We want to start this wonderful tradition in Texas too of holding workshops to help these courageous men and women have the resources and contacts they need to start their own farming or ranching or if they have an opportunity to take over a family operation where to go for assistance.

Thank you in advance,

Melissa Blair

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Agriculture Workshop for Military Vet_June 16melissa.blair@tx.usda.gov

Hurry!  Plumbing class starts on May 21st!!!

Click on link for more information and form:

Gateway courses_sign up form

This Thursday April 19, 2012 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM You are welcome to bring your lunch

Location:

One Texas Center, Room 325

505 Barton Springs Road

Austin, TX 78704

Register at: http://www.austinsmallbiz.com/WebCMS_2007/class_register.php?Session=636

Saturday, May 26      0900-1700       Fort Worth, TX

NASJRB Marriage Class poster 052612vc

Returning from war is nevereasy but ten lucky wounded warriors in Central Texas got some help from asupporting comedian. Last week, Rodney Carrington reached out to a local VeteranService Organization (VSO) in Texas and invited some of them to have a laughwith him while he was performing in Austin, Texas.

After connecting with arepresentative from ArmedZilla, Rodney asked how he could support the veteransas they transitioned back into their communities. Former Army medic, Tim Stroudtold Rodney that some of the guys were hesitant to go out and enjoy the freedomthat they had fought for and a night out would be a great first step for them.Stroud said that there is a lot of resources available for veterans but manyveterans simply don’t know how to find them.

That is why he has beenworking to help build an online community for the military, veterans, theirfamilies, and supportive community organizations. Stroud said that veterans andtheir families should log onto www.armedzilla.comand connect to those who have served.

Rodney suggested that theyinvite some of the veterans that have been meeting at Heroes Night Out in CedarPark, Texas to his comedy performance at the Moody Theatre in Austin, Texas. Itcreated quite a buzz at the veteran outreach center since so many of theveterans listened to Rodney while on their deployments under Operation IraqiFreedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

One of the Founders of HeroesNight Out, Wes Pierce stated that a recent study has shown that on average,America loses 18 veterans a day to suicide and that connecting veterans toother veterans helps reduce that number. Their organization helps connect themto each other and to benefits in the Central Texas area. He further stated byhaving their organization on ArmedZilla that they have been able to reach otherveterans that don’t make it out to their center. Judy Pierce stated that organizationsneed to “meet the veterans where they are” and that place is largely online.

This isn’t the first timeRodney has welcomed back the troops and their families. He first met Sgt. TimStroud and two other OIF veterans in 2004 at Cap City Comedy Club. Ever sincethen Rodney has shown his support on and off stage for the 1% of America thatserves in the Armed

Rodney has invited veteransto attend live tapings of his comedy shows all throughout the United States. Hehas reached out to the veteran community and hosted them at his television showfilmed at Studio City, MGM Las Vegas show, and has performed in front of a soldout show on Ft. Hood, Texas.

Research on OEF/OIF Veteranssuggests that 10-18% of OEF/OIF troops are likely to have PTSD after theyreturn (VA, 2012). Tim Stroud states that laughing and connecting with otherveterans is a healthy step on the road to recovery.

For more information onRodney Carrington and appearances in your area, please check out http://rodneycarrington.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm.

Pictured with Rodney Carrington are returning veterans from the Texas National Guard, U.S. Army, and Founders of Heroes Night Out.

Calling all Realtors!  Learn about the Tex Vet loan programs that are available to your clients.  Have questions?  We have answers!

January 10^th,
2012    Noon – 2 pm

1150 S. Bell Blvd.(HWY 183 N)

Cedar Park,TX 78613

512-986-7660