[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 168 (Monday, November 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION OF EL PASO, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2015

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand today in recognition 
of the Texas Veterans Commission offices located in El Paso, Texas. 
Created in 1927, the Texas Veterans Commission has a longstanding 
tradition of honoring Texas Veterans.
  Working as a state appointed advocate, the Texas Veterans Commission 
represents Texas and its veterans before the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. The commission operates in four areas: claims 
representation and counseling services for veteran's benefits; 
educational benefits; employment assistance; and grant services for 
veteran service organizations, charities, and government agencies. The 
El Paso offices have extended these important services to veterans in 
my district and have been helpful in getting these individuals the 
benefits they deserve.
  The local offices are well known for their work in the community. 
Specifically, the Commission has dedicated itself to combatting veteran 
unemployment with fairs such as ``Hiring Red, White and You!'' Since 
the first job fair in 2012, the Commission has been able to connect 
over 1,500 job seeking veterans with potential employers and 
information on opportunities in the El Paso community.
  The El Paso Texas Veterans Commission offices have improved the 
quality of life for our community's veterans and their families. I am 
grateful for the work of Bruce S. Biegel, Karen L. Rooks, Frances 
Holden and the entire staff for their unyielding advocacy and 
assistance to our veterans.

                          ____________________