Veterans Day Week in East Texas: A Hiring Event, a County Office and a Number to Save

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11.

There will be flags, ceremonies, and free meals, and all of that is good. But this week East Texas also has a few practical things on the calendar that can change a veteran's year. A job. A benefit claim finally filed. A phone number to call on a hard night.

Here is what I found on the official pages this morning, so you can pass it along.

Tuesday: Hiring Red, White & You in Tyler

Workforce Solutions East Texas is hosting its local Hiring Red, White & You! event on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham.

• Opening ceremony at 9:30 AM
• Hiring event from 10 AM to 1 PM
• Sponsored by Workforce Solutions East Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Veterans Commission

The page says it is open to everyone. Veterans and spouses of veterans get priority access. It also says more than 60 employers are coming, from banks and hospitals to manufacturers, local governments and the East Texas Veterans Resource Center.

A few answers straight from the event's FAQ:

• A résumé is encouraged but not required. You can print copies at any Workforce Center before the event.
• There is no dress code. They suggest dressing like you would for an interview if you can.
• Spanish interpreters will be there.
• Career advisors will be on hand to help with your résumé, your elevator speech and job fair tips.

Print your résumé in Marshall

If you live in Harrison County, the Workforce Center in Marshall is at 4300 E. End Blvd. S., open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The phone is 903-935-7814.

Go today. Print a few copies. Ask a career advisor to look it over. That is a free head start most people skip.

Any weekday: the Harrison County Veterans Affairs office

A lot of veterans in East Texas have never filed for a benefit they earned. Some do not know where to start. Some tried once and gave up.

Harrison County's Veterans Affairs page lists the county's Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Counselor from the Texas Veterans Commission in the same office.

• Phone: (903) 935-8415
• Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
• Mailing address: Harrison County Annex, PO Box 1981, Marshall, TX 75671

The page also links to the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Veterans Land Board and education information for veterans using the GI Bill.

If you know a veteran who has been putting off that paperwork, offer to make the call with them. Offer to drive them. That might be the most useful thank you they get all year.

Any hour: the Veterans Crisis Line

Some veterans carry more than they let on, especially around this week. If you or someone you love is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day.

• Dial 988, then press 1
• Or text 838255
• Or chat online from their site

You do not have to be in crisis to call. You can call because you are worried about someone. Mental health help is part of taking care of each other.

Why this one matters to me

I served in the Marine Corps from 2010 to 2014. I know how many veterans in our towns are good at taking care of everybody else and slow to ask for anything for themselves.

So let us make it easy. Send this to one veteran today. Then check on them Wednesday.