Vietnam Veterans of America Texas State Council
The Vietnam Veterans of America Texas State Council (VVA TSC) is a vital organization committed to serving Vietnam-era veterans across Texas. As a chartered affiliate of the national Vietnam Veterans of America, the Texas State Council coordinates more than 35 local chapters, providing advocacy, assistance, and a strong sense of community for veterans and their families.
The Council collaborates directly with accredited service representatives to assist veterans in navigating the VA claims process, accessing healthcare benefits, and securing disability compensation. It actively advocates for issues unique to Vietnam veterans, including Agent Orange exposure, PTSD treatment, and support for homeless and incarcerated veterans.
Led by President William “Bill” Stepp, the Council remains dedicated to its mission: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” Through outreach, advocacy, and service, the VVA Texas State Council honors this pledge and continues to improve the lives of those who served.
The cover photo and the April photo for the VVA National 2026 Calendar were submitted by Linda Wilcox, widow of VVA Chapter 915 member Bobby Wilcox, who died.
Patrick Nugent, VVA Chapter 1122, also had a photograph included in the Calendar for September.
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TSC Awards – 2026
Applications are now being accepted for Texas State Council Awards to be presented at the October 2026 Convention in Ft. Worth. Application Form For 2026 The application has been extended to August 31, 2026. POINTMAN OF THE YEAR: Presented to the Individual Member who, in the opinion of the chapter membership, has stepped forward to … Read more
Texas State Council Fall Convention- Fort Worth -October 2-4, 2026
Registration is now open for the VVA Fall Convention Location: DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76134. A meeting agenda will be posted soon. Friday October 2Registration 2 from 1 to 6 pmHospitality Room TBDAVVA Meeting TBD Saturday October 3Business Meeting 9 amBanquet TBD Revised Registration Form: New Registration Form … Read more
Patriot Day – September 11
Remembering September 11 Every year on September 11, the United States observes Patriot Day, a solemn national day of remembrance for the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Established by joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2001, Patriot Day asks Americans … Read more
2027 Texas State Council Scholarships
Applications Now Accepted For The Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council, Alberto Rodriguez, Robert Spencer, and Don Carlos Kennedy Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to: A Vietnam Veteran, current spouse, their child, or grandchild. March 1, 2027 Deadline Please see the attached information below. Note: DO NOT CHANGE THE NAME OF THE ESSAY, as it will … Read more
National Purple Heart Day – August 7
Honoring Those Who Bled for the Flag Every August 7, the nation pauses to observe National Purple Heart Day, a tribute to the men and women who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty while serving in the United States military. It is not a federal holiday, and for most Americans, it … Read more
Coast Guard Birthday – August 4
Honoring 236 Years of “Semper Paratus” Every August 4, the United States Coast Guard marks its birthday — a tradition that reaches back further than almost any other branch of the American armed forces. While the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps trace their roots to the Revolutionary War, the Coast Guard’s founding story begins a … Read more
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Don F. Worley Accounted for from the Vietnam War
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced on June 26 that U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Don F. Worley, 31, was accounted for on June 22, 2026. In 1968, Worley and 18 other men were assigned to Lima Site 85, a tactical air navigation radar site on a remote, 5,600-foot mountain peak known as Phou Pha … Read more
John King Cook – Chapter 137 Dallas
John King Cook of Crandall, Texas, passed away on July 2, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service, unwavering dedication to his family, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. He was born in Austin, Texas, to John F. Cook and Catherine Cook, who preceded him in death. Born on October … Read more
Military Hospitals Receiving an “A” Rating
Getting an A Fifteen military hospitals, including eight Army facilities, have received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2026. The program, run by Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit that evaluates hospitals nationwide on safety and prevention measures, assigns grades from A to F twice a year. What to Watch: The hospitals at Fort … Read more
Take Care of America’s Veterans Act
House Bill 9237 (H.R. 9237), known as the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, and its Senate counterpart, S. 4774, are major pieces of legislation introduced in the 119th Congress to modify Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and health care. The legislation has sparked significant debate, drawing strong pushback from veterans’ service organizations like … Read more
Committee Report -“Centralized Future Texas State Council Host Sites”
At the April 2026 State Convention, an Ad Hoc Committee was established to look at future Convention Sites. This is their report: The Committee to “centralize Future Texas State Council (TSC) Host Sites” met May 11 via ZOOM. The following members were involved: The five members were Joyce Habina (366) representing San Antonio, Vic Sabala … Read more
2026 Texas Primary Runoff Election
The following is for your information and distribution to your members. Please encourage your members, their families, and their neighbors to exercise their right to vote. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – Primary Runoff Election Last Day to Apply by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Friday, May 15, 2026 First Day of Early Voting Monday, May 18, 2026 Last … Read more
Update On The Status Of Seven Service Members Whose Names Are On The Wall
Each spring, VVMF works with the Department of Defense to update the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This sacred responsibility ensures that The Wall continues to tell the fullest, most accurate story possible of those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. This year, there were no new name additions to The Wall, and the total … Read more
Kirt Bennett – VVA Chapter 1000
Military Honors will be presented to Kirt Bennett, one of the VVA Chapter 1000 members. The ceremony will be on May 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Veterans State Cemetery in Killeen, TX. His family is asking for our presence. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Lloyd and Kevin Bennett. He is … Read more
Women Vietnam Veterans
Both VVA National and VVA Texas State Council are committed to Women Veterans. To better serve women, we need to know who you are and how we can provide services to you. With that in mind, we are asking chapters to forward a list of women in their chapters to the Texas Council’s Women’s Coordinator. … Read more
Chapter Reporting to National
Reporting Season 2026 is in full swing. These are continued efforts to communicate and assist with staying organized during this time. Below are some housekeeping items for your review, and the Guidance Documents and a Checklist are attached to assist along the way. In addition, below the line are a few questions for your reply, … Read more
2026 National Leadership & Education Conference
The Vietnam Veterans of America 2026 National Leadership & Education Conference will be held August 11 – 15, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. It is expected to focus on the VVA National Mission 75 and future plans. Additional details and an agenda will be available on the VVA National Website The registration form is here. A … Read more
Texas State Council Elections
Elections for the Board of Directors will be held at the Spring meeting on May 2, 2026. All current board members wish to run again. Positions available are: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you wish to run for a position, please submit a Letter of Intent to Run, SF Form 180, DD214, and … Read more
Taps – Carlos Sepulveda VVA Chapter 574 Member
Carlos A. Sepulveda, 75, entered into eternal rest on March 6, 2026, in El Paso, TX. Carlos is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Sepulveda. Carlos is survived by his mother, Concepcion Sepulveda, his beloved wife, Jenny “Juanita” Sanchez, his son, Carlos Sepulveda Jr., and his daughters, Melissa Sepulveda and Monica Sepulveda. Brothers, Benjamin … Read more
May 2026 State Convention
Texas Council State Meeting is in Tyler, on May 1-3, 2026 Join us at the Spring Convention in Tyler, Texas, sponsored and assisted by Chapters 0932 (Tyler), 0991 (Palestine), and 0931 (Nacogdoches). This is an election meeting for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors. If you would like to run for office, please get in touch … Read more