I was having a conversation the other day with a fellow Legionnaire and the topic of Veteran Benefits came up. Specifically, education benefits for Texas Veterans. The Hazlewood Act was passed in 1923 by the Texas Legislature. The Hazlewood Act was last updated in 2009 with the addition of a legacy provision, whereby unused credit hours may be passed to their children.

The American Legion, Texas Department of Texas, is very active in Austin meeting with State Legislators to ensure Texas Veterans are taken care of. There are an estimated 1.5 million veterans living in Texas. The most of any state. I have provided some information regarding the Hazelwood Act. If you are veteran, this is an awesome educational benefit:

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. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

1. Apply and be accepted to a Texas public college or university of his/her choice.
2. Provide proof (DD214) from the Department of Defense regarding military service and the nature of discharge.
3. Provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for GI Bill® benefits by requesting a certificate of eligibility for federal education benefits from Veterans Affairs (if veteran has active duty service after 9/11/2001).
4. Fill out the Hazlewood Exemption Application Form.
5. Turn in the Hazlewood Exemption application form, a copy of your letter of eligibility / ineligibility, and a copy of your DD214 to the financial aid office of the institution you will be attending.

A Veteran must:
● At the time of entry into active duty of the U.S. Armed Forces.
○ designated Texas as Home of Record;
○ or entered the service in Texas;
○ or was a Texas resident;
● Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions as indicated on the Veteran’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,
● Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training);
● Currently reside in Texas;
● Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
● Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas;
● Enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its cost), unless the college’s governing board has ruled to let Veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses; and
● Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.

Starting in January 2025, American Legion Post #196 membership meetings will be at the Union Presbyterian Church located at 700 Fisk Avenue, in the fellowship hall. The Post is excited about the centrally located downtown historic building and is looking forward to the future growth of the Post and helping our local veterans.

If you are a local veteran we would be honored for you to attend the meetings.
Important dates in March:
11th: Post meeting at 700 Fisk Ave. The Union Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall.
25th: Medal of Honor Day
29th: Vietnam War Veterans Day

As a reminder, If you are a Veteran and in need of assistance, please reach out to the local VA clinic here in Brownwood, Texas Veterans Commission – Sean Lewis at 1600
Burnett, Brownwood and Brown County Veterans Service Office also located at 1600
Burnett, Brownwood.

American Legion Post #196 meetings are located at 700 Fisk Ave.,The Union Presbyterian Church, in the Fellowship Hall, on the second Tuesday of each month. A meal is provided at 1800 hours followed by the Post meeting at 1900 hours.

Yesterday we served our country, Today we serve our Community.