Hidalgo County Veterans Services Office

09/02/2026

BEHIND THE MISSION | MEET THE TEAM 🇺🇸

This week, Hidalgo County Veterans Services is proud to feature Ricardo Muñoz, Coordinator and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. 🦅🌎⚓

Ricardo continues his commitment to service by helping fellow veterans navigate challenges and connect with the care, resources, and support they deserve. In his role, he helps identify veterans’ needs, follows up on serious cases, addresses challenges within our mental health program, and coordinates non-clinical mental health retreats, groups, and individual peer-to-peer sessions.

For Ricardo, serving veterans is more than a job—it is an opportunity to continue the mission after the uniform. As a Marine Veteran, he understands the camaraderie and connection that can exist between veterans and the importance of having someone who understands the transition from military to civilian life.

His message to our veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses says it best:

“We see you. We understand you. And WE WILL HELP YOU!”

Please join us in recognizing Ricardo Muñoz for his continued service to our veteran community and his dedication to the mission of Hidalgo County Veterans Services.

🇺🇸 WE HONOR. WE SERVE. WE STAND WITH YOU.

09/02/2026

REMINDER — 2026 RIO GRANDE VALLEY VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR! 🇺🇸

Veterans and their families, don’t forget to join us for the 2026 Rio Grande Valley Veterans Resource Fair this Friday!

📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 100 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX

Stop by and visit with our Hidalgo County Veterans Services team! We’ll be there to provide information, answer questions, and help connect Veterans and their families with available benefits, programs, and resources.

🎖️ Mario Avitia — Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
🤝 Jerry Montes — Peer Support Specialist
🇺🇸 Michael Sweet — Program Specialist

Whether you have questions about VA benefits, claims assistance, peer support, Veteran resources, or other available services, come by and talk with our team.

We look forward to seeing you there!

🇺🇸 Hidalgo County Veterans Services
Serving Those Who Served. Our Service Continues.

09/02/2026

💚 September is National Su***de Prevention Month

We are sharing this important message from DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to remind veterans, their families, and our entire community that help is available and no one has to face a difficult time alone.

Take a moment to check on a veteran, friend, coworker, or loved one. A simple call, text, or conversation can make a life-changing difference.

If you or a veteran you know is experiencing a crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line:

📞 Dial 988, then press 1
📱 Text 838255
💬 Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

You are not alone. Your life matters, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

***dePreventionMonth

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. It’s a time to recommit ourselves to reaching out, listening and staying connected. The latest VA reports released in February 2026 indicate that an average of 17.5 U.S. veterans die by su***de each day.

For veterans who may be struggling, you don’t have to face difficult moments alone. Whether it’s checking in with a fellow veteran, talking with someone you trust, or seeking professional support, asking for help is a sign of strength.

DAV is committed to helping veterans access the mental health resources and support they need. Learn more about how DAV is working to combat veteran su***de: https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2024/combating-veteran-su***de-can-start-with-mentorship/

09/02/2026

Are You Eligible to Join The American Legion?

We are sharing this informative post from American Legion Post 408 – Freddy Gonzalez highlighting the many reasons veterans may want to become members of The American Legion.

Membership provides opportunities to connect with fellow veterans, continue serving the community, support veteran advocacy, participate in local programs, and build lasting camaraderie.

Check out their original post for additional information about membership eligibility and the benefits of joining. If you are eligible, consider becoming part of an organization dedicated to serving veterans, their families, and our community.

09/02/2026

Please Join Us in Honoring an Unaccompanied Veteran

We are sharing this important announcement from the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery regarding a Texas Veterans Land Board Unaccompanied Veteran Burial taking place:

📅 Tuesday, September 8, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m.

We respectfully invite veterans, families, community organizations, and members of the public to attend if they are able. Your presence ensures that this veteran receives the honor, dignity, and gratitude deserved for their service to our nation.

No veteran should ever be laid to rest alone.

Join the VLB for an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

U.S. Air Force Major (Ret.) Johnnie Lee Pennington will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 8th, at 10:00 a.m.

Johnnie was a Vietnam Veteran and part of a pioneering generation of Air Force women, who served our nation with honor and distinction for twenty years.

Please help us spread the word, and if you have the opportunity, please come out and attend.

We will always ensure that no Veteran is buried alone.

09/01/2026

PROUDLY SERVING HIDALGO COUNTY

Hidalgo County Veterans Services was proudly represented at today’s Hidalgo County Commissioners Court meeting, where Michael Sweet, Program Specialist, had the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸

Moments like these reflect more than our commitment to Veterans—they represent our dedication to Hidalgo County and the entire community we are privileged to serve.

Every day, our team works to advocate for Veterans, assist their families, connect individuals with valuable resources, and strengthen partnerships throughout our community. Whether we are assisting a Veteran one-on-one, participating in outreach events, supporting fellow County departments, or standing together at Commissioners Court, Hidalgo County Veterans Services is proud to serve wherever we are needed.

We believe service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Our service continues. 🎖️

Thank you to Hidalgo County Commissioners Court for the opportunity to participate in today’s meeting and for the continued support of the Veterans and families who call Hidalgo County home.

🇺🇸 Hidalgo County Veterans Services
Serving Those Who Served — Supporting the Community We Call Home

09/01/2026

Tuesday Veteran Resource Reminder

DID YOU KNOW? 🎖️

You don’t have to navigate Veteran benefits and resources alone.

Whether you have questions about VA disability claims, benefits, available programs, or local Veteran resources, Hidalgo County Veterans Services is here to help connect you with the assistance you’ve earned.

📞 956-318-2436

Sometimes the first step is simply asking the question. Give us a call and let our team help point you in the right direction.

🇺🇸 Serving Those Who Served

09/01/2026

💚 MENTAL HEALTH MINUTE | CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF

Taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of yourself. Take a moment today to check in—How are you sleeping? How are you handling stress? Are you staying connected? Do you need support?

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. 🇺🇸

📞 Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1
💚 You served. You matter. We are here for you.

08/31/2026

‼️COURTHOUSE CLOSURE UPDATE‼️

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will remain closed Tuesday, Sept. 1, as officials continue assessing damage caused by Sunday night’s vehicle crash.

Employees, jurors and members of the public scheduled to report to the courthouse should not report unless they receive specific instructions from the appropriate county office or court.

The safety of our employees and the public remains our highest priority.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

08/31/2026

REMINDER- NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE 🇺🇸

Hidalgo County Veterans Services is proud to share this upcoming event from the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

This special day is an opportunity for our community to come together in service, reflection, and remembrance as we honor those who have served our nation and remember the lives forever impacted by September 11, 2001.

We encourage our veterans, families, and community members to join in this meaningful day of service and help ensure that the spirit of unity, patriotism, and remembrance continues for future generations.

We hope to see you out there.

🇺🇸 We Remember. We Honor. We Serve.

Join us and Carry The Load for the National Day of Service and Remembrance at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. to help clean headstones and beautify these sacred grounds in tribute to our Veterans, military members, and their families. Registration is free, but required. Register at www.carrytheload.org Thank you for all your support!