AUSTIN— Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., was honored to present the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso with a certificate commemorating its 20-Year Anniversary. Commissioner Buckingham was joined by other state and local leaders, including Claudia Ordaz, Texas House Representative, District 79, Ricardo A. Samaniego, El Paso County Judge, Precinct 2, and Cynthia Boyar Trejo, El Paso City Representative, District 4.
“As Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), it is my honor to help provide Texas Veterans with the best care that Texas has to offer.” said Commissioner Buckingham. “The VLB’s long-term care and skilled nursing facilities are invaluable to the Veterans who call them home and their families who trust us with the care of their loved ones. The Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home has been crucial to the El Paso community for 20 years, and we will continue to ensure Veterans in West Texas receive the impeccable quality of care they have earned and deserve. Thank you to the El Paso Texas State Veterans Home's incredible staff for their commitment to serving those who have selflessly defended our state and nation."
In photo: Debo’ Wakefield, El Paso County Veteran of the Year; Sharon Zambrano, District Director, Office of Congressman Veronica Escobar; Cynthia Boyar Trejo, City of El Paso Representative, District 4; Darren Fitz Gerald, Assistant Executive Secretary and Director of Veterans Affairs at the VLB; Claudia Ordaz, Texas House Representative, District 79; Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.; Alex Rodriguez, Legislative Aide, Office of Senator Cesar Blanco; and staff.
The celebration at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home recognized the homes 20 years of service in Veteran care and its dedication to serving Texas Veterans. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and desserts were served to Veterans, their families, staff and guests.
The Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home was established in 2005. The home holds 160 beds, providing residents with hands-on care. Sixty of these beds are dedicated to Veterans in need of memory care, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The facility sits on 42.8 acres, providing Veterans with on-site activities such as art, recreation, and wellness programs, as well as off-site excursions like group outings.
Commissioner Buckingham with Color Guard (Benavidez-Patterson “All Airborne” Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association) at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso, Texas.
The Veterans home also offers different therapy options, allowing each Veteran the freedom to explore programs such as art, music, and pet therapies. The El Paso home is available for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents, providing care to those who served our nation and their loved ones. Eligible Veterans who have a 70% or higher service-connected disability rating may live in the home free of charge.
The Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso is named in honor of Staff Sergeant Guillen, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War who made the ultimate sacrifice after refusing medical aid when he was mortally wounded during a vicious night attack by Chinese Communist battalions. In the face of impending death, Guillen was unwavering in his duty to his men and continued to direct them. The Texas Veterans Land Board chose to further honor Guillen’s legacy by naming the facility after him, and it continues to reflect his heroic leadership and sacrifice.
To learn more about Ambrosio Guillen and the Texas State Veterans home in El Paso, click the button below:
Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.