Serving our service members! You can be part of a cook team, a donor, or just bring your appetite and your big heart to the 14th annual BBQ cook-off benefitting the PTSD Foundation of America. How Houstonians are stepping up for veterans through this event. Plus: details on how you can show up, give back, and make a difference.

Despite the federal government shutdown, the Wings Over Houston Airshow will go on at Ellington Airport Oct. 18–19, featuring aerial performances, vintage aircraft, and family-friendly exhibits.

Photographer Tom Sanders has dedicated his career to capturing the faces and stories of America’s veterans through American Heroes: Portraits of Service, a project in partnership with Belmont Village Senior Living. Since 2008, he has photographed nearly 1,000 veterans across the country preserving their legacies for future generations. Tom stopped by two of the facilities in June and today on Houston Life we really got the sense of why a picture is worth a thousand words. Their stories of courage, service, and sacrifice remind us why honoring our heroes matters now more than ever.

These funds, provided through the Texas Veterans Commission, will deliver support to more than 5,200 veterans and their families in 13 counties.

In Waller, Texas, a simple frame of wood and nails is transforming into something much bigger as PulteGroup builds a mortgage-free home for Army veteran Staff Sergeant Cassandra Pierre and her three children.

Along the muddy banks of the Guadalupe River, about 10 miles from Kerrville, a group of veterans, first responders, and every day people are doing more than just helping. They’re answering a call to serve once again.

Two local veterans organized a 10-mile walk from Humble to Kingwood as part of the national Carry the Load campaign to honor fallen veterans and raise awareness for mental health challenges faced by servicemen.

This Memorial Day weekend, a group of veterans and their supporters will march 10 miles through Houston’s heat — not in competition, but in remembrance.

Navy veteran Chris Luna thought he was managing his PTSD—until the isolation of the pandemic made him realize he needed help. Everything changed when he met Astro, a service dog from K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained rescue dogs for veterans. Their powerful bond has brought Chris peace, purpose, and healing. Now, with the introduction of the SAVES Act, there’s hope that more veterans like Chris can access the life-changing support of a service dog.

An organization of American veterans, Afghans who fled their country and other volunteers has stepped up to help Afghans at risk of being stranded overseas.

Elliot Perry, a 13-year-old from The Woodlands, is spreading holiday cheer by donating 125 Christmas stockings to veterans. He shared that the stockings are filled with thoughtful items such as snacks, combs, razors, toiletries, playing cards, and more, all carefully chosen to bring comfort and joy to those who have served.

From lacing up a pair of combat boots, to their veteran-founded coffee shop partnership, learn all the ways you can help give back.

Guitars N’ Cars was established in 2011, and since then - the annual event has raised more than $1,000,000 with proceeds supporting U.S. Vets.

New developments are emerging in the effort to help millions of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, including our veterans.

To close out Military Appreciation Month, we met the Army veteran behind Soldiers of Wax. Michael Kaltenbach traded in his combat boots for a beekeeper's suit. Here's why he says beekeeping is great therapy for soldiers returning home from active duty and returning to civilian life.

Their mission is to uplift and empower the overall morale and mental well-being of active duty military, veterans, and spouses.

. U.S. Vets – Houston has been helping local veterans with housing, workforce and career development, and counseling services since 1997.

George, Mo and Erik are chatting all about how you can help the them give service dogs to veterans.

Bill Price believes police officers and firefighters are not being recognized enough.

Goodwill Houston is dedicated to serving veterans right here at home, as part of their mission to help change lives through the power of work.

Npower and Harris County have teamed up in a $1.8 million project to train veterans and young people.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced 31 Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants totaling over $6.9 million were awarded to 26 Gulf Coast area veteran service organizations as part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Big Check Tour, according to a release.

The city of Houston is teaming up with the Veterans Affairs and local community members to host a free services and resource fair for Houston area veterans and active military members.

The Houston Texans, in partnership with Kroger, announced a joint collaboration with America’s VetDogs to name and train their second future service dog. This initiative aims to provide a disabled veteran or first responder with disabilities with a highly trained and devoted service dog.

Proving everything in Texas is bigger, a Houston truck club has donated more than $100,000 to Tomball-based veterans and active duty military charity, Boots For Troops. Houston Diesels started in 2015 with just a handful of diesel truck enthusiasts.

Austin-based VA Claims Insider says it has helped hundreds of thousands of clients. It has also touched off complaints and investigations.

What started as an investigation into a $4,000+ water bill draining an elderly Navy veteran has turned into a touching story of Houstonians stepping up to help the hero make his aging house a home again. When members of The Restoration Team saw investigator Amy Davis’ Facebook post about 92-year-old Jessie Lara’s dilemma, they emailed to ask if they could help. They have been working for weeks in the sweltering heat for a man they didn’t even know.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs will celebrate Texas Women Veterans Day with notable honorees on the 75th Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act Monday.

A Conroe business owner saw a need and he made the drive to Houston to fulfill it. Ted Ludwig of Grass Knuckles Lawn Care unloaded his equipment and spent the day mowing and cleaning up 91-year-old Jessie Lara’s north Houston yard.

If you visit a military cemetery, like Houston National Cemetery, you will likely see coins on headstones. Each coin has a meaning.

Fallen veterans in Houston are being honored Sunday morning.

From housing repairs to medical care, thousands of people in our area have help available that they may not know about. Amy Davis talks with Col. Dave Lewis, Ret., Harris County Veterans Services, about different types of services available for Veterans and their families.

Amy Davis talks with Col. Dave Lewis, Ret., Harris County Veterans Services, about different types of services available for Veterans and their families.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, KPRC 2 and our Community partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University are proud to feature U.S.VETS – Houston. Founded by veterans to serve veterans, the organization is on a mission to end veteran homelessness.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, United States military veterans and their family members can get into SeaWorld San Antonio for free for a limited time.

As Christopher Katthage was riding his motorcycle, he suddenly lost control and hit the guard wall on an exit ramp above Highway 288. He was sent flying over the overpass into oncoming traffic, and in the process, his right leg was torn off.

Two former Iraq and Afghanistan War-era defense secretaries are recommending that the government consider new ways to ensure that military service is taken into account when courts prosecute former service members.

In Texas, the number of homeless veterans has dropped 65% between 2007 and 2020, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

After surviving the fallout from a war in his home country and a global trek, Abdul Wasi Safi was arrested at the Texas-Mexico border on a misdemeanor charge, delaying his chance for asylum.

National non-profit America’s VetDogs is looking for puppy raisers to help raise service dogs that will enhance the lives of veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities.

Improving the lives of our local heroes is the mission of so many Americans, and particularly an intentional effort made on Veterans Day.

The funds will help expand the Dallas facility into a long-term spinal cord injury treatment center and pay for a new health care facility in El Paso.

Wednesday on Houston Life at 1:00 p.m., The DIAVOLO Veterans Project. You saw them on America’s Got Talent, now they’ll join us in studio. The dance company’s unique style of movement is used as a tool to help restore veterans’ physical, mental, and emotional strengths through workshops and public performances in communities all around the country. You’ll see it for yourself Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on KPRC 2.

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, hopes the pilot program will help female veterans get better access to cancer care.

Tony Miller killed countless enemy forces while deployed in Iraq, where his Army unit captured so many high-value targets that they received a valor award.

A ceremony was held Wednesday for the groundbreaking of a monument that will honor fallen warriors and preserve history.

A recap on what happened on Houston Life, July 26, 2022. Firefighters give a sneak peek of their calendar supporting local animal shelters, and veterans raise awareness of building bonds and preventing post-traumatic suicide. Plus, David Elder from 'Texas Eats' prepares a meal, and a local teen performs an original song in the studio.

You can help raise money and awareness for Save The Brave, a non profit that creates support networks for veterans.

On this 4th of July, H-E-B is stepping up to take care of those who are currently serving the U.S. from overseas.

Nineteen veterans will depart to Washington D.C. Friday morning as part of ‘Honor Flight Houston’ in the first flight since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about a local organization giving back to veterans with housing, job placement programs and counseling services.

At KPRC 2, we’re proud to showcase those making a difference in the Houston area. Each month in 2022, we’re partnering with Energy Transfer to showcase a different nonprofit organization offering Houstonians a helping hand. This month, we are featuring the Houston-based U.S. Vets, an origination that was founded by veterans to serve veterans.

At KPRC 2, we’re proud to showcase those making a difference in the Houston area. Each month in 2022, we’re partnering with Energy Transfer to showcase a different nonprofit organization offering Houstonians a helping hand. This month, we are featuring the Houston-based U.S. Vets, an origination that was founded by veterans to serve veterans.

Big changes are happening for the American Legion Post 490 on Galveston Road near Ellington Airport, in Southeast Houston. The post caught on fire last year and since then the Commander and people in the community have been working on a new plan.

The Mayor’s Office of Veterans & Military Affairs (MOVMA) and Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin hosted the Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday at City Hall.

As she stares at the countless pictures of fallen American veterans who have given their lives for this country, Army veteran Christy Sorrell recalls one of the most important promises that soldiers make to one another -- Never leave anyone behind.

Veterans sometimes face challenges when returning home after military service. At Goodwill, they believe finding a good job shouldn’t be one of them. U.S. Army veteran Pedro Castillo was joined by Goodwill Houston’s VP of Fund Development and Community Relations Barbie Parker to share Pedro’s story.

Each year, our nation commemorates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, to pay tribute to all American veterans -- living or dead -- but especially to those who served our country honorably during war or peacetime.

A job fair for veterans is being held virtually Thursday.

Houston Newsmakers: Saving kids through education

For more than 75 years, The American Legion Post 490 has served veterans in the community. A fire left extensive damage inside the building Wednesday night.

Tucked away in the town of Magnolia, Texas is a local cafe that’s redefining the recipe of comfort food. In addition to being delicious, every item on their menu supports a good cause: giving back to veterans. Victory Pie Company owner Sheila Blue serves hot and fresh pies daily in order to honor those who serve their country.

Shocking and devastating are just two of the words used by a combat veteran to describe the scenes coming out of Afghanistan.

Seven of the state’s nine veterans homes had a fatality rate of 25% or more, far higher than the statewide average of 11% for nursing homes. Bush has vowed to not renew the operators’ contracts.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Timothy Stroud is a former combat medic who knows just how tough it can be for some veterans to transition back to normal, everyday life after serving abroad.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced Tuesday that Texans who receive veterans’ benefits could expect Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,400 to hit their bank accounts this week.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is expanding COVID-19 vaccines for all veterans, their caregivers, spouses, and the CHAMPVA beneficiaries under the SAVE LIVES Act.

HOUSTON – Veterans who receive care at the Houston VA or one of the community-based outpatient clinics who are also 60 years or older are invited to get the COVID-19 vaccination at upcoming vaccine walk-in clinics. The Houston VA is offering veterans a two-dose series of vaccinations, a news release said. The VA said Friday’s walk-in clinic will be held at the VA Regional Office (VARO) located on the Houston VA main campus located at 2002 Holcombe Blvd. Saturday’s vaccine walk-in clinic will be at the main Medical Center and at the VARO building on campus. AdIf you are 60 years and older and would like to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine during the week, call Houston VA at 713-794-8985.

More than 10,000 doses have been administered through the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, according to Associate Director Chris Myhaver. “We know that our veterans are very excited about getting the vaccine and our staff is very enthusiastic about getting the vaccine to our veterans,” Myhaver said. However, in an effort to get more veterans vaccinated, the hospital is launching a vaccine clinic on Saturday. AdVeterans 75-years and older can walk into the medical center and get vaccinated without an appointment. The VA is planning to eventually expand the administration of the vaccine beyond the medical center to outpatient clinics in the future.

HOUSTON – Montgomery County officials said Wednesday’s mass vaccination site has been running smoothly. The site opened to the county’s eligible population at the Montgomery County Fairground Wednesday morning to a line. Jason Mill Sapps, chief of staff to the Montgomery County judge, said 247 of the 2,000 reserved shots were administered within the first hour. He said he was unaware that Montgomery County had opened up 2,000 slots online Tuesday for the Moderna vaccine. They were all accounted for within 20 minutes, according to county officials.

But what happens when veterans return to civilian life? Here are three things that can help a veteran acclimate to civilian life. Access to workIt can be a process for a veteran to get acclimated back to civilian life. If you know someone who is struggling to find work, share this: They have access to free programs that are specifically structured for them. The Goodwill Houston’s Veterans Employment and Training Services program provides free resume preparation, job training and interview skills.

HOUSTON – Veterans sometimes face challenges when returning home after military service. At Goodwill, they believe finding a good job shouldn’t be one of them. U.S. Army veteran Jasmine Carey was joined by Goodwill Houston’s VP of Fund Development and Community Relations Barbie Parker to share Carey’s story.

Goodwill Houston helps local veterans find jobs | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: November 12, 2020, 12:46 pmVeterans sometimes face challenges when returning home after military service. At Goodwill, they believe finding a good job shouldn't be one of them. U.S. Army veteran Jasmine Carey was joined by Goodwill Houston’s VP of Fund Development and Community Relations Barbie Parker to share Carey’s story.

Archived photo from Woodallen Media (Woodallen Photography Houston 2014)The photography company has been family owned and operated by four generations of photographers, which include Alan Montgomery, the grandson of Woody, who started working with the company at eight years old and purchased the company from his grandfather in 1974. In honor of the gentlemen’s service, the photography company began an outreach program in 2005 and provided free portraits for veterans at Fort Hood. It was a pleasure meeting our country’s heroes and their families during our Portraits for War Veterans event. Our “Portraits for War Veterans” event is underway! “It’s good memories for them to come together with their family and to have that as a photograph.”Family portrait from 'Portraits for War Veterans' event (Woodallen Media)Those who participated in the ’Portraits for War Veterans' shoot received digital copies of their portraits.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)HOUSTON – In support of America’s military members and families, the federal government has extended free entry into national parks for Gold Star families and military veterans beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11. In addition to national parks, the families and veterans will also have free access to national wildlife refuges and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior on Veterans Day every year. “The Trump Administration is committed to honoring American patriots – the men and women who have served in our armed forces,” U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt said. “With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter.”For free access, one of the following forms of identification should be presented:

HOUSTON – Sergeant Mike Nasche, a soldier in Houston on a recruiting assignment, is picking up the pieces after someone broke into his truck during the Marine Corps Ball this past weekend. “The back window was just completely smashed.”It happened in the parking lot of the Houston Marriott South near Hobby Airport Saturday evening. “All from veterans with disabled veterans license plates,” Nasche said. “There’s no on-duty security, there’s no rolling patrols in the parking lot,” Aguais said. You can talk to them.’”KPRC 2 reached out to Marriott for a statement but referred us to the Houston Police Department.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – Circle K is honoring local veterans with a special campaign ahead of Veterans Day on November 11. Look for the “Honor Our Veterans” flags and purchase a $1 or $5 donation to receive a free polar pop or 24-pack of Circle K Purified Water. Veterans can also get special freebies, like a free Polar Pop, coffee or free car wash, in store for showing a military ID or proof of military service.

Question: I am an Army paratrooper veteran and single father of two losing my house. Here are some organizations that may be most helpful to your situation:Veterans assistance programsHomes for Texas Heroes provides home buyer assistance to Texas veterans. Veterans Land Board helps veterans buy a home by providing a competitive, low-interest loan with little or no down payment. Family assistance programsCommunity Family Centers offers rent and mortgage assistance. Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services offers a single parent family program that provides housing and other services within Texas.

Through the Veterans Services Program, Mourland was able to get assistance with everything from rent and utilities to other necessities. Jeffrey Lewings, the Veterans Services Supervisor for BakerRipley, said the program has helped hundreds of veterans this year alone and thousands since it started back in 2013. “There are so many veterans out there that feel that they’re alone, that they’re by themselves. “It’s a phenomenal feeling to be able to assist and help the veterans." BakerRipley hopes that more veterans in need of help will reach out about the program.

HOUSTON – It was a sight to see in downtown Houston Sunday as people celebrated a World War II veteran. Decorated cars, trucks and motorcycles made a loud entrance to help honor Vincent Grenfell, Sr., who turns 99 on July 4 this year. This was a major milestone and one worth giving a major celebration for, so to help celebrate a little early, dozens of vehicles lined up and gave him an unforgettable surprise parade while singing “Happy Birthday.”Vincent has been a resident at a home for homeless veterans for six years.

And Monday marks Memorial Day, the federal holiday in the U.S. for honoring and mourning the military personnel who’ve died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a great way to show your followers that this day means more to you than just a barbecue or the day off work. Another neat way to honor the ultimate sacrifice is to create an online memorial for a loved one with the Veterans Legacy Memorial Website. If you really want to show your support, hang up an American flag outside your home or perhaps honor the day with a sign or sidewalk chalk in your front yard. That’s likely the easiest way to honor the day while still socially distancing and following CDC guidelines.

This year's Memorial Day will pay tribute not only to those who died on the battlefield but more recent fallen soldiers. The toll of the virus on military veterans has been particularly harsh. “The last couple weeks have been hard," said Neal Hebert, whose father died at a veterans home in Reserve, Louisiana. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund traditionally holds a large ceremony in Washington. Charles H.F. Davis III said Memorial Day has always had a special significance in his family due to his relatives’ long history of serving.

PEARLAND, Tx – The coronavirus pandemic is threatening to permanently shut down VFW Post 7109 in Pearland due to funding, six months after marking their 50th anniversary. The organization has turned to GoFundMe to raise $20,000 to keep the facility open not only to veterans of all military branches, but also to the community at large. Located at 4202 Walnut Street, VFW Post 7109 organized several notable events for the public such as cook-offs, parades and festivals. It became a place for veterans to call their second home after combat, they said. How to helpContribute to Pearland VFW Post 7109′s GoFundMe by clicking here.