Honoring Texas Veterans: Their service, strength and impact
This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter as we honor the service, strength and impact of Texas veterans. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Why veterans matter to a growing Texas
Today, we pause to honor all Americans who have stepped forward to serve our country, including the more than 1.4 million veterans who call Texas home. Their service and sacrifice have supported the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy. We are grateful for their commitment to our nation and for the contributions they continue to make here in Texas.
At Texas 2036, we know that our veterans are an integral part of what makes Texas so great. Through their leadership, resilience and service ethic, veterans strengthen our communities, businesses and institutions every day.
Texas is home to more veterans than any other state in the U.S.
There are an estimated 1.4 million veterans living in Texas, the most of any state in the U.S.
Veterans also call every part of Texas home, though most are concentrated in the Alamo, Gulf Coast and North Central regions.
Where Veterans Live Across Texas
Source: Texas Workforce Investment Council
Service in Action: Veteran Anne Krause Leads Texas 2036 Development
Anne Krause began her career as an Air Force officer, flying jets, deploying to Cuba as the Officer in Charge of linguist operations, and serving as Executive Officer for the USAF Thunderbirds.
After her military service, she moved into leadership roles in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, advising a Fortune 200 company and a private family foundation on strategic giving.
Today, she serves as Senior Vice President of Development at Texas 2036, bringing her experience and commitment to service to strengthen partnerships and advance our mission.
🎥 Watch: Anne Krause reflects on her military service.
Where are the military bases in Texas?
Texas is the proud home of 14 active duty military installations located in every corner of the state.
Source: Texas Comptroller
Did you know? Fort Sam Houston is the oldest of these military bases, with construction of the historic Quadrangle building beginning in 1876. Today, Fort Sam is part of Joint Base San Antonio.
As of 2023, this base is home to 67,350 direct employees, 32,333 of which are active-duty military personnel.
Military bases have a huge economic impact
Source: Goodfellow Air Force Base
In 2023, military bases in Texas supported about 213,000 direct jobs and over 460,000 indirect jobs, contributing nearly $89 billion to Texas’ gross domestic product.
These bases also contributed about $48.4 billion in disposable personal income.
Veterans also have a huge economic impact
Veterans themselves contribute to every corner of our state’s economy:
- Nearly one in four (24%) veteran labor force participants in Texas are federal, state and local government employees.
- Approximately 62% work for private, for-profit companies.
- There were over 24,400 veteran-owned businesses as of August 2024, bringing in over $1.18 billion in total revenue to the state.
Service in Action: Major General (Ret.) Tony Cucolo Serves on the Texas 2036 Board
Major General (Ret.) Tony Cucolo is President and CEO of Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI), a national nonprofit headquartered in Austin that focuses on employment and workforce development for veterans and people with disabilities.
He served more than 35 years in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of Major General. His career included senior leadership roles in operations, education, strategic communication and command of soldiers in peace and war.
After retiring from active duty, he continued his commitment to public service through roles in higher education and national-security innovation. He now serves on the Board of Directors of Texas 2036.
🎥 Watch: Tony Cucolo reflects on his military service.
Texas veterans span multiple industries
After leaving the military, Texas veterans transition into diverse industries and occupations across our state’s economy, with the largest being in construction, national security, and justice and safety.
Top 20 Industries Employing Texas Veterans
Source: Texas Workforce Investment Council
Veterans have a lower unemployment rate than non-veterans
The veteran unemployment rate in Texas remained lower than non-veteran unemployment between April 2023 and 2024. April 2024 showed the largest gap between the two rates with a 1.2 percentage point difference.
National Veteran and Non-Veteran Unemployment Rates
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Legislation helping veterans succeed in civilian life
At Texas 2036, we understand the vital contributions veterans have made to communities across the state.
That’s why we’ve worked in support of legislation like House Bill 1703, which provides the state with more actionable data on state workforce programs, including those that serve Texans veterans, to better evaluate program outcomes and help Texas who are served earn family-sustaining wages.
Did you know? Texas also provides education benefits to veterans and their families!
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas.
Thank you to all who have served.
We honor your dedication and sacrifice today and every day.
At Texas 2036, we remain committed to using data and policy to help ensure that all Texans, including the veterans who live in every corner of our state, can access education, work and opportunities that support strong futures for themselves and their families.
We are proud, too, that veterans of the caliber of Anne and Tony are members of the team here at Texas 2036. Watch them (Anne here and Tony here) talk about how their commitment to service extends to their work here.