Our current Shelby County Veteran Service Officer Sherry Riley has been
filling this position for about a year but under the currently
qualifications imposed she cannot receive certification and accreditation
through the Texas Veterans Commission.  It has nothing to do with her
understanding of veteran’s needs or commitment, it’s because she is not a
widowed Gold Star Mother or Spouse or the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran.
This limits the hiring pool considerably and eliminates outstanding
candidates like Sherry.

An amendment to the Texas State Code has been proposed to include “the
spouse of a retired veteran who served a minimum of 20 years on active
duty”.  She is married to Wayne Riley who is a 24 year Air Force retiree
with a 40% disability.   The bill, known as an act is currently before the
Defense and Veteran’s’ Affairs committee members awaiting a vote.  Even if
the bill does not receive two-thirds vote it will still go into effect in
September if simply voted on.

If this does not happen the veterans of Shelby County Texas will be the ones
to suffer.  She is a go getter and has during the last 6 months helped two
veteran families find adequate housing before becoming homeless.

I’m asking Shelby County to come together and contact one or all of the
following and let them know you support HB 906.  It needs to come to a vote!


Rep. Susan King, Chairman , Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee  at (512)
463-0718 

Rep. James Frank Vice Chair Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee  (512)
463-0534 

Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock Texas House Member (512) 463-0684

Rep. César Blanco Texas House Member (512) 463-0622

Rep. Joe Farias Texas House Member (512) 463-0714 

Rep. Matt Schaefer Texas House Member (512) 463-0584

Rep. Matt Shaheen Texas House Member (512) 463-0594

If you would like to email them go to:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=305 

To read the bill to to:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/HB00906I.htm

Thank You,

Larry Hume

VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster

CMSgt, USAF (Retired)

Vietnam Veteran 1966 - 1967

chief@chiefimaging.com <mailto:chief@chiefimaging.com> 

936.598.2976

“VFW – No One Does More For Veterans”

http://www.facebook.com/vfw8904