AUSTIN — The Texas Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, George P. Bush, issued the following statement today on the passing of Texas hero Ken Towery: 

"Ken Towery was a heroic figure both in times of war and peace. He served with great honor as a member of the U.S. Army during WWII, where he was wounded and held for over three years in horrific conditions as a prisoner of war at the hands of the Japanese. Upon his return home to Texas he became a first class newspaper reporter and broke the VLB land loan scandal in the 1950s. His efforts not only earned him the Pulitzer Prize, but helped to save an agency which continues to this day serving our Texas veterans. Years later he donated all of his records and notes from that ground breaking story to our extensive archives. All of us here at the General Land Office and Veterans Land Board mourn his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him well. Texas is a better place because of the life he led."

In honor of the life of Ken Towery, the Texas General Land Office will make his donated records and notes available for public viewing in the GLO Reading Room on the first floor of the Stephen F. Austin Building. Additionally, those interested in learning more about the historic events uncovered by Mr. Towery may visit http://www.glo.texas.gov/towery/ to explore "Accountable: Ken Towery & the Veterans Land Board Scandal."

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