Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced one of the darkest days in American history. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93.
As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember those who lost their lives, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the heroic first responders who answered the call without hesitation. We also honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who answered their nation’s call in the years that followed.
Though a quarter-century has passed, we must ensure that the memory of that day — and the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism demonstrated in its aftermath — is never forgotten. I hope you will join me this week in remembering the lives we lost and praying for their families.
For the men and women who served in the years that followed, the sacrifices of military service did not always end when they returned home. Adjusting to civilian life can mean finding a new career, continuing an education, or seeking care for injuries sustained during service. Ensuring veterans have the support they need through that transition is an important part of honoring their service.
Supporting our veterans remains an important part of the interim work underway at the Capitol ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. Recently, the Senate Select Committee on Veteran Affairs held a hearing to examine the resources available to transitioning service members and consider how Texas can better protect veterans seeking the benefits they have earned.
Among the issues on the agenda were helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian careers, strengthening access to trusted claims assistance, and protecting veterans and their families from deceptive practices. Applying for benefits can be a complicated process, and no veteran should be taken advantage of while seeking assistance.
For those of us who call East Texas home, these issues affect people we know and care about. Our veterans are our neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Whether they are returning from service or have been home for decades, they deserve access to dependable support in the communities where they live.
That’s why I was pleased to see Governor Abbott announce more than $3.3 million in grants last month to support veteran services across East Texas. Administered by the Texas Veterans Commission, the awards include funding for Polk and Trinity counties, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, and the Salvation Army in Lufkin.
Together, those four recipients were awarded $904,000 for financial assistance and housing support. These grants put resources in the hands of local organizations and county offices that work directly with veterans and understand their families’ needs. They also provide a practical example of how state and local partners can work together to support those who have served.
With the next legislative session just a few months away, I’m paying close attention to these efforts and where additional work is needed. Supporting our veterans and their families will remain a priority, and I’m grateful to the local organizations and individuals who carry out that work in our communities every day.
The mobile office is on the road again in September, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: September 16 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: Rep. Trent Ashby on Facebook.
