Gillespie County, Texas Veterans Service Office

08/16/2026

We will be at the Veterans Benefits Fair next month and there will be a lot of resources available from the VA and nonprofits.

08/07/2026

Today we honor all that have earned The Purple Heart! We are grateful for their sacrifices and their service!

The Purple Heart Day🇺🇲

The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military decoration still awarded in its original lineage, tracing its history to the Badge of Military Merit, established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, during the American Revolutionary War.

The Badge of Military Merit recognized enlisted soldiers for exceptional service and faithful performance of duty. Following the Revolutionary War, the award fell into disuse and was no longer presented.

On February 22, 1932—the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth—the U.S. War Department revived the decoration as the modern Purple Heart.

Today, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving under competent military authority. Federal law and military regulations also authorize the award in certain other qualifying circumstances, including for some former prisoners of war and victims of qualifying terrorist attacks.

Unlike decorations awarded primarily for valor or meritorious achievement, the Purple Heart recognizes the physical wounds and sacrifices made in service to the nation.

Today, it remains one of America’s most respected military decorations—a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

“The Purple Heart is not awarded for seeking glory. It is awarded in recognition of the wounds and sacrifices borne in defense of our nation.” 🇺🇸

08/04/2026

⚓ Happy 236th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard! ⚓

Today, we honor more than two centuries of dedicated service, resilience, and excellence.

Since President George Washington signed Alexander Hamilton’s bill in 1790 authorizing the first 10 cutters, the Coast Guard has grown from its origins as the Revenue Cutter Service into a global force for peace, stability, and protection.

A Legacy of Courage
From the waters of the English Channel on D-Day—where Coast Guard crews landed Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy—to modern-day operations around the globe, our service members have always answered the call. (Chief Photographer Robert Sargent’s iconic photo "Into the Jaws of Death" remains a timeless reminder of that bravery at Omaha Beach.)

Guided by Core Values
As we reflect on our storied past, we also celebrate the legacy of our Core Values:
🔹 Honor
🔹 Respect
🔹 Devotion to Duty

These values remain the bedrock of our success and the foundation for a strong, supportive, and inclusive culture.

To all who serve and have served: Thank you. Your hard work and dedication make this service extraordinary.

Here’s to 236 years of proud history, and to many more years of service and excellence! 🇺🇸

07/16/2026

Hope everyone is staying safe! We are closed today due to flooding and the county has advised all to stay home if possible.

07/06/2026

Thanks to all that came out to ride in honor of the 250th Birthday of our great nation. It was a perfect day for a parade and we hope to see you next year!

07/04/2026

We will have 2 Veterans Floats in the parade today. All Veterans are welcome to ride!

06/16/2026

How are you celebrating the country’s 250th Birthday?

ALL Veterans from ALL eras are welcome and invited to ride on our 4th of July parade floats! Email me at [email protected] to reserve your seat today!

Half of the seats have been reserved, so email me today to be part of this historic event!

06/13/2026

The United States Army celebrates its 251st birthday and the nation commemorates the 249th anniversary of Flag Day.

06/13/2026