Texas Veterans to get greater visibility at State Fair of Texas next year, with officials hoping to connect more military families to an array of underutilized benefits that rank among the nation’s most generous.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced this week that the Veterans Land Board (VLB) will maintain a resource table throughout the entire 2025 State Fair of Texas, running from September 26 to October 19. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the state’s comprehensive benefits package for veterans, active military members, and their families — benefits that many eligible Texans might not know exist.
“As VLB Chairwoman, serving our Veterans is my top priority and I am honored to ensure our Veterans are always supported in return for their diligent military service,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “I am thrilled the VLB will have a daily presence at the State Fair of Texas, helping to educate the public about the numerous benefits offered to our Veterans, Military Members, and their families. It is my hope that many more Texans will learn about our program and take advantage of the VLB’s helpful services provided.”
Nation’s Most Robust State Veterans Benefits
Texas offers what officials describe as the most comprehensive state-level veterans benefits package in the country. The programs span housing assistance, land purchases, healthcare, and end-of-life services — yet awareness remains a challenge.
Perhaps the most distinctive offering is the Veterans Land Loan Program, a benefit with no equivalent in other states. The program allows Texas veterans and active-duty service members to borrow money for land purchases with just 5% down and competitive interest rates. For those dreaming of owning a piece of Texas, the VLB also holds quarterly land sales where veterans can bid on tracts of one acre or more.
Housing assistance extends beyond raw land. Since 1983, the VLB’s Veterans Housing Assistance Program has helped eligible veterans purchase homes with low-interest loans and minimal down payments. Need improvements to an existing home? Since 1986, the Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program has provided below-market interest rate loans for repairs and renovations.
Beyond Financial Assistance
What happens when veterans need more direct support? The VLB operates 10 long-term care facilities across Texas, serving qualified veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 70% or higher can generally reside in these facilities at no cost — a benefit that can save families tens of thousands of dollars annually.
The support continues even after death. The Texas Veterans State Cemeteries, managed by the VLB, currently include locations in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, and Mission. A fifth cemetery is scheduled to open in Lubbock in December 2025, further expanding the network of dignified resting places for those who served.
Have questions about these benefits? The Texas Veterans Call Center offers one-on-one assistance via Zoom, phone, or in person, with a dedicated hotline (1-800-252-8387) available weekdays for benefit inquiries.
Breaking Barriers
The initiative comes under the leadership of Dr. Dawn Buckingham, who made history in 2022 as Texas’ first female Land Commissioner. Beyond veterans’ issues, her office focuses on disaster relief, energy policy, education, and border security.
Why the State Fair? With millions of visitors annually, it represents one of the state’s best opportunities to reach veterans who might otherwise never learn about these benefits. It’s a strategic choice that reflects a growing recognition that simply having programs isn’t enough — veterans need to know they exist.
For Texas veterans like the 1.4 million who call the state home, these programs could mean the difference between struggling financially and achieving stability. The challenge now is getting the word out — one corn dog and resource table conversation at a time.
