Helping veterans and their families save money on their home mortgages is the main goal of VLB’s Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP). Continue reading
General
“Gunny” R. Lee Ermey has a message for Texas veterans
Listen up, Texas veterans! Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey has a message for you!
“The VLB has low-interest home loans, land loans, and home improvement loans, veterans homes and cemeteries, too!” shouts the legendary U.S. Marine drill instructor in a new, multi-media public service announcement being deployed across the state by Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board.
The campaign includes billboards, radio, television and social media outreach to make Texas veterans aware of the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Learn more at TexasVeterans.com.
“If anything can get your attention, it’s the voice of a Marine DI,” said Patterson, a retired Marine with more than 20 years in the Corps. “Gunny is a respected and recognizable advocate for all veterans, and I am very proud to have his help telling folks about the VLB. Our goal is to get more veterans the benefits they’ve earned.”
Today, many know Marine Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey from the popular History Channel program “Mail Call,” but Ermey’s role as a fanatical drill instructor in Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 “Full Metal Jacket” made him an instant icon. Ermey had served as a real-life Marine drill instructor and was a consultant on Kubrick’s film when asked to take the role.
Filmed at Fort Sam Houston with the help of the Marine 4th Recon Battalion, the ads feature Gunny touting the impressive benefits at the VLB. Patterson said Gunny was an enthusiastic volunteer. “When we told him there were Texas veterans missing out on their benefits, and we wanted to change that, he jumped at the chance,” Patterson said. “Few men do as much for U.S. Armed Forces personnel and veterans as Gunny. He is a national treasure.”
For more information on Texas VLB home, land and home improvement loans; Texas State Veterans Homes; or Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, call 1-800-252-VETS (1-800-252-8387), or visit TexasVeterans.com.
“Be proud to be a Texas veteran,” Patterson says in the spot. “Because Texas is proud of you!” shouts Ermey, pointing and leaning into the camera with his trademark menace.
Legislative update: New bills support veterans and their families
In observation of Memorial Day, the Governor signed Senate Bill 163, House Bill 97, Senate Bill 1476 and House Bill 1514, which provide important resources and support to veterans and surviving spouses of members of the military who have been killed in action.
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In honor of Memorial Day, several of VLB’s Texas State Veterans Homes and Cemeteries held special ceremonies, from the traditional Laying of the Wreath at the cemeteries to providing guest speakers and activities that were enjoyed by the residents in the homes. Continue reading
Help Honor Flight Austin reach 1000 WWII veterans
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No state loves her veterans more than Texas
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Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony at Texas Capitol May 25
Members of the Texas Legislature will hold a special Fallen Heroes Memorial service May 25 at 10 a.m. to honor the Texas military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror. Continue reading
Who will you carry May 25?
Hundreds of participants will descend upon Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet for the Carry The Load Austin 2013 event Saturday, May 25. Continue reading
May is National Military Appreciation Month
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Don’t miss out! May TVC Expo is designed for you
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) will host one of the largest veteran expositions in the state Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 111 E. Pecan Street in San Antonio. Continue reading