman Laura Koerner discussed transitioning from military to civilian life at a symposium hosted by the Centurion Military Alliance at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) in Live Oak on July 28, 2023. Chairwoman Koerner, a U.S. Navy veteran, talked about her personal experience of military service,
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Department of Texas recently presented its Texas’ 2023 Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Awards to individuals and businesses for their exceptional work in preparing injured veterans for the workforce and placing them in jobs. Presented June 9, 2023 at the DAV Conference in San Marcos, the
Teens and young adults, ages 16-24, were the target group for Job Fest 2023 in San Antonio. “This was our first time attending the Job Fest. Many veterans were escorting their teenaged children to the event and stopped by the TVC table,” said Laurie Pimentel-Johnson, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran
While assisting an Off Base Transitional Training (OBTT) event in March at Fort Worth, Lee Ware, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Liaison (VEL) and Army veteran, happened to meet veteran Bruce Banner. He was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in 1998, had service connected conditions and was unemployed. “Mr.
Justice Involved Veterans in El Paso improved their job search interaction skills, including how to address the difficult issues of their involvement in the criminal justice system, with a mock job fair in early May 2023. Taking part in the event were Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) local Veteran Employer Liaisons
Two women veterans in San Antonio received refurbished vehicles from the National Autobody Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides Program. “Having reliable transportation can make a huge difference in someone’s life, especially when it comes to accessing employment opportunities, medical appointments, and other essential services,” said Laurie Pimentel-Johnson, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
The success of a recent hiring fair held April 13, 2023 at Fort Bliss in El Paso has Hire G.I., a national recruitment and job placement company for transitioning military and veterans, ready to return. The event attracted over 210 attendees and more than 30 employers and vendors. To hold
“One of the main causes of recidivism among Justice Involved Veterans (JIV), is the fact that many experience unemployment or low income,” said Ron Abrams, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services North Texas District Outreach Coordinator and U.S. Army veteran. To improve that situation, working directly with veterans who are
The new Raising the Flag employment program prepares job seekers with workshops such as resume writing and interview skills. Then, it provides the opportunity to put those to use with quarterly job and career fairs. Raising the Flag employment events are available to veterans, active duty and transitioning military and
Vietnam-Era Veteran Eloy Vasquez’s job search ran into a snag this winter when he was asked for proof of his high school education. Though Vasquez could show having GED marked on his DD214, the potential employer required physical proof such as a diploma or GED certificate. Vasquez needed employment assistance
The American Legion Department of Texas presented its 2023 Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) of the Year Award to Kelly Norris, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor in Garland. Additionally, the American Legion presented its Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) of the Year Award to Eric Brown, TVC
U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin “Marty” Walsh visited the American GI Forum-National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP) https://www.agif-nvop.org/ in San Antonio on August 30, 2022. Meeting with Secretary Walsh in a roundtable discussion were members of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services (VES) South District team. “At the roundtable,
A new Bexar County Military and Veterans Service Center Director is scheduled to come onboard in September 2022. LTC Keith Wilson is slated for the directorship upon his retirement from U.S. Army Soldier for Life, Regional Director for South U.S., Northeast U.S. and Europe. In preparation for his new role,
Veterans Employer Liaison (VEL) Christopher Garza and Rural Veteran Career Advisor (RVCA) Katie Baillio were awarded by the American Legion, Department of Texas for their outstanding effectiveness in getting veterans into jobs. Both are members of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Employment Services team. The awards were presented at
When 67-year-old U.S. Army veteran Kurt Vogel, pictured at right, was laid off from a Human Resource position over a year ago, he decided to reinvent himself and seek a new career field. In doing so, Vogel activated his profile in the Work in Texas (WIT) system. That got
Job fair and career resources events hosted in May by Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services (VES) West Texas District attracted over 1,300 attendees and “resulted in multiple application submissions and pending job interviews,” said Rodney Washington, TVC VES West Texas District Outreach Coordinator and Air Force veteran. “My
Army veteran Dyan Schiller recently overcame obstacles to employment and started on a new career in February 2022 as a Claims Representative Associate, with United Health Group. “I could not have done it without you both, I greatly appreciate all your advice, your guidance, your patience, direction, communication, updates, reminders,
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services (VES) in the Coastal Bend area recently added six new employers to the companies VES works with to increase veteran hiring. Additionally, Coastal Bend VES reconnected with over a dozen other employers. Making contact with the new and reconnected companies was Coastal
Claims were filed, hot lunches served, flu shots and haircuts were given and items for warmth and hygiene provided at the Corpus Christi Veterans Stand Down serving homeless veterans. Held November 12, 2021, the event was attended by 43 veterans and 20 community resource representatives participated, including the Texas Veterans
Having earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering, Navy veteran Joanna Ayala, pictured, was eager to put it to use; but, encountering difficulty securing employment. On April 2, 2021, she had an initial meeting with Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) and Army veteran Katasha Gray at Resource
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Career Advisor Durashia “Button” Frizzell was featured as the Nueces County’s Veteran of the Quarter. Get to know her career from Boot Camp to TVC including Guantanamo Bay, Iceland, Japan and points in between. Read the April-June 2022 Newsletter. [PDF]
Looking for services to help one’s well being in a subtle environment? Vet Centers offer social, mental and emotional wellness in a confidential manner at low profile locations. Additionally, the centers provide connectivity to many resources available in the community. “The confidentiality is a big asset of Vet Centers,” said
Ever talked with a WWII Marine Corps woman veteran? It’s a rare conversation opportunity. WWII Marine Corps Veteran Marine Marilyn Richards Dow of Corpus Christi celebrated her 100th birthday in August 2021. The honor of meeting Ms. Dow occurred for Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisors Durashia Frizzell (Navy
The Disabled American Veterans’ (DAV) honored Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services’ Lee Ware as DAV’s 2021 Outstanding Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Tremayne “Trey” Hubbard as DAV 2021 Outstanding Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP). Both Ware and Hubbard were awarded at the DAV’s National and state level
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services provided individualized career services to 2,369 veterans from July 2020 – June 2021. Of that, 1,294 found employment. Overall, throughout Texas, TVC’s Employment Services served 18,290 veterans in its past program year. This included job fairs, training and networking events. “TVC’s Employment Services team
Having earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering, Navy veteran Joanna Ayala, pictured, was eager to put it to use; but, encountering difficulty securing employment. On April 2, 2021, she had an initial meeting with Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) and Army veteran Katasha Gray at Resource
The American Legion 2020 Employer of Veterans Award winners included Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employer Liaison (VEL) Lee Ware and Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) Coach Trey Hubbard. Ware earned awards at the state and national level. The 2020 American Legion National Employer Awards recognized him with its LVER (Local
Marine Corp veteran Sara Brogan served as an Airframe Mechanic. Army veteran Christin Schleker’s military background consisted of medical logistics. Both had barriers to employment. Here’s how each overcame those barriers. Brogan responded to a general outreach to new veterans registered in Workintexas.com in January 2021. This outreach was initiated
When Don Parrot saw an opening on the City of El Paso’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, he saw it as an opportunity to collaborate on a larger scale to improve services for veterans. “By serving in the community, TVC staff can have their finger on the pulse, of what is
“Job clubs are very different from our workshops. It’s very informal. We invite veterans that are in the job seeking arena,” said Jonathan Boubel, Veteran Career Advisor of the Texas Veterans Commission. “We just have an open dialogue that is not scripted. It’s extremely informal we just talk about some
After Gulf War Army veteran Lenora Holmes’ new job fell through, she found herself unemployed and depleting her savings. In her previous job as a VA social worker in North Texas, she had directed veterans to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) for employment assistance. Holmes decided to do so herself.
Veteran Johnathan Igou served just over 4 years in the Air Force. During that time, he was injured during a combat tour in Afghanistan, sustaining injuries from an I.E.D. (Improvised Explosive Device), and a Tracer Round. Igou, pictured below, was medically boarded and while in the VA hospital was referred
Looking for a place to share experiences, to get and give career tips in an easy-going environment? Try LinkedIn MilCity. LinkedIn MilCity describes itself as “A Military Community Career Centered Meet Up & Networking Group. Powered by the people – for the people. These are free events and not affiliated
The statewide Hiring Red, White & You job fair is scheduled for November 5, 2020 with multiple events being held through virtual platforms. By holding multiple, virtual job fairs across the state, Texas employers can more easily connect to highly qualified veteran job seekers. Be prepared for this hiring event and
The American Legion, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) partnered to present a statewide, virtual career fair on September 15, 2020. The event turned out bigger than expected, featuring more than 220 companies and attracting approximately 780 job seekers. “It was recognized at American Legion national level
The Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Transition Alliance is a network of organizations that assist the transition of service members from active duty. Representing the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) at the JBSA Transition Alliance’s meeting on August 18, 2020 was TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. At the meeting,
The 2019 American Legion National Employer Awards recognized Katasha Gray as Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) of the Year. Gray, a Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor, was recognized last month by the America Legion’s state level employer award and has now gone on to be their national
Veteran Kristen Wahl left a job as a Security Manager for US Navy Submarines in Washington D.C. and moved to Texas with her husband. “I thought when I got to my new home state, I would have no problem finding employment,” said Wahl. About five years later, she was still
Networking Informational eXchange/Training (NIXT) is how veteran services providers are collaborating and sharing knowledge to improve veteran services in south Texas. NIXT is a weekly meeting of the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) South Texas District Employment team to which other organizations and TVC programs are invited to present information. This
Congratulations Kim Reid, Shawna Story (formerly Medina ), Sherry Byard and Tanya “Tee” Huling for being recognized as a VA Veteran of the Day during July. Congratulations all and well done! Reid, Staff Services Officer for the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services North District, was honored on July 1,
Earning top employment services awards from the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the American Legion, Department of Texas are Katasha Gray and Tanya Huling. Both work in the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Employment Services North District. Gray was awarded as Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist of the Year by the DAV
When eight women veterans recently completed their Employment Plan to overcome hiring barriers, West Texas Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) District Coach Tremayne Hubbard celebrated them. The veterans were recognized at the annual Women Veterans Day celebration hosted by Hubbard. An Employment Plan provides a written step-by-step guide and actions to
NPower helps launch digital careers for military veterans from under-served communities and veteran spouses. Their digital and technology careers training is tuition free for qualifying veterans. Since 2013, NPower has served north Texas. Now via their new virtual program delivery, NPower expands its career training opportunities across Texas. Find out
At their quarterly meeting May 14th, 2020; Texas Veterans Commissioners approved a total of $30,775,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants to be awarded to over 120 organizations across Texas. These funds are distributed as part of the 2020-2021 grant cycle and are expected to provide assistance to more
Translating military experience into civilian job matches can be difficult. Experienced coaching in writing resumes and other job search skills is a staple of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Employment Services (VES). These job seeking skills trainings were interrupted by the COVID-19 health emergency. Training sessions are now resuming
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Career Advisor (VCA) Emma Breitbarth was recognized as VA Veteran of the Day and featured in the VA blog VAntange Point on April 26, 2020. A few days later, the VA named TVC VCA Katasha Gray as its Veteran of the Day for May 8.
Veteran Employment Services annually presents Employer Awards to business and organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to employing veterans and for effective veteran employment initiatives. The following businesses and organizations were awarded for their dedication to veteran employment in 2019. Large Employer Award (251+ employees) Allied Universal (AU)-Texas, Houston, TX
Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services helps beyond job-seeking skills and coordinating with employers. In February, Special Congressional Recognition from the Office of Congressman Will Hurd was presented to El Paso Veteran Employee Liaison Kevin Bowes and District Outreach Coordinator Don Parrot. The recognition was for their efforts in assisting the
Celebrating their fifth year, the VA Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Department and Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veterans Employment Services (VES) North Texas District teamed up in producing a job fair to connect employers and veterans. A total of 188 veterans participated in the event which featured 46 employers from the
Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services helps beyond job seeking skills and coordinating with employers. In February, Special Congressional Recognition from the Office of Congressman Will Hurd was presented to El Paso Veteran Employee Liaison Kevin Bowes and District Outreach Coordinator Don Parrot, pictured from left to right. The recognition was
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services (VES) Program presented its annual Employer of the Year awards in February. The awards recognize public and private-sector employers who have a positive effect on Texas veterans, other employers, workers and their communities. Awards are presented in each VES District of Texas
AUSTIN – The Texas Veterans Commission is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 TVC Employers Awards. These awards recognize both public and private-sector employers whose efforts and initiatives have had an extraordinary effect on Texas veterans, other employers, workers, and the communities in which the employer does business.
