This month, the ETCOG Executive Committee took action to award the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County as the first recipients of its Veteran-Friendly Community Designation program. The pilot program launched in July as a collaborative effort between ETCOG, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). A Veteran Friendly Community is defined as a community that encourages and welcomes veterans into their community by providing ongoing assistance and addressing their needs in the areas of economics, housing, transportation, health care, education, and overall quality of life. ETCOG and AACOG collaborated on creating a proposal for both urban and rural communities to apply for official community designation from September 1 to November 30, 2024. To qualify for this recognition, communities were required to meet standards, including: Provide proof of community and organizational support. Provide a comprehensive community profile with key information for veterans and their families, such as demographics, housing, and healthcare. Maintain an up-to-date community development strategy addressing veterans’ needs. Complete an initial and annual self-assessment to identify and address resource or service gaps. “Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors this city’s commitment to veterans, but also sets a standard for others to follow,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, “Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and we must ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County prioritize the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Our Executive Committee was thrilled to recognize these communities' hard work and dedication to East Texas veterans.” "ETCOG is very proud of the work and collaboration among our partners with AACOG, UT Tyler, and UT San Antonio in creating a program that showcases the proud work our communities are providing for our veterans in both inclusion and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said ETCOG Special Projects Director David Scott. “This program also provides the opportunity for our communities to assess their needs in work, housing, healthcare, education, and daily life while seeking continuous improvements in those areas for veterans to remain and contribute to local communities." With community interest, ETCOG plans to re-open the application period annually for communities across the region to apply.