AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commission George P. Bush announced the launch of “Mail Drop” a new program geared towards creating community engagement with Veterans in the Texas State Veterans Homes run by the Veterans Land Board. The program will begin with a trial run in the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home, in Big Spring, Texas. The program seeks to generate awareness within our community regarding the day to day lives of the men and women who admirably served our great nation. Although America’s Veterans often receive recognition on major holidays and events, the men and women who dedicated their lives to our nation and the ideals of freedom should be remembered each and every day.

 “Our Veterans are treasured citizens of our society” said Commissioner Bush. “It is important that we as a community never forget the sacrifice that they have made for our nation and our freedoms. There is no better way to honor their service than by learning from and engaging with them through meaningful relationships. Today the Veterans Land Board is announcing our “Mail Drop” program to bring light to our Veterans sacrifice and further ensure no Veteran is ever left behind.”

Unbeknownst to many of us, Veterans may not have any next-of-kin or friends left. This inspired the VLB to take action, connecting community members with a Veteran near them.

Through this program, community members of all ages can write, draw or hand-make cards for our Veterans. Individuals are encouraged to sign up, as are schools, groups and families. Those who are interested can fill out a “Mail Drop” form on maildropvets.splashthat.com. Once the form has been submitted, the individual will be partnered with a Veteran and provided their name, address, picture and background information to write a letter and connect with a Veteran.

The Texas Veterans Land Board provides our Veterans with access to land, home and home improvement loans that allow them to own their very own piece of Texas. We also offer State Veterans Cemeteries to honor those who have served, as well as State Veterans Homes that provide care to and dignity for veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents.