AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham stopped in Amarillo to visit the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home, where she met with veterans and staff and pledged continued support for those who served.
Buckingham, who also serves as chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, said caring for veterans is personal to her.
“I have a family of veterans, and so serving those who served us is really important to me,” Buckingham said. “And I’m very clear on the fact that we are the land of the free because of the brave.”
During her visit, Buckingham met World War II veteran Wiley Tow, who turned 100 last month.
Asked what promises to veterans she has already kept, Buckingham said, “Promises made, promises kept. That’s how we roll. So we love serving our veterans. I have a bunch of veterans in my family, and we’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing. And whether it’s a birthday card drive, a Valentine for veterans card drive, whether it’s getting their oral history, whatever it is, we’re going to serve our veterans and tell their stories.”
Buckingham’s stop in Amarillo comes as she is seeking a second term as Land Commissioner. When asked how she responds to voters who say the visit is campaigning, Buckingham said, “I’m around the state all the time. So you see me now. You’ll see me. You see me before you see me when we’re not on the ballot and when we’re on the ballot.”
Asked what she would say to a veteran who hears promises from elected officials but feels the system has failed them, Buckingham said, “Well, that’s why I show up early and often. And so we want to talk to our veterans, be sure their needs are being met. But that’s why we love our homes and our cemeteries and our mortgage lending program for our veterans.”
Buckingham said she plans to continue visiting with veterans across Texas.
Texas land commissioner visits Amarillo veterans home, vows to support those who served (KVII)