TITLE: Congratulating the Texas Veterans Commission on its receipt of the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Outstanding State Program.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Texas Veterans Commission on its receipt of the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Outstanding State Program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas Veterans Commission was named the winner of an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Outstanding State Program in 2015; and WHEREAS, Established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, the Pillars of Excellence Awards recognize state programs that significantly improve veteran access to benefits and services; and WHEREAS, The Texas Veterans Commission received this prestigious honor for its role in supporting the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the state's local mental health authorities; an affiliation of service members, veterans, and their families, the MVPN is dedicated to easing veterans' transition to civilian life by identifying community resources and fostering a sense of camaraderie; so far, the network's 35 coordinators have recruited and trained approximately 1,000 volunteers in peer support and mental health awareness; and WHEREAS, In addition to this innovative program, the TVC continues to provide veterans with such crucial services as claims assistance, employment support, educational opportunities, and grant funding; by consolidating such a wide range of resources into one department, Texas has become a national leader in this area and serves as a model for other states wanting to create a comprehensive and integrated veterans agency; and WHEREAS, The year 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address, in which he eloquently affirmed the nation's obligation to veterans and their families, and the Texas Veterans Commission is honoring that promise by ensuring that the men and women who have risked their lives to defend and protect this nation receive the support and assistance they so richly deserve; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Veterans Commission on its receipt of a 2015 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Outstanding State Program and extend to all those associated with the program sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the commission as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. King of Taylor Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1732 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House