Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced the next installment of the VLB "Continued Service Series" featuring U.S. Air Force and Army Veteran and Texas State Representative Tony Tinderholt.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the VLB started this initiative with the goal of highlighting members of the Texas Legislature who are Veterans of the Armed Forces. Through detailed interviews, the GLO and VLB are helping Veterans share the incredible stories of their military careers, how the Texas Legislature is working to support our Veterans, advice for fellow Veterans, and much more.
"As VLB Chairwoman, it is an honor and a pleasure to help serve our Texas Veterans by ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned as well as the recognition they deserve," said Commissioner Buckingham. "Being able to share the wisdom and accomplishments of such an outstanding Veteran and legislator as Mr. Tinderholt exemplifies why the VLB's Continued Service Series is an invaluable tool for Veteran support and awareness. Through this initiative, we will continue shedding light on the incredible lives of our state and nation's heroes."
During his interview, Representative Tinderholt discussed the impactful experience of transitioning out of service. He said "When I first left the Air Force I identified as a military guy, and I had a hard time finding my identity." He also offered his fellow Veterans who may be in similar situations some advice stating, "What I would tell people getting out, is to do what I did when I left the Army. Realize that you are a husband, or a wife, a mom, or a dad, and that you soldiered. That’s what you did for a living. That’s not who you are. It makes the transition a whole lot easier."
Watch Representative Tinderholt's full interview by clicking the image below:
Representative Tinderholt is serving his fifth term in House District 94 and is a member on the Committee on Public Health as well as the Committee on County Affairs. As a conservative Republican, he has been championed for his fiscal responsibility and was named the most fiscally conservative House legislator by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility. Representative Tinderholt was also named a “Faith & Family Champion” by Texas Values, a "Courageous Conservative" by Texas Conservative Coalition, and was a top scorer on the Texas Family Project’s legislator scorecard.
U.S. Air Force and Army Veteran Tony Tinderholt
His military career started in 1988 when he entered active duty Air Force as a Spanish Cryptologic Linguist to help take down drug operations. After the terrorists attacks on 9/11, he re-entered service with the Army. He worked as a platoon leader, executive officer, detachment commander, and recruiting commander and courageously volunteered to deploy to multiple combat zones. Major (Ret.) Tinderholt served his country for 21 years and earned several awards including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
He is a dedicated father, husband, grandfather and business owner who is a pillar of leadership and faith in his community.
U.S. Air Force and Army Veteran Tony Tinderholt
The "Continued Service Series" is a separate initiative from the VLB's Voices of Veterans program. Any Veteran interested in including his or her story in the Voices of Veterans oral history program should contact the VLB at 512-475-1248.