 Welcome to the Fort Worth Veterans Affairs Newsletter
Our newsletter is dedicated to supporting and honoring our veterans and their families. It aims to provide crucial updates and information on the programs and services available to those who have served, ensuring they stay informed and connected to the resources they deserve.
P.A.W.S. for Patriots Needs You-Volunteers Wanted!
SERVE: Continue your mission by helping shelter animals thrive.
CONNECT: Join a community that values discipline, commitment, and camaraderie.
HEAL: Discover the powerful mental health benefits of bonding with animals.
Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. P.A.W.S. for Patriots provides purpose, structure, and support—helping reduce stress and anxiety through meaningful work with shelter pets.
By volunteering, you’ll bring calm, consistency, and trust to dogs who need it most. In return, you’ll gain unconditional companionship and a renewed sense of purpose.
Make a difference today—for yourself and for a shelter dog in need. Get involved:
Email: fwaccvolunteers@fortworthtexas.gov
Phone:817-392-1924
Website:https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/code-compliance/animals/paws-for-patriots
VA News
The VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Program.
VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program helps Veterans with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries and degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Created in 1948, the SAH program administers grant funding to eligible Veterans and service members with certain severe, service-connected disabilities, such as the loss of use of a limb, loss of limb or blindness. The grant program helps disabled Veterans to buy or build a permanent home to provide independent living, adapt a home they or their family member already own or adapt a home where they are temporarily living. SAH issued 2,352 grants totaling more than $147 million in 2024.
For more information: Click here.
Local Programs for Veterans
Fort Worth Veterans Affairs Office in Action
 Joined by the U.S Marines, U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey and Texas State Rep. Keresa Richardson, along with Fort Worth Council Members Charles Lauersdorf, Macy Hill, Carlos Flores; Base Commander Beau Hufstetler, Executive Officer, Commander Johnson, Command Master Chief Reid, and many others who support our armed forces.
VMR-1 “Roadrunners” Reach Full Operational Capability
Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1) achieved full operational capability (FOC) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth on June 18, 2025. The FOC declaration, announced during the ceremony, signifies the squadron’s readiness to provide air transport and logistical support for the Marine Corps and the Naval Air Logistics Office. VMR-1 now operates two C-40A Clipper aircraft with five proficient crews and comprehensive ground support.
Veteran Events in Our Area
July 21st - Fort Worth VA Outpatient Clinic Mobile Food Pantry, 2201 SE Loop 820, Fort Worth, 8:00 a.m. until food runs out. More information here.
July 31st - Back to School Brigade, NAS JRB Fort Worth Hosted by Operation Homefront, NAS JRB Fort Worth - Lone Star Center, 2573 Desert Storm Rd, Fort Worth, 4:00 pm - 7:00 p.m. Free bag packs and school supplies. Register here.
Texas Veterans Leadership Program
Clay Dyess serves as the Veteran Resource Coordinator for Tarrant County and North Central Texas through the Texas Veterans Leadership Program (TVLP) — a Texas Workforce Commission statewide initiative dedicated to helping veteran’s transition successfully into civilian life.
What makes TVLP unique is that every Veteran Resource and Referral Specialist is a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan. These specialists understand the challenges returning service members face — because they’ve lived them. Clay and his team are here to guide veterans toward the services they need most, including:
- Employment and job training
- Medical and mental health care
- Counseling and benefits support
- Referrals to many other essential programs
If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, reach out to Clay.
Contact: Clay Dyess
Phone:(682) 225-9909
Email:clay.dyess@twc.texas.gov
Website:twc.texas.gov/programs/veterans/leadership
RECURRING EVENTS
City Employee Veteran Spotlight: Brittany Hardcastle
City Department
“I currently work within the Fort Worth Police Department as a Crime and Intelligence Analyst for the West Division. My role within the division is to support the command team, detectives, patrol, and specialty units with crime statistics and intelligence analysis regarding crime trends and criminal networks. I am responsible for analyzing reports, crime data, and other information gathered via officers, detectives, community members, and open-source data. I also produce multiple analytical projects and reports, supporting intel-led policing, assisting with command and patrol decision-making abilities while providing crime situational awareness within the division and specialty investigative units.”
Military Service
U.S. Army 2008 - 2022
Military Occupational Specialties
"I entered the Army as a 35F, All-Source Intelligence Analyst, serving as the first Female Engagement Team Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) for the 82nd Airborne Division, a Company Intel Support Team (COIST) NCOIC, and Platoon Sergeant."
Advice for Other Veterans
"Transitioning out of the military and into civilian life can sometimes be tough. However, my advice would be to network early and often. Start building connections within the civilian sector before getting out of the service. There will be a lot of unknowns when you get out, but utilizing those connections will give you a resource to assist with navigating through this new chapter of your life. I would also say to take all the development courses you can, online or in person. Just like in the military, you never know when a course you’ve completed will aid you in getting hired or promoted."
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Please contact the Fort Worth Veterans Affairs Office if you have any veteran-related questions at veterans@fortworthtexas.gov
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