BIG SPRING, Texas — The West Texas Veterans Association (VA) Healthcare System in Big Spring hosted a resource fair just ahead of Veterans Day, bringing together agencies from across the Permian Basin to connect veterans with a range of essential services.
Chief Communications Officer for the VA, Michael Cole, said, “we’re very fortunate to live in West Texas, where we have such a supportive community for our veterans. That’s what makes this event so special.”
The fair featured a variety of resources, including MyHealtheVet, an online platform that allows veterans to manage appointments, message their healthcare team securely, refill medications, and access medical records. Representatives from the Texas Veterans Land Board also attended, offering information on home, improvement, and land loans for veterans.
There were also representatives from Veterans for Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Texas Veteran Commission to name a few.
“At our local Disabled American Veterans level, we help veterans with housing, plumbing issues, rent, utilities, groceries, and ensure a stock of winter clothing at the VA,” Senior Vice Commander for Disabled American Veterans, Mike Tarply, said.
The fair underscored the resources available to veterans, many of which they might not have known about previously and illustrated the strength of the local veteran community.
“It’s important to have that camaraderie. You don’t find it if you’re not in a veteran atmosphere,” Tarply said. “It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—you just don’t fit the same anymore.”
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for some veterans, but the event highlighted the role of the veteran community in providing support.
“This isn’t the VA of 20 or 30 years ago,” Cole said. “Today, nearly 40% of our staff here at the West Texas VA are veterans. We understand what veterans are going through. So, if you think the VA isn’t for you, please come ask. We’re here for every veteran.”
NewsWest 9 extends its gratitude to every veteran for their service.