Gillespie County, Texas Veterans Service Office

09/15/2026

VFW POST 7105 HOSTS ANNUAL POW MIA CEREMONY
FRIDAY 18 September 6 pm

The community is invited to attend the annual POW MIA Ceremony on Friday
September 18th at 6 pm at VFW Post 7105 located at 710 South Washington St. in Fredericksburg. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
This year’s guest speaker will be Colonel Tom Norris, USAF, Retired. Colonel Norris was a Fighter Pilot on the F-105 Thunderchief. He was shot down over North Vietnam on August 12th, 1967 and was a Prisoner of War at the Hanoi Hilton and other POW camps, for 5 years, 7 months and 2 days. He was released on March 14,1973. Additionally, the Comfort High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC will participate in the Presentation of the Colors.

For additional information please contact Jim Bisson, Commander (512)517-4211

09/11/2026

It is hard to believe it will be 25 years since the day that changed many of our lives. I was in the Army dropping my daughter off at her school when the first plane hit. By the time the plane hit the Pentagon we were on alert and the Ops Tempo did not slow for years.

Take a moment to reflect and if able check out the Flags of Honor display in Kerrville. Check out their page for more information. Gunny's Warriors

09/02/2026

WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

The Gillespie County Veterans Service Office is pleased to announce that Michael Cruz, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, will serve as the new Assistant Veterans Service Officer for Gillespie County.

Michael served in the regular Army from 2002 - 2022. His deployments include Operation Desert Spring, three tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and one tour in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to Afghanistan. His medals and awards include, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (8th Award), the Iraq Campaign Medal (5 CS), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 CS), and Combat Action Badge. Following military service, Michael has worked at Schreiner University, Northwestern Mutual, Colorado State University – Global, and Texas Veterans Commission.
He has been married to his wife, Kat, for over 20 years and has one daughter, Daniela, attending high school.

Michael is a passionate veteran advocate, who is excited to assist local veterans and their families in this new role.

08/16/2026

We will be at the Veterans Benefits Fair next month and there will be a lot of resources available from the VA and nonprofits.

08/07/2026

Today we honor all that have earned The Purple Heart! We are grateful for their sacrifices and their service!

The Purple Heart Day🇺🇲

The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military decoration still awarded in its original lineage, tracing its history to the Badge of Military Merit, established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, during the American Revolutionary War.

The Badge of Military Merit recognized enlisted soldiers for exceptional service and faithful performance of duty. Following the Revolutionary War, the award fell into disuse and was no longer presented.

On February 22, 1932—the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth—the U.S. War Department revived the decoration as the modern Purple Heart.

Today, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving under competent military authority. Federal law and military regulations also authorize the award in certain other qualifying circumstances, including for some former prisoners of war and victims of qualifying terrorist attacks.

Unlike decorations awarded primarily for valor or meritorious achievement, the Purple Heart recognizes the physical wounds and sacrifices made in service to the nation.

Today, it remains one of America’s most respected military decorations—a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

“The Purple Heart is not awarded for seeking glory. It is awarded in recognition of the wounds and sacrifices borne in defense of our nation.” 🇺🇸

08/04/2026

⚓ Happy 236th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard! ⚓

Today, we honor more than two centuries of dedicated service, resilience, and excellence.

Since President George Washington signed Alexander Hamilton’s bill in 1790 authorizing the first 10 cutters, the Coast Guard has grown from its origins as the Revenue Cutter Service into a global force for peace, stability, and protection.

A Legacy of Courage
From the waters of the English Channel on D-Day—where Coast Guard crews landed Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy—to modern-day operations around the globe, our service members have always answered the call. (Chief Photographer Robert Sargent’s iconic photo "Into the Jaws of Death" remains a timeless reminder of that bravery at Omaha Beach.)

Guided by Core Values
As we reflect on our storied past, we also celebrate the legacy of our Core Values:
🔹 Honor
🔹 Respect
🔹 Devotion to Duty

These values remain the bedrock of our success and the foundation for a strong, supportive, and inclusive culture.

To all who serve and have served: Thank you. Your hard work and dedication make this service extraordinary.

Here’s to 236 years of proud history, and to many more years of service and excellence! 🇺🇸

07/16/2026

Hope everyone is staying safe! We are closed today due to flooding and the county has advised all to stay home if possible.

07/06/2026

Thanks to all that came out to ride in honor of the 250th Birthday of our great nation. It was a perfect day for a parade and we hope to see you next year!

07/04/2026

We will have 2 Veterans Floats in the parade today. All Veterans are welcome to ride!

06/16/2026

How are you celebrating the country’s 250th Birthday?

ALL Veterans from ALL eras are welcome and invited to ride on our 4th of July parade floats! Email me at [email protected] to reserve your seat today!

Half of the seats have been reserved, so email me today to be part of this historic event!