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903-218-6400

3800 Stone Road
Kilgore, TX 75662

Veteran-Friendly

City Designation Program

This program formally recognizes communities whose priorities and efforts have provided a Veteran-Friendly Community within our region.

Welcome to the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program, an initiative by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and partnering agencies dedicated to honoring and recognizing cities that go above and beyond in their commitment to supporting our nation's veterans. This program is designed to acknowledge the efforts of communities that have created an environment where veterans and their families can thrive.


1.4M

Veterans live in Texas

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6.20%

of the adult civilian population in Texas are considered Veterans

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7.10%

of Veterans earn below the poverty line

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4%

of Veterans are unemployed

Why become a Veteran-Friendly Community?

Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that your city prioritizes the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life.

Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors your city's commitment to veterans but also sets a standard for others to follow. It can boost local pride, attract new residents and businesses, and enhance the overall sense of community.

The application period is

Closed

FAQs

Utilize this drop down menu to find out more about program requirements, eligibility, and how to apply!

Application
  • Benefits of the VFC Designation

    • Official Recognition: Receive formal recognition from ETCOG, including a certificate and the use of the Veteran-Friendly Community logo for promotional purposes.
    • Enhanced Community Profile: Highlight your city's commitment to veterans on local, regional, and state platforms.
    • Positive Economic Impact: Attract veterans and their families to live, work, and invest in your community.
  • Requirements for Certification

    The requesting organization is expected to meet the following requirements:


    Evidence of Community Support including:

    • A letter of support from the governing authority (i.e., mayor, city council, or county commissioner) of the applicant city.
    • Letters of support from community leaders and organizations within the applicant city or area.

    A Community Profile providing information that is important and useful to veterans and other individuals seeking to relocate including community demographics, economics, housing, health care, and other community services.


    A Working or Existing Plan including the following:

    • A marketing plan for veterans in your community.
    • A community development strategy updated as needed, and at least annually addressing veterans' needs.

    An Initial and Annual Self-Assessment that objectively identifies deficits in community resources or services that may be addressed by a community development strategy.


  • Eligible Communities

    To be considered for designation as a “Veteran-Friendly Community,” a community must be an incorporated city, located within the East Texas region and comply with the certification standards and other requirements as specified in the certification plan.

  • Partnering Agencies

    This joint program is a collaboration of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. 

  • Apply for Certification

    Prospective applicants may download our application packet online. If the prospective applicant elects to seek a designation, the applicant will complete the application form and submit it to ETCOG, along with a letter of authorization and support from the governing body of the applicant community.


    There is no application fee or certification fee for this program.


    There is no pre-certification consultation for this program.

    Apply
  • Application Timeline

    Applications are due by 5 PM on November 29, 2024. To apply, download the application linked below, and complete the form fields. 


    Submit your application and associated documentation to our Special Projects Director by uploading them at the drop link provided. 


    A review committee will review and score applications. ETCOG will notify awarded applicants on January 2, 2025. 


    Special Projects Director

    David Scott, Ph.D.

    David.Scott@etcog.org

    903-218-6489

    Apply

Program Partners

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