Veterans Center Opens in Victoria

The grand opening of the new Vets Center in Victoria was a huge success. It was great to talk to local veterans and hear their thoughts and concerns. Here I am with two members of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 169. It wasn’t that long ago when Veteran Service Officer Frank Torres at the Disabled American Veterans contacted my office and asked for help. He was frustrated in his efforts to get a local Veteran Center in Victoria.

Working together, my District Director and former Marine J.D. Kennedy, Torres, Victoria's County Judge Ben Zeller, County Commissioners Gary Burns and Danny Garcia, along with several local businesses and volunteers have gotten the job done and the Victoria Veteran Center is now open.

The Center offers counseling for PTSD and other service-related concerns, assistance for veterans who want a home loan, to check their educational benefits, or file a disability claim. The center is essentially a one-stop-shop for all veterans within a 70-mile radius. Although it just opened, the center is assisting more than 50 veterans a day.

Our work isn't finished, however. Currently, the center is being operated by part time and shared employees, contractors, and volunteers. The next step will be to submit a report to Secretary Robert McDonald to demonstrate how effective the center has been and request that the VA invest in Victoria County and provide full time paid staff, including positions for former veterans who are transitioning back into civilian life.

Thanks to all who helped make this important center a reality.