VLB 2021 Year in Review
As 2021 draws to a close, we are proud to look back on the VLB’s work to provide benefits to thousands of Veterans across Texas. From our low-interest home, land, and home improvement loans, our nine state Veterans homes, and our four state Veterans cemeteries, we have been busy all year ensuring that our Veterans are honored and taken care of. Here are a few of the highlights from the past 12 months.
VLB Breaks Ground on its 10th State Veterans Nursing Home
In August, VLB Chairman George P. Bush and various community leaders participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tuskegee Airman State Veterans Home in Fort Worth. The home will honor the group comprised of some of America’s bravest heroes who became famous for defeating tyrants in Europe and fighting for racial equality back home. The VLB looks forward to opening this new home and expanding benefits to Veterans in the DFW metro area soon.
Honoring Veterans
The pandemic has changed a lot in our daily lives, but one thing it has not changed is the pride we take in our Veterans. Through the Unaccompanied Veterans Burial Program, the VLB ensures that no Veterans are laid to rest alone. We continued hosting these solemn ceremonies throughout the year, where dozens — and in some cases hundreds — of community members show up to honor the lives and service of American heroes. Since its inception, the VLB has hosted 169 Unaccompanied services, and we are honored to continue this critical function.
Celebrating Veterans
One exciting program the VLB participates in is our 100 for 100 campaign to bring cheer to Veterans who reach the milestone achievement of turning a century old. Back in October, we asked the Corpus Christi community to help us celebrate the life of Claudia Cantu, an Army Air Forces Veteran who served in WWII. While the initial goal was to provide her with 100 birthday cards, we were amazed when her daughter announced she had received over 600 cards which flowed in from every corner of Texas and even from other states. Every Veteran has made tremendous sacrifices in their decision to serve their country, and we are incredibly grateful to be able to promote these milestones.
Helping Veterans Finance their Dream Homes
Just about everywhere in Texas saw historic population growth continue. This trend is accompanied by increased demand for land and new homes. Through the competitive homebuying process, the VLB can help eligible Veterans secure financing for their dream homes. This year we closed over 900 land loans, over 560 home loans, and helped nearly 200 other Veterans make home improvements with our home improvement loan program. Whether you are new to the home buying process or a seasoned home buyer, check out our financing programs and see if there is one right for you.
Prioritizing Veteran Outreach
Throughout the year, VLB representatives have been traveling to all parts of the state. If you’ve attended a Veterans benefit or job fair, odds are, you’ve probably seen one of our team members there. To date, we have had representation at over 120 events, including the State Fair of Texas, where we answered questions for thousands of Veterans. Texas has an extensive network of Veteran advocates, and we are proud to partner with these groups and local communities to continue our outreach. If you are unable to make any of the events on our calendar, please feel free to contact us by calling or clicking anytime. In 2021, we received over 32,000 calls and replied to an additional 2,500 inquiries through email. We are constantly striving to improve our ability to connect with Veterans, including our state-of-the-art virtual assistant, Maverick who is available 24/7 to help answer questions.
2021 has been a busy and exciting year for us, and we look forward to another great year in 2022.
From all of us at the VLB, we hope you have a blessed holiday season.
