Texas veterans groups team up to bring info to vets

The Texas Veterans Land Board is teaming up with other veterans organizations to help those who have served in the El Paso area and across the state.

“(We decided) to put on joint benefit fairs throughout the state of Texas so the veterans – we get outreach to veterans, inform veterans, educate veterans about all the benefits, be they federal, state, or local benefits that’s available to them,” said Bill McLemore, executive secretary for the Veterans Land Board.

The goal is to reach 1.7 million veterans in Texas overall.

“Our mission here (Saturday) is reaching as many of El Paso’s veterans, military members and their families as we can,” McLemore said.

With a number of Texas veterans organizations and veterans-focused groups present at the fair Saturday at the El Paso Community College Administrative Service Center, the point is not just to have veterans looking for the right answers, but asking the right questions.

“I’m trying to gather as much information as possible,” said Jose Brito, an Army veteran. “What’s available to us veterans insofar as benefits concerning, for example, the Veterans Land Board, loans for home improvement, or even buying a new home.”

Brito and his wife Dolores came to find out what’s available as they enter their senior years, determined to take advantage of all the information presented in one place.

“Having a one-to-one, things being presented to you in a professional manner,” Dolores said. “And that has been exceptional by all the people present here, and I want to thank them.”

If you missed out on the benefit fair, you can still get help in finding out more by calling 1-800-252-8387 or by visiting www.texasveterans.com.