STATE SURGEON CHRONICLES
#12 | OCTOBER 2026
WELCOME TO DEPT. OF TEXAS VFW STATE SURGEON’S
Quarterly Healthcare Newsletter
so glad you’re here
GREETINGS COMRADES!
Healthcare Highlights As we enter the final quarter of 2026, we are reminded that caring for our Veterans extends far beyond their time in uniform. It means advocating for accessible healthcare, supporting mental and physical wellness, and ensuring that no Veteran or family member feels forgotten. This quarter, we highlight important VA updates, seasonal health concerns, and resources available to Veterans and their families across Texas. As we approach the holiday season, I encourage each of us to prioritize our own wellbeing while continuing to look out for our fellow comrades. Because taking care of those who served isn't just our responsibility—it's our continued promise to one another.
OCTOBER | PREVENTION IS A FORM OF STRENGTH O C TO B E R I S A R E M I N D E R T H AT TA K I N G C A R E O F O U R S E LV E S I S J U S T A S I M P O R TA N T A S TA K I N G C A R E O F OT H E R S . W I T H B R E A S T C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S M O N T H U P O N US, WE ENCOURAGE OUR VETERANS, SPOUSES, AND LOVED ONES TO PRIORITIZE PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS AND CO N V E R S AT I O N S W I T H T H E I R H E A LT H C A R E P R OV I D E R S . BUT PREVENTION DOESN'T STOP THERE. WHETHER IT'S S C H E D U L I N G A N O V E R D U E A N N U A L C H E C K U P, R E V I E W I N G M E D I C AT I O N S , S TAY I N G P H Y S I C A L LY A C T I V E , O R A D D R E S S I N G M E N TA L H E A LT H CO N C E R N S , S M A L L S T E P S T O D AY C A N H E L P P R E V E N T B I G G E R C H A L L E N G E S TOMORROW. HELPFUL WELLNESS TIPS: S C H E D U L E YO U R S C R E E N I N G S : A S K YO U R H E A LT H C A R E PROVIDER WHICH CANCER SCREENINGS AND ROUTINE H E A LT H C H E C K S A R E R E CO M M E N D E D F O R YO U R A G E A N D R I S K FA C T O R S . P R E PA R E F O R F L U S E A S O N : D I S C U S S R E CO M M E N D E D F L U , C O V I D - 1 9 , A N D O T H E R S E A S O N A L VA C C I N AT I O N S W I T H YO U R H E A LT H C A R E T E A M . KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL, AND BLOOD SUGAR. CHECK ON A COMRADE: REACH OUT TO SOMEONE YOU H AV E N ' T H E A R D F R O M L AT E LY . A S I M P L E CO N V E R S AT I O N C A N M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E . R E M E M B E R : TA K I N G C A R E O F YO U R H E A LT H I S N ' T A S I G N O F W E A K N E S S . I T ' S O N E M O R E WAY W E H O N O R T H E L I V E S W E ' V E F O U G H T T O P R O T E C T.
N OV E M B E R | H O N O R I N G S E R V I C E T H R O U G H H E A LT H NOVEMBER HOLDS SPECIAL MEANING FOR OUR VETERAN C O M M U N I T Y A S W E C E L E B R A T E V E T E R A N S D AY A N D R E C O G N I Z E T H E S A C R I F I C E S M A D E B Y T H O S E W H O H AV E W O R N O U R N A T I O N ' S UNIFORM. I T ' S A L S O N AT I O N A L D I A B E T E S M O N T H , A N O P P O R T U N I T Y TO B R I N G AT T E N T I O N TO A CO N D I T I O N A F F E C T I N G M A N Y V E T E R A N S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S . M A N A G I N G C H R O N I C H E A L T H C O N D I T I O N S , S T AY I N G ACTIVE, AND MAKING INFORMED LIFESTYLE CHOICES CAN S I G N I F I C A N T LY I M P R O V E O U R Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E . A S W E G AT H E R A R O U N D T H E T H A N K S G I V I N G TA B L E , L E T ' S R E M E M B E R T H AT G R AT I T U D E I S M O R E T H A N S O M E T H I N G W E E X P R E S S . I T ' S S O M E T H I N G W E D E M O N S T R AT E T H R O U G H O U R A C T I O N S , E S P E C I A L LY W H E N C A R I N G F O R T H O S E A R O U N D U S .
HELPFUL WELLNESS TIPS: M O V E A L I T T L E E V E R Y D AY : W A L K I N G F O R E V E N 1 0 – 1 5 M I N U T E S AFTER MEALS CAN SUPPORT BLOOD SUGAR MANAGEMENT AND OVERALL WELLNESS. M A K E B A L A N C E D C H O I C E S : E N J O Y Y O U R H O L I D AY FAV O R I T E S W H I L E I N CO R P O R AT I N G V E G E TA B L E S , L E A N P R OT E I N S , A N D P L E N T Y O F WAT E R . P R I O R I T I Z E M E N ' S H E A LT H : D I S C U S S P R O S TAT E H E A LT H , C A R D I O VA S C U L A R R I S K S , A N D A G E - A P P R O P R I A T E S C R E E N I N G S WITH YOUR PROVIDER. REACH OUT TO A VETERAN: INVITE A FELLOW COMRADE TO A M E A L , P O S T G A T H E R I N G , O R C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T, E S P E C I A L LY T H O S E W H O M AY B E S P E N D I N G T H E H O L I D AY S A L O N E . REMEMBER: HONORING VETERANS MEANS MORE THAN RECOGNIZING T H E I R S E R V I C E . I T M E A N S H E L P I N G E N S U R E T H E Y H AV E T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y TO L I V E H E A LT H I E R , F U L L E R L I V E S , L O N G E R .
DECEMBER | FINDING PEACE, CONNECTION & RESILIENCE D U R I N G T H E H O L I D AY S AS WE CLOSE OUT 2026, DECEMBER BRINGS OPPORTUNITIES FOR R E F L E C T I O N , G R AT I T U D E , A N D T I M E W I T H L OV E D O N E S . H O W E V E R , W E A L S O R E C O G N I Z E T H A T T H E H O L I D AY S E A S O N I S N ' T J O Y F U L F O R E V E R Y O N E . F O R S O M E O F O U R C O M R A D E S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S , T H I S T I M E O F Y E A R C A N B R I N G F E E L I N G S O F G R I E F, L O N E L I N E S S , FINANCIAL STRESS, OR MEMORIES OF THOSE NO LONGER WITH US. DECEMBER IS ALSO A TIME TO FOCUS ON STRESS MANAGEMENT AND E M OT I O N A L W E L L N E S S . A S V E T E R A N S , W E O F T E N P R I D E O U R S E LV E S ON BEING STRONG FOR OTHERS, BUT STRENGTH ALSO MEANS R E CO G N I Z I N G W H E N W E N E E D S U P P O R T O U R S E LV E S . HELPFUL WELLNESS TIPS: G I V E Y O U R S E L F P E R M I S S I O N T O S L O W D O W N : P R I O R I T I Z E R E S T, M A I N TA I N A H E A LT H Y S L E E P R O U T I N E , A N D D O N ' T F E E L O B L I G AT E D TO AT T E N D E V E R Y G AT H E R I N G . S T AY C O N N E C T E D : C A L L A F R I E N D , A T T E N D A P O S T E V E N T, O R SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO BRING ENCOURAGEMENT AND S U P P O R T. M A N A G E H O L I D AY S T R E S S : S E T R E A L I S T I C E X P E C T A T I O N S , E S T A B L I S H A B U D G E T, A N D T A K E B R E A K S W H E N F E E L I N G OVERWHELMED. MAKE ROOM FOR GRIEF: HONOR LOVED ONES THROUGH MEANINGFUL TRADITIONS, SHARED MEMORIES, OR ACTS OF SERVICE. CHECK ON CAREGIVERS AND SURVIVING SPOUSES: A T H O U G H T F U L V I S I T, P H O N E C A L L , O R I N V I T A T I O N C A N H E L P S O M E O N E F E E L R E M E M B E R E D A N D VA L U E D . R E M E M B E R : N O V E T E R A N O R FA M I LY S H O U L D F E E L T H E Y H AV E T O C A R R Y L I F E ' S C H A L L E N G E S A L O N E . O U R G R E AT E S T S T R E N G T H H A S A L W AY S B E E N F O U N D I N L O O K I N G O U T F O R O N E A N O T H E R . I F YO U O R S O M E O N E YO U K N O W N E E D S I M M E D I AT E E M OT I O N A L S U P P O R T, C O N T A C T T H E V E T E R A N S C R I S I S L I N E B Y D I A L I N G 9 8 8 AND PRESSING 1, OR TEXT 838255.
CAREGIVER CORNER M A N Y V E T E R A N S R E LY O N FA M I LY C A R E G I V E R S E V E R Y D AY . PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK ON CAREGIVERS AS WELL. THEY OFTEN EXPERIENCE BURNOUT WHILE CARING FOR LOVED ONES. R E S O U R C E S A R E AVA I L A B L E T H R O U G H T H E VA C A R E G I V E R S U P P O R T P R O G R A M A N D L O C A L CO M M U N I T Y O R G A N I Z AT I O N S TO P R OV I D E E D U C A T I O N , R E S P I T E S E R V I C E S , A N D E M O T I O N A L S U P P O R T.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES C O N T I N U E S U P P O R T I N G YO U R L O C A L VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R S T H R O U G H : VOLUNTEER SERVICES V E T E R A N V I S I TAT I O N C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E FA I R S S TA N D D O W N E V E N T S H O S P I TA L A P P R E C I AT I O N AC T I V I T I E S LOCAL VFW SERVICE PROJECTS
EVERY HOUR VOLUNTEERED STRENGTHENS OUR MISSION. N AT I O N A L V F W U P DAT E S M A J O R R E O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F T H E V E T E R A N S H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N T H E VA H A S L A U N C H E D T H E R E S T R U C T U R E F O R I M PA C T A N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y E F F O R T ( R I S E ) , T H E M O S T S I G N I F I C A N T R E O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F T H E V E T E R A N S H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N I N M O R E T H A N 3 0 Y E A R S . T H E I N I T I AT I V E I S D E S I G N E D TO S T R E A M L I N E O P E R AT I O N S , R E D U C E A D M I N I S T R AT I V E L AY E R S , S TA N D A R D I Z E C A R E A C R O S S T H E C O U N T R Y , A N D G I V E L O C A L VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R D I R E C TO R S G R E AT E R F L E X I B I L I T Y TO M E E T V E T E R A N S ' N E E D S .
LOOKING AHEAD A S W E M O V E I N T O T H E FA L L , L E T ' S C O N T I N U E E X PA N D I N G O U R O U T R E AC H , S T R E N G T H E N I N G PA R T N E R S H I P S , A N D E N S U R I N G E V E R Y VETERAN KNOWS THE TEXAS VFW IS HERE TO SERVE THEM. TO G E T H E R , W E CO N T I N U E P R OV I N G T H AT N O O N E D O E S M O R E F O R VETERANS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
T E X A S VA U P D A T E S E L P A S O VA R E C E I V E S F U N D I N G F O R M R I FA C I L I T Y I M P R O V E M E N T S T H E E L P A S O VA H E A L T H C A R E S Y S T E M A N N O U N C E D F U N D I N G F O R S I T E P R E PA R AT I O N A S S O C I AT E D W I T H A N M R I R E P L AC E M E N T R O O M . T H I S I N V E S T M E N T I S P A R T O F T H E VA ' S L A R G E R F Y 2 0 2 6 H E A L T H C A R E I N F R A S T R U C T U R E M O D E R N I Z AT I O N P R O G R A M . W H Y T H I S M AT T E R S : M O D E R N D I AG N O S T I C E Q U I P M E N T A N D S U P P O R T I N G I N F R A S T R U C T U R E A R E I M P O R T A N T T O T I M E LY A N D E F F E C T I V E M E D I C A L C A R E , P A R T I C U L A R LY F O R V E T E R A N S R E Q U I R I N G A D VA N C E D I M A G I N G . COMRADE WELLNESS TIP: IF YOUR PROVIDER RECOMMENDS AN MRI OR OTHER D I A G N O S T I C T E S T, A S K A B O U T S C H E D U L I N G , P R E P A R A T I O N , A N D H O W Y O U W I L L R E C E I V E YO U R R E S U LT S .
H O U S T O N VA R E C E I V E S A D D I T I O N A L I N F R A S T R U C T U R E F U N D I N G O N O C T O B E R 1 6 , T H E M I C H A E L E . D E B A K E Y VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R A N N O U N C E D F U N D I N G F O R O P E R A T I N G R O O M E L E C T R I C A L U P G R A D E S , E L E VA T O R M O D E R N I Z A T I O N , A N D I N P A T I E N T H VA C I M P R O V E M E N T S . T H E S E P R O J E C T S A R E P A R T O F VA ' S $ 4 . 8 B I L L I O N N A T I O N W I D E F Y 2 0 2 6 FA C I L I T Y M A I N T E N A N C E A N D M O D E R N I Z A T I O N E F F O R T.
S O U T H T E X A S VA I N V E S T S I N R E H A B I L I T A T I O N A N D L O N G - T E R M C A R E FA C I L I T I E S S O U T H T E X A S VA A N N O U N C E D I N F R A S T R U C T U R E F U N D I N G F O R S E V E R A L I M P R O V E M E N T S , I N C L U D I N G E M E R G E N C Y G E N E R A T O R S F O R T H E P O LY T R A U M A T R A N S I T I O N A L R E H A B I L I TAT I O N P R O G R A M B U I L D I N G A N D F I S H E R H O U S E , R E N O VA T I O N S T O C O M M U N I T Y L I V I N G C E N T E R A R E A S , A N D H VA C U P G R A D E S . C O M R A D E W E L L N E S S T I P : FA M I L I E S S U P P O R T I N G V E T E R A N S T H R O U G H R E H A B I L I TAT I O N O R E X T E N D E D T R E AT M E N T S H O U L D A S K A B O U T F I S H E R H O U S E A C C O M M O D A T I O N S A N D VA C A R E G I V E R S U P P O R T R E S O U R C E S .
A M A R I L L O VA R E C E I V E S F U N D I N G F O R E L E VA T O R M O D E R N I Z A T I O N T H E A M A R I L L O VA H E A L T H C A R E S Y S T E M A N N O U N C E D A D D I T I O N A L F U N D I N G T O M O D E R N I Z E E L E VA T O R S A T I T S FA C I L I T I E S . A L T H O U G H I N F R A S T R U C T U R E I M P R O V E M E N T S M AY N O T S E E M L I K E T R A D I T I O N A L W E L L N E S S N E W S , R E L I A B L E B U I L D I N G A C C E S S I S P A R T I C U L A R LY I M P O R TA N T F O R O L D E R V E T E R A N S , W H E E L C H A I R U S E R S , A N D T H O S E W I T H MOBILITY CHALLENGES. CO M R A D E W E L L N E S S T I P : V E T E R A N S W I T H M O B I L I T Y L I M I TAT I O N S S H O U L D A S K T H E I R VA C A R E T E A M A B O U T A C C E S S I B I L I T Y A S S I S T A N C E A N D T R A N S P O R TAT I O N R E S O U R C E S B E F O R E A P P O I N T M E N T S .
T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S A F FA I R S A N N O U N C E D M O R E THAN $615,000 IN GRANTS TO FIVE TEXAS COMMUNITY O R G A N I Z AT I O N S S U P P O R T I N G A DA P T I V E S P O R T S F O R VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS. THESE PROGRAMS HELP VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES PA R T I C I PAT E I N R E C R E AT I O N A L A N D CO M P E T I T I V E ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CYCLING, WHEELCHAIR SPORTS, ARCHERY, AND OTHER ADAPTIVE ACTIVITIES. W H Y T H I S M AT T E R S : P H Y S I C A L AC T I V I T Y I S N ' T J U S T A B O U T S TAY I N G I N S H A P E . A D A P T I V E S P O R T S C A N S U P P O R T R E H A B I L I TAT I O N , I N D E P E N D E N C E , CO N F I D E N C E , E M OT I O N A L WELLNESS, AND CAMARADERIE. C O M R A D E W E L L N E S S T I P : A S K YO U R L O C A L VA R E C R E AT I O N A L T H E R A P Y O R R E H A B I L I TAT I O N T E A M A B O U T A DA P T I V E SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR AREA. ENCOURAGE A F E L L O W V E T E R A N TO PA R T I C I PAT E W I T H YO U ! VA A N N O U N C E D A P P R O X I M AT E LY $ 6 5 . 5 M I L L I O N I N G R A N T S TO 3 3 T E X A S CO M M U N I T Y O R G A N I Z AT I O N S TO H E L P V E T E R A N S E X P E R I E N C I N G H O M E L E S S N E S S O R AT R I S K O F LOSING THEIR HOUSING DURING FISCAL YEAR 2027. T H I S I S PA R T I C U L A R LY R E L E VA N T A S W E A P P R O A C H T H E H O L I D AY S , W H E N H O U S I N G I N S TA B I L I T Y A N D F I N A N C I A L HARDSHIP CAN PLACE ADDITIONAL STRESS ON VETERANS A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S . COMRADE WELLNESS TIP: IF A VETERAN IS STRUGGLING WITH H O U S I N G , E N CO U R AG E T H E M TO CO N TAC T T H E N AT I O N A L C A L L C E N T E R F O R H O M E L E S S V E T E R A N S AT 8 7 7 - 4 2 4 - 3 8 3 8 . P O S T S C A N A L S O CO N N E C T W I T H L O C A L O R G A N I Z AT I O N S TO CO O R D I N AT E A S S I S TA N C E .
CO N T I N U I N G PA R T N E R S H I P S AC R O S S T E X A S T E X A S V F W C O N T I N U E S W O R K I N G A L O N G S I D E VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R S , CO M M U N I T Y- B A S E D O U T PAT I E N T C L I N I C S , V E T E R A N A F FA I R S V O L U N T E E R S E R V I C E S , A N D CO M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S TO CO N N E C T V E T E R A N S W I T H H E A LT H C A R E , B E N E F I T S , C A R E G I V E R R E S O U R C E S , M E N T A L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S , A N D V O L U N T E E R O P P O R T U N I T I E S . TO G E T H E R , T H E S E PA R T N E R S H I P S H E L P E N S U R E VETERANS RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY DESERVE T H R O U G H O U T E V E R Y S TAG E O F L I F E .
S T AY C O N N E C T E D W E E N CO U R AG E E V E R Y P O S T A N D D I S T R I C T TO M A I N TA I N S T R O N G R E L A T I O N S H I P S W I T H Y O U R L O C A L VA M E D I C A L C E N T E R A N D CO M M U N I T Y- B A S E D O U T PAT I E N T C L I N I C . WHETHER THROUGH VOLUNTEERING, SHARING I N F O R M A T I O N , O R C O N N E C T I N G V E T E R A N S T O AVA I L A B L E R E S O U R C E S , Y O U R I N V O LV E M E N T C O N T I N U E S T O M A K E A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE. TO G E T H E R , W E CO N T I N U E TO P R OV E T H AT N O O N E D O E S MORE FOR VETERANS.
U P C O M I N G V E T E R A N H E A LT H O U T R E A C H O P P O R T U N I T I E S AS WE MOVE INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR, POSTS AND D I S T R I C T S A R E E N C O U R A G E D T O P A R T I C I P A T E I N H E A LT H C A R E FOCUSED OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING: V E T E R A N R E S O U R C E FA I R S VA FA C I L I T Y A P P R E C I A T I O N E V E N T S H E A LT H E D U C A T I O N P R O G R A M S S U I C I D E P R E V E N T I O N AWA R E N E S S AC T I V I T I E S CAREGIVER SUPPORT OUTREACH P R E V E N T I V E H E A LT H S C R E E N I N G S CO M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S H I P E V E N T S FA L L I S A N E X C E L L E N T T I M E T O C O O R D I N A T E W I T H L O C A L VA FA C I L I T I E S A N D C O M M U N I T Y O R G A N I Z A T I O N S T O P R O V I D E R E S O U R C E S B E F O R E T H E H O L I D AY S E A S O N . A REMINDER TO CHECK ON OUR VETERANS O N E O F T H E M O S T P O W E R F U L T H I N G S W E C A N D O I S S I M P LY S T AY CONNECTED. REACH OUT TO: A F E L L O W V E T E R A N W H O M AY B E I S O L A T E D A N AG I N G V E T E R A N N E E D I N G A S S I S TA N C E A C A R E G I V E R W H O M AY N E E D S U P P O R T A NEW VETERAN TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE S O M E O N E W H O M AY B E S T R U G G L I N G S I L E N T LY A P H O N E C A L L , V I S I T, O R C O N V E R S A T I O N M AY B E T H E C O N N E C T I O N T H A T C H A N G E S S O M E O N E ' S D AY — O R T H E I R L I F E .
CONTINUING THE MISSION THANK YOU TO EVERY POST SURGEON, DISTRICT SURGEON, VOLUNTEER, AND VFW MEMBER WHO CONTINUES SERVING OUR V E T E R A N S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S . T O G E T H E R , W E A D V O C A T E F O R H E A LT H C A R E , P R O M O T E W E L L N E S S , S T R E N G T H E N PA R T N E R S H I P S , A N D E N S U R E V E T E R A N S K N O W T H E Y ARE NOT ALONE.
Additional Health Topics Flu, COVID-19 & RSV prevention
Encourage Veterans and families to review recommended seasonal
Women Veterans' health
Highlight breast cancer screenings, menopause-related care, reproductive
Caregiver wellness
Recognize spouses and family caregivers who often put their own
Rural Veteran healthcare
Remind Veterans living far from VA medical centers to ask about
Holiday grief and isolation
Encourage Posts to contact widowed spouses, Gold Star families,
Tobacco cessation
November is VA's designated monthly focus for being tobacco-free.
Essential resources for Veterans & families Resources Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255
VA Benefits Hotline 800-827-1000 VA Healthcare Information 877-222-8387 VA Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274 VA PACT Act Information 800-698-2411
Texas VFW State Surgeon Quarterly Wellness Challenge October–December 2026 This quarter, I'm challenging every Texas VFW Post, District, Auxiliary member, Veteran, and family member to turn awareness into action! Each month, we've shared simple wellness challenges designed to encourage healthier habits, strengthen connections, and remind one another that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our fellow comrades. Now, we want to see YOU crushing those challenges! Whether you're getting those steps in, making healthier choices, scheduling that overdue checkup, checking on a fellow Veteran, or giving back to your community, share those moments with us! Snap it. Share it. Tag us! Post a photo, video, or quick update of yourself, your family, or your Post completing a monthly wellness challenge. Tag us on social media: Facebook: Texas VFW State Surgeon Andrea Ortiz Instagram: @txvfwstatesurgeon Facebook & Instagram: Texas VFW Use the hashtags #TXVFWWellnessChallenge #ComradesServingComrades #TXVFWStrong to help us follow along and celebrate your efforts! Let's fill our feeds with encouragement, healthy habits, and comrades making a difference across the great state of Texas! Remember, wellness isn't about perfection or competition. It's about progress, connection, and showing up for ourselves and one another. Let's finish 2026 stronger, healthier, and better connected—one challenge, one Post, and one comrade at a time!
MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCE LIST MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES ENDEAVORS® WE PROVIDE A RANGE OF TOOLS AND SERVICES AIMED AT ASSISTING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN LEADING FULFILLING LIVES. OUR OFFERINGS INCLUDE FREE AND LOW-COST COUNSELING, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, LIFE SKILLS COURSES, FITNESS CLASSES, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND MUCH MORE.
HOME - VMHD THE VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT (VMHD) IS FOCUSED ON ENSURING ACCESS TO COMPETENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HTTPS://WWW.MENTALHEALTH.VA.GOV/ VA HAS A VARIETY OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, INFORMATION, TREATMENT OPTIONS AND MORE—ALL ACCESSIBLE TO VETERANS, VETERANS’ SUPPORTERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
MILITARY COUNSELING FOR STRESS | MILITARY ONESOURCE MILITARY ONESOURCE IS YOUR FREE 24/7 GATEWAY TO INFORMATION, ANSWERS AND SUPPORT. AS A DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-FUNDED PROGRAM, WE PUT EXPERT CONFIDENTIAL HELP TO WORK FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND SURVIVORS WHO NEED A LITTLE EXTRA GUIDANCE FOR ALL THINGS MILLIFE.
VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH OUR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS, MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS, AND A BROAD OFFERING OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, VETERANS CAN BUILD RESILIENCE TO HELP OVERCOME MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PTSD, MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST), TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI), AND MORE.
FREE COUNSELING FOR VETERANS | INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP TREATMENT OPTIONS U.S.VETS OFFERS FREE COUNSELING AND TREATMENT SERVICES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EACH CLIENT IN A SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU NEED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES.
THE HEADSTRONG PROJECT - 501C3 NONPROFIT FOR VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH THE HEADSTRONG PROJECT IS A NON-PROFIT MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PROVIDING CONFIDENTIAL, BARRIER-FREE, AND STIGMA-FREE PTSD TREATMENT TO OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, AND FAMILY CONNECTED TO THEIR CARE.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS & FAMILY ENTERSTONE’S MILITARY SERVICES EXISTS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO CARE OFTEN EXPERIENCED BY OUR NATION’S SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR OUR HEROES— INCLUDING ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS, MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OR RESERVES, VETERANS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY AND FAMILIES GIVE AN HOUR GIVE AN HOUR IS POISED TO STEP IN AND PROVIDE CONFIDENTIAL, NO-COST MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY, RESERVISTS, GUARD, VETERANS, AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, SPOUSES AND CAREGIVERS.
Highlights #TEXASVFWSTRONG POST 4746 HOSTED A BRIEFING ON SEPT 17TH. FRED SANTIAGO, MAJOR (RET.) FROM PARKER COUNTY PECAN VALLEY MENTAL HEALTH - VETERAN SERVICES SPOKE TO A GROUP OF 18 ATTENDEES. DISTRICT 2 SURGEON TINA MARTINEZ AND POSTS HAS BEEN BUSY AT WORK THIS PAST QUARTER, ATTENDING AND SUPPORTING HOMELESS VETERANS AT THE BEAUMONT STAND DOWN, VA TOWN HALLS, TRANSPORTING VETERANS TO THE VA, SUPPORTING AND UPLIFTING VETERANS IN NEED AND STAYING ACTIVE AT SURROUNDING EVENTS! DISTRICT SURGEON TIFFANY PEREZ COMPLETED THE UHP INTEGRATIVE HEALTH COACHING COURSE AND HAS PROMOTED FITNESS AND WELLNESS
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SPEARHEADED A COLLABORATIVE EVENT WITH CRUNCH FITNESS TO PROMOTE THE VFW PROGRAMS. VFW POST 4709 MEMBERS, STAFF AND AUX COMPLETED VA S.A.V.E. AWARENESS TRAINING. BLOOD DRIVE HELD AT POST 4709 RESULTING IN 18 DONATIONS! WEEKLY RUCKING CLUB AT VFW POST 9182 TO NO LABEL BREWERY. ALL ARE WELCOME AT THIS EVENT. HOSTED BY PAST POST COMMANDER RUBEN ARRIAGA. MR. ARRIAGA HAS BUILT A FOUNDATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THEIR LOCAL BREWERY, NO LABEL. THIS EVENT IS A PRECURSOR TO THEIR MAJOR RUCKING EVENT, WARRIOR RUCK/RUN, IN NOVEMBER. MEETING WITH STX VA LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS. CONROE VFW POST 4709 HELD A MURPH CHALLENGE IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY. STATE SURGEON A.O, COLLABORATED WITH EL PASO VFW POST 812 MICHELLE CRITTENDON, POST MEMBERS AND AUXILIARY TO HOST THE 2ND ANNUAL BBQ RESOURCE FAIR AT THE EL PASO VA.
Highlights #TEXASVFWSTRONG
Coming Up SURGEON TRAINING JOIN US FOR A QUARTERLY SURGEON MEETING VIA ZOOM CLICK HERE DATE: 11/25/26 TIME: 7:00PM CST
MEETING ID: 871 5979 7316
PASSCODE: 520795
Free Resources WOMAN VETERANS RESOURCE GUIDE A comprehensive resource guide for woman Veterans encompassing a plethora of topics from healthcare to employment and more.
INSTANT DOWNLOAD VA 2026 HEALTHCARE INSTANT ACCESS
VA NEW LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS CLICK HERE FOR LINK!
NOTES FOR POST & DISTRICT SURGEONS SUBMIT MONTHLY POST SURGEON ACTIVITY REPORTS DISTRIBUTE VA HEALTHCARE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SHARE LOCAL CLINIC HOLIDAY SCHEDULES AND CLOSURES PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS AND SUPPORT GROUPS ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO UPDATE THEIR VA MEDICAL RECORDS & CONTACT INFORMATION
CLOSING MESSAGE A s we g a t h e r w i t h fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s t h i s h o l i d ay s e a s o n , l e t u s a l s o r e m e m b e r t h o s e w h o m ay b e g r i ev i n g , s t r u g g l i n g , o r s p e n d i n g t h e h o l i d ay s a l o n e . T a k i n g c a r e o f o u r Ve t e r a n s m e a n s t a k i n g care of the whole person, and that includes t h e fa m i l i e s w h o s t a n d b e s i d e t h e m . T h a n k yo u f o r c o n t i n u i n g t o s e r ve , a d vo c a t e , a n d l o o k o u t f o r o n e a n o t h e r . T o g e t h e r , we c a n b u i l d a h e a l t h i e r , s t r o n g e r T ex a s V F W .
In Comradeship, VFW Department of Texas – State Surgeon Andrea Ortiz
VAVS PROGRAM VETERAN AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE OR BETTER KNOWN AS VAVS, IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S LARGEST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AND VFW HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1946. AS A DEPARTMENT, WE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF VFW VAVS DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVES ACROSS THE STATE. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SIGNED UP AS A VAVS LEAD/DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE, AND YOU ARE SERVING IN THE CAPACITY OF A POST SURGEON/DISTRICT SURGEON, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN GET YOU INVOLVED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING AND VOLUNTEERING AT THE VA, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ALSO REACH OUT TO SEE HOW WE CAN BEST GET YOU INVOLVED. QUARTERLY FACILITY MEETINGS ANNUAL JOINT REVIEW (NOV) MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE STAYING UP TO DATE ON YOUR VA’S UPDATES ADVOCACY FOR CHANGE
VA VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
VFW is seeking volunteers for VA Volunteer Service Programs (VFW Membership not required)
Volunteer Opportunities (In-person or Online) Compassionate Contact Corps Corporate Volunteerism Physician Ambassador Program Student Volunteer Program / James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship Volunteer Transportation Network Voter Assistance
Join a Legacy of Service Volunteer once, occasionally, or regularly — your assistance and time are priceless to the VFW, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and our Nations Veterans.
No Computer? No Problem. Call 1-800-VFW-1899 for assistance today!
Important Contacts
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR AN UPDATED CONTACT LIST FOR ALL DISTRICT SURGEONS! IN THE INTERIM, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
Stay Connected! andrea.ortiz.vfw@gmail.com
@txvfwstatesurgeon
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