Women Veterans Outreach Plan

WOMEN VETERANS
OUTREACH PLAN
Established as an initiative in 2011, and becoming a program in 2015, the Women Veterans Program
offers assistance and resource referral to Women Veterans and their families. Outreach is crucial in
educating women veterans regarding their benefits and services they have earned through the service
of their country.

Texas Veterans Commission 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................2
WOMEN VETERANS STATISTICS .....................................................................................................................................................4
OUTREACH CHANNELS......................................................................................................................................................................6
METROPOLITAN AND RURAL OUTREACH STRATEGIES..............................................................................................................7
OUTREACH GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS......................................................................................8
APPENDIX........................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX A. WOMEN VETERAN DATA SUMMARY........................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX B. TEXAS REGIONS LARGEST WOMEN VETERAN POPULATIONS & MAJOR VETERAN SERVICE
ORGANIZATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX C. TEXAS WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION AND STATISTICS BY REGION.............................................. 13
APPENDIX D. TEXAS REGIONAL WOMEN VETERAN STATISTICS AND ANALYSIS ....................................................... 16
APPENDIX E. ACRONYMS.......................................................................................................................................................... 29
REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Map of U.S. Veterans Affairs Hospitals, Community Based Outpatient Clinics .................................................. 14
Figure 2 Regions of Texas.............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 3 North Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot .................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 4 South Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 5 East Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot..................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 6 West Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 7 Central Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot............................................................................................................... 25
Figure 8 Panhandle Texas Region Rural Snapshot.................................................................................................................... 27
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1 National Women Veteran Population by State. ...........................................................................................................4
Table 2 Five Year National Population Projection.......................................................................................................................4
Table 3 Average Age of Texas Women Veterans......................................................................................................................5
Table 4 Outreach Channel Strategies ............................................................................................................................................6
Table 5 Women Veteran Data Summary ................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 6 Largest Women Veteran Population & Major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)..................................... 12
Table 7 North Texas Region Demographics............................................................................................................................... 16
Table 8 South Texas Region Demographics ............................................................................................................................... 18
Table 9 East Texas Region Demographics.................................................................................................................................. 20
Table 10 West Texas Region Demographics............................................................................................................................. 22
Table 11 Central Texas Region Demographics ......................................................................................................................... 24
Table 12 Panhandle Region Demographics ............................................................................................................................... 26
Table 13 Upper Gulf Coast Texas Region Demographics...................................................................................................... 28
Table 14 Acronym Listing............................................................................................................................................................... 29

INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that in 2014, over 1.6 million Veterans resided in the state
of Texas making it the second largest veteran population in the nation. In 2016, the VA reported that Texas leads
the nation in women veterans with a population of 183,597 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.). Women
veterans are transitioning to Texas at a faster rate than any other state. According to a national VA study, the
veteran population is due to increase drastically with the drawdown of troops in the Middle East and military
strength downsizing (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.). In addition, military occupations that were
previously off-limits to women make it likely that we will see an increase of wounded women veterans. The Texas
Veterans Commission (TVC) must be proactive in advocating for equitable resources for our women veterans and
families transitioning to the great state of Texas.
HISTORY
The 82nd Texas Legislature established the Texas Women Veterans Initiative in 2011 within the Texas Veterans
Commission to advocate for women veterans, and recommend legislative initiatives and policies on local, state, and
national levels to address issues affecting women veterans. In 2015, the 84TH Texas Legislature formally recognized
the Women Veterans Initiative by creating the Women Veterans Program (WVP). TVC dedicated a program
manager, benefits coordinator, employment coordinator, and outreach coordinator to administer the program.
Mission
To connect women veterans in Texas with the local, state, and federal benefits and services they have earned,
empower Women Veterans to expect equitable treatment in the care and services to which they are entitled, and
elevate public awareness of women's many vital roles in our national defense.
Vision
Women veterans will be able to access first-class healthcare, be safely and respectfully housed, pursue the
education they desire, thrive in a meaningful career, and establish fulfilling connections within their community and
with other women veterans.
METHODOLOGY
Texas contains 254 counties, which the WVP has divided into seven regions (see Appendix C), to identify the most
effective outreach strategies. Information including identification of metropolitan areas, women veteran populations,
geographical areas, demographics, outreach strategies, and key resources, were considered and used in
formulating the analysis.
The data used was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2010-2014 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year
Estimates (United States Census Bureau, n.d.). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), uses ACS to analyze
veteran data. Additionally, the VA hired the company Milliman, to calculate projected numbers through 2043,
utilizing factors such as trends, mortality rates, and geographic migration.
Data used in this document was analyzed using the ACS 5-Year Estimates, unless otherwise stated.

CHALLENGES
Gender Analysis
Most publicly available data related to veterans do not differentiate by gender. These missing variables in existing
data make it difficult to identify veteran trends, and gender trends. Gender specific data research may reveal
valuable information when pertaining to women veterans’ trends and needs.
Self-Identification
Capturing reliable data about women veterans is challenging. Women who served in the armed forces often do not
identify as a veteran, and therefore, do not participate in surveys and data requests. Women veterans do not
identify for several reasons including confusion in definitions and lack of public recognition. The result from non-
identification is inaccurate data for analysis and missed opportunities when it comes to benefits.
Rural Veterans
Texas has 254 counties, 31% of which are rural areas (populations of 10,000 or less; aged 18+). Access to
veteran services and information is concentrated in metropolitan areas, and therefore, rural veterans have less
access to benefit information and care.
The three largest VSOs in the country are having difficulties recruiting women veterans as members. According to
many women veterans including OEF/OIF veteran Kate Hoit, “organizations are unwelcoming and out of touch with
the needs of Post 9-11veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq”. (Klimas, 2014)
Working Definitions
Women veterans and female veterans is used synonymously in this document.
Rural areas are defined as populations of 10,000 or less, aged 18+, for the purpose of this document.

WOMEN VETERANS STATISTICS
National Women Veteran Population
Texas has the largest population of women veterans in the nation, followed by California, Florida, Virginia, and
Georgia. Texas also has the largest 5-year population projection of any state.
Table 1 National Women Veteran Population by State.1
Five Year National Population Projection
The female veteran population is increasing, while the male veteran population is projected to decrease by over
1.5 million over the next 5 years.
Women and Men, 5 Year National Population Projection
Population 2016 5 Year Projection Difference
Women Veterans 2,051,484 2,143,592 + 92,108
Men Veterans 19,316,672 17,731,010 - 1,585,662
Table 22 Five Year National Population Projection
1 Data for this graph was from the Veteran Population Projection Model 2014 (VetPop 2014), and is a projected number.
2 The data used was from VetPop 2014.
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
TEXAS CALIFORNIA FLORIDA VIRGINIA GEORGIA
Current Population 183,597 163,332 154,820 111,034 93,251
Five Year Projection 200,627 159,589 157,184 120,963 100,682
NATIONAL WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION
Current Population
Five Year Projection

Texas Women Veteran Age Statistics
In 2013, 66 percent of women veterans nationally were aged 35 to 64, compared with fifty-one percent of non-
veteran women in the same age group. Currently, Texas’ largest and fastest growing women veteran population is
between ages 35-39. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.)
Table 33 Average Age of Texas Women Veterans
3 Data used from VetPop 2014 to create the table
116
3,748
12,950
19,529
22,372
19,735
21,043
19,781
20,103
18,131
5,529
2,751
2,185
4,480
<20
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000
Texas Women Veteran Age Statistics

OUTREACH CHANNELS
Outreach utilizes a variety of channels to reach a specific audience. The WVP Outreach Coordinator consults the
TVC Communications and Outreach team to identify the best strategy for each situation. The main channels used for
outreach include social media, VSOs, community resources, local events, media, and print material.
Outreach Channel Strategies
OUTREACH CHANNELS STRATEGY USE
Social Media -Social Media Campaigns
-Blogs
-Event Promotion
-Webinars
Channels with an elevated following
on TVC social media
Veteran Service Organizations -Collaborate with local VSOs
-Share news and information
-In areas where VSOs are located
-Useful in rural areas to discover
needs of women veterans
Community Resources Disseminate WVP Media Packages,
information, and collaborate in events
with non-VSO resources such as libraries,
grocery stores, and gyms
Where VSOs are not active or
located
Local Events -Attend and host events in areas close to
rural areas
-Attend events in rural areas not readily
serviced by VSOs, located near several
rural areas
Areas located within reach of large
and small populations of women
veterans
Media -Public Service Announcements (PSA)
-Local News
-Newspapers
-Event promotion
-Rural areas
-Veteran and public education of
resources
Print Materials -Brochures
-Flyers
-WVP Media Packages (to be mailed or
delivered in person)
-Spanish language materials
-Event promotion
-Public and veteran education
-Concentrated use in rural areas
where there is a lack of services
-Use Spanish language materials
to reach family members in higher
Hispanic/Latino populated areas
Table 44 Outreach Channel Strategies
4 TVC Communications and Outreach was consulted for final product strategies.

METROPOLITAN AND RURAL OUTREACH STRATEGIES
Metropolitan Areas of Texas
The largest population of women veterans reside in the major metropolitan areas of Texas. These areas are more
likely to have more veteran’s events, where the most active VSOs, resources, and information is available.
The strategy in metropolitan areas include:
 Partnerships with VSOs, non-government organizations, and community resources
 Social Media where the TVC reach is elevated
 Strategic events centered near larger populated rural areas
Rural Areas of Texas
Texas has 254 counties; 104 are rural. The Outreach Snapshot sections in each region lists rural areas with
populations of 10,000 or less. Veteran services are concentrated in the metropolitan areas requiring additional
outreach strategies in rural areas.
Additional strategies to maximize outreach in rural areas of Texas include:
 WVP Media Packages (See Table 4, Print Material) mailed or delivered to community partners where
there is a lack of VSO representation
 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to local radio stations servicing the rural areas. Smaller, local
radio stations are more likely to air PSAs free of charge
 In-person outreach to spread the word about events
 Social Media campaigns via media or print material to increase the reach in rural areas
 Strengthen VSO partnerships and collaborations

OUTREACH GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
OUTREACH GOAL 1
Educate government and non-government programs and agencies in Texas about the needs of women veterans and
the benefits and services available to those veterans.
Objective
Collaborate with government and non-government agencies to improve available resources and to develop needed
services for women veterans.
Strategy 1
Collaborate with TVC programs to train veteran service organizations on the gender specific needs of women
veterans.
Strategy 2
Develop an outreach schedule of meetings with government and non-government programs and agencies to educate
them about the Women Veterans Program, and the benefits and services available to women veterans at the local,
state, and federal level.
Outcome Measures
Increased outreach to service organizations through collaboration, workshops, seminars, conferences, and education
programs.
Output Measures
 Number of trainings provided to VSOs
 Number outreach meetings with government and non-government programs and agencies
OUTREACH GOAL 2
Obtain full appropriated funding for the Women Veterans Program from the Texas
Legislature.
Objective
Recommend legislative initiatives and funding to develop required policies on the local, state, and national levels to
address women veterans’ gender specific needs.
Strategy 1
The Women Veterans Committee, Texas Coordinating Council for Veteran Services (TCCVS) will foster relationships
between local, state, and federal agencies to identify the needs of women veterans and make recommendations to
the legislature.

Strategy 2
Provide information to the Texas Legislature regarding the efforts and impact of the Women Veterans Program
upon the women veterans in Texas.
Strategy 3
Collaborate with national agencies that address the issues of women veterans and their families to identify possible
alternative funding sources.
Outcome Measure
Receive full appropriated funding for the WVP.
Output Measure
 Dollar amount of appropriated funds
 Dollar value of alternative funding
 Dollar value of individual contributions
OUTREACH GOAL 3
Communicate to women veterans the benefits and services available to them because of their service to their
country.
Objective
Educate women who served in the military of their veteran status and the available benefits to them because of
their military service.
Strategy 1
Research and disseminate information pertaining to women veterans
Social Media - Develop and utilize a variety of social media, online and print methods to reach women
veterans.
 Facebook posts and campaigns
 Community blogs
 TVC Website Women Veteran Page
 Women Veterans Professional Network
Education – Develop digital media, publications and print materials.
 Print material
 Woman veteran success stories
 Surveys and focus groups

 Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
 Conferences, seminars, and training workshops
 Statewide events and programs to honor and recognize women veterans
Outcome Measure
Increase percentage of women veterans reached by 10% from previous year through event participation and WVP
communication efforts.
Output Measure
 Number of training programs developed and delivered by the Women Veterans Program
 Number of women veterans reached as a result of a social media campaign
 Number of women veterans completing printed material (i.e. surveys, questionnaires and comments
 Number of participants attending training, events, and workshops
OUTREACH GOAL 4
Increase support for Women Veterans throughout Texas and the United States.
Objective
Maintain active membership in local, state and national professional associations that compliment and support
veterans.
Strategy
Develop and maintain professional relationships and partnerships with vetted local and national associations such
as:
 Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG)
 Health and Human Services Center (HHSC)
 National Association of Women State Coordinators (NASWC)
 Local chamber of commerce chapters
 Statewide veteran service organizations
 Texas State Demographer
Outcome Measure
Professional relationships and partnerships maintained through professional associations.
Output Measure
 Number of trainings provided to professional organizations
 Number of communications and outreach developed and used by the Women Veterans Program

APPENDIX
APPENDIX A. WOMEN VETERAN DATA SUMMARY
. POPULATION
TEXAS HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION OF WOMEN VETERANS AND ARE TRANSITIONING TO TEXAS AT A FASTER
RATE THAN ANY OTHER STATE
BEXAR COUNTY HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION OF WOMEN VETERANS PER COUNTY
THE NORTH REGION HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION OF WOMEN VETERANS PER REGION
NATIONALLY, THE WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION IS INCREASING AND THE MALE VETERAN POPULATION IS
DECREASING
WOMEN VETERAN AGES
THE FASTEST GROWING POPULATON ARE AGED 35-39 (POST 9-11 ERA, NON-RETIREES)
MEDIAN WAGE
WOMEN VETERANS MAKE ON AVERAGE 28% LESS THAN MALE VETERANS IN TEXAS
TEXAS PANHANDLE MEDIAN INCOME: WOMEN VETERANS: $16,000 VS. MALE VETERANS $41,000
RURAL COUNTIES
TEXAS CONTAINS 254 COUNTIES OF WHICH 105 (18+), HAVE A POPULATION OF 10,000 OR LESS.
TEXAS RURAL AREAS MAIN SOURCE OF A VSO IS THE VFW WHICH IS CURRENLTY HAVING A PROBLEM RECRUITING
FEMALE VETERANS
VETERAN SERVICES AND INFORMATION ARE CONCENTRATED IN METROPOLITAN AREA
NATIONAL AND STATE VSOS HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME RECRUITING WOMEN VETERANS
CHALLENGES
WOMEN DO NOT IDENTIFY AS VETERANs AND MISS OUT ON THE BENEFITS AND SERVICES EARNED
VSOS ARE LACKING WOMEN VETERAN LEADERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIPTERAN LEADERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP
FAILING TO IDENTIFY AS A WOMAN VETERAN RESULTS IN INACCURATE DATA
EDUCATE RESEARCHERS TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND CAPTURE ACCURATE DATA
FOR EXAMPLE: DID YOU SERVE VS. ARE YOU A VETERAN?
Table 5 Women Veteran Data Summary

APPENDIX B. TEXAS REGIONS LARGEST WOMEN VETERAN POPULATIONS & MAJOR
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
REGION WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION
VETERAN SERVICE
ORGANIZATION
Gulf Coast
Harris County 18,856 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VFW, DAV,
WVCB, Bay Area Veterans
Network, American Legion
Nueces County 2,354
Brazoria County 2,016
East Texas
Collin County 6,936 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VFW, DAV,
WVCB, Bay Area Veterans
Network, American Legion
Montgomery County 2,767
Jefferson County 1,494
North Texas
Bell County 11,643 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VCNCT, VFW,
DAV, Veterans Coalition of Tarrant
County, Denton County Veterans
Coalition, American Legion
Tarrant County 13,288
Dallas County 11,134
Denton County 4,044
Central Texas
Travis County 6,300 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VFW, DAV,
CTVSC, F7 Group, Grace after
Fire, Heroes Night Out, Texas
Center Point Veterans Services,
American Legion
Williamson County 4,756
Hays County 1,427
South Texas
Bexar County 26,265 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VFW, DAV,
MVCC, Grace after Fire, Women
Veterans of San Antonio, SACVF,
Lone Star Veterans Association,
American Legion
Guadalupe County 4,705
Comal County 2,168
Hidalgo County 1,703
West Texas
El Paso County 5,832 TVC, MVPN, CSO, VFW, DAV,
West Texas Veterans Coalition,
MPoWCT, American Legion
Tom Green County 1,409
Midland 571
Texas Panhandle
Lubbock County 1,471 TVC, MVPN, VCSO, VFW, DAV,
Amarillo Veterans Coalition,
American Legion
Potter County 491
Jones County 187
Table 65 Largest Women Veteran Population & Major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
5 The data listed in Table 6 was referenced from the ACS 2014 Survey

APPENDIX C. TEXAS WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION AND STATISTICS BY REGION
Texas is the second-largest state in the United States with an area of 261,797 square miles and a population of
over 1.6 million veterans in 254 counties. Due to the large geographical area, this document will analyze data
within seven regions. The seven Texas regions include North Texas, South Texas, East Texas, West Texas, Central
Texas, the Panhandle, and the Upper Gulf Coast (See Figure 2). In addition, Figure 2 depicts the women veteran’s
population, number of counties, and geographical land area per region (United States Census Bureau, n.d.).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AFFAIRS HOSPITALS, COMMUNITY BASED OUTREACH
CENTERS (CBOCS), & VET CENTERS
Figure 16 Map of U.S. Veterans Affairs Hospitals, Community Based Outpatient Clinics
(CBOCs) & Vet Centers
6 The map used and altered from texasounties.net
∙Texarkana
∙Wichita Falls
[Sidebar Title]
VA HOSPITALS
CBOC (#)
VET CENTER (#)
x9
X3

SEVEN REGIONS OF TEXAS
Figure 27 Regions of Texas
7 The map used and altered from texasounties.net
WEST
WV Population: 9831
Counties: 70
Land Area 92,815 Mi2
PANHANDLE
WV Population: 1,907
Counties: 26
NORTH
Counties: 30
EAST
Counties: 38
SOUTH
Counties: 47
UPPER GULF COAST
Counties: 13
CENTRAL
Counties: 30
∙Lubbck
∙Wichita Falls
∙Midland/Odessa
∙College Station
∙Texarkana
∙Laredo
∙Fort Worth∙Tyler
∙Corpus Christi
∙ Brownsville
∙San Angelo
∙Abilene

APPENDIX D. TEXAS REGIONAL WOMEN VETERAN STATISTICS AND ANALYSIS
NORTH TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
Table 7 North Texas Region Demographics
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Population 50,711 (VetPop 2014 projected data for 2016)
Women Veteran Age Population 18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
7,522 15,419 6,256 2,491
MEDIAN INCOME
MALE VETERANS WOMEN VETERANS
$35,754 $33,277 (8% less than the male veteran)
TOTAL VETERAN (MALE AND FEMALE) STATISTICS
% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African American American
Indian/Native
Alaskan
85% 6.3% 6% .36%
Unemployment 8%
Poverty 7%
Disability (Any) 32%
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Metropolitan Areas Surrounding Counties
Dallas/Fort Worth Counties:
Women Veteran Population: 47,154
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo
Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise
Wichita Falls:
Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita,
Wilbarger, and Young, Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The North Texas Region has the third largest geographical area of the 7 regions with the largest population of women
veterans in the state. The region’s metropolitan areas are within approximately 100 miles of all counties.
Rural Counties (Populations of
10,000 or less):
Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Hardeman, Foard, Jack, and Somervell
Major Military Installations: Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base and Shepard Air Force Base
U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), Community Based
Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) & Vet
Centers:
Dallas VA Medical Center, Fort Worth CBOC, Polk Street CBOC, Sherman
CBOC, Sam Rayburn CBOC, Denton CBOC, Bridgeport CBOC, and Granbury
CBOC, and Tarrant County Vet Center, 38 RCS South Central Regional Office
Vet Center, Dallas Vet Center, and Fort Worth Vet Center

NORTH TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
NORTH REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
(Counties with > 10,000, 18+)
RURAL COUNTIES WOMEN VETERANS
Archer 88
Baylor 4
Clay 83
Cottle 0
Foard 1
Hardeman 6
Jack 31
Somervell 28
TOTAL 241
STRATEGY
North Texas Region rural areas are located primarily in the
east and northeast of the region near the Oklahoma border.
The population of women veterans are fewer than in most
counties but are grouped in an area of approximately an
hour’s drive from the metropolitan area of Wichita Falls.
Top 3 Outreach Strategies:
 Strengthened VSO partnerships and collaborations
 Localized events
 Social media
Circle indicates rural areas
Figure 3 North Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot

SOUTH TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Age
Population
18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
8,058 17,132 6,981 2,340
MEDIAN INCOME
MALE VETERAN WOMEN VETERAN
TOTAL (MALE AND FEMALE) VETERAN STATISTICS
% Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African American American Indian/Native
Alaskan
58% 37% 4% .64%
Unemployment 7%
Poverty 7%
San Antonio
Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes,
Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson
Brownsville
Women Veteran Population: 948
Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria
Corpus Christi
Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak,
McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio
Laredo
Cameron, Culberson, Hidalgo, Willacy, Jim Hogg, Starr, Zapata, Dimmit,
Edwards, Kinney, La Salle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Webb, Val Verde,
and Zavala
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The South Texas Region has the second largest population of women veterans in the second largest geographical area.
The majority of women veterans live in the metropolitan area of San Antonio. San Antonio also contains the largest
population of Hispanic/Latino women veterans. Spanish outreach materials may be helpful in this region, especially for
family members. This region has the largest Hispanic/Latino population and a family member my see the outreach
material and urge the veteran to connect.
Rural Counties (Populations of
10,000 or less):
Brooks, Dimmitt, Duval, Edwards, Goliad, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Kinney, La Salle, Live
Oak, McMillan, Real, Refugio, Zapata, and Zavala
Major Universities: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), Texas Tech Health Sciences El Paso, University of
Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), Sul State University, and Angelo State University
Major Military Installations: Naval Air Station Kingsville, Corpus Christi Army Depot, Naval Station Corpus Christi,
Lackland Air Force Base, For Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Laughlin Air
Force Base
U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), Community
Based Outpatient Clinics
(CBOCs) & Vet Centers:
Harlingen VA Healthcare Center, Audie L. Murphy VA Memorial Hospital, Balcones
Heights CBOC, Frank Tejada CBOC, NW 410 SA CBOC, Ne 410 SA CBOC, North
Central SA CBOC, Pecan Valley SA CBOC, SW Military CBOC, South Bexar CBOC,
Seguin CBOC, Shavano Park CBOC, McAllen CBOC, Victoria CBOC, New Braunfels
CBOC, Laredo CBOC, Harlingen CBOC, Corpus Christi CBOC, Corpus Christi PACT,
Corpus Christi PACT, Corpus Christi Specialty Clinic, Beeville CBOC, Tomball CBOC,
Texas City CBOC, Richmond CBOC, and Longview CBOC, San Antonio NE Vet Center,
and San Antonio NW Vet Center
Table 8 South Texas Region Demographics

SOUTH TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
SOUTH TEXAS REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
Brooks 37
Dimmit 29
Duval 52
Edwards 9
Goliad 60
Jim Hogg 7
Kenedy 1
Kinney 20
La Salle 449
Live Oak 91
McMullen 122
Real 45
Refugio 27
Zapata 21
Zavala 19
TOTAL 989
STRATEGY
The South Texas Region rural areas are grouped in two areas:
the south tip, and the mid-section of the region as well as a few
scattered regions to the northwest.
The region is well supported in the southern and northern areas
but lack major VSO support in the mid-range and northwestern
areas.
 Women Veteran Program Media Packages*
 Public Service Announcements (PSAs)*
* Spanish language materials
Circles indicate rural areas
Figure 4 South Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot

EAST TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Age
Population
18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
1,807 3,246 1,585 726
MEDIAN INCOME
% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African
American
American
Indian/Native Alaskan
85% 3% 10% .6%
Unemployment 9%
Poverty 8%
Texarkana
Women Veteran Population:
5,042
Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, Titus, Anderson,
Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Van Zandt, and Wood
Tyler
3,776
Angelina, Cherokee, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Rusk,
Smith, and Upshur
Beaumont
3,281
Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Hardin,
Jefferson, and Orange
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The East Texas Region has the third smallest women veteran population. Unlike its bordering regions, the region does
not have one area, or metropolitan city, with a large concentrated population of women veterans. Instead, the east
region is sparsely populated with women veterans, disseminated evenly between the three metropolitan areas. The
northern part of the East Region is within close proximity to the Dallas area and the southern part of the east region is
in close proximity of the Houston area.
Rural Counties (Populations of 10,000
or less):
Delta, San Augustine, Camp, Franklin, Marian, Morris, Rains, and Sabine
Major Universities: Texas A&M Texarkana, University of Texas Tyler, Stephen F. Austin State
University, and Sam Houston State University
Major Military Installations: Red River Army Depot
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center, Tyler CBOC, Tyler specialty
care, Beaumont CBOC, and Jefferson County Vet Center
Table 9 East Texas Region Demographics

EAST TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
EAST TEXAS REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
Camp 55
Delta 20
Franklin 46
Marion 24
Morris 85
Rains 36
Sabine 71
San Augustine 68
TOTAL 405
STRATEGY
The East Texas Region Rural Counties are located near the
Arkansas and Louisiana boards. The closest major
metropolitan areas are Longview, Tyler, Beaumont and
Texarkana.
The two circled groupings of counties, together have a
significant population of women veterans and would benefit
from a localized event in their area.
 Women Veteran Program Media Packages
Figure 5 East Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot

WEST TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Population 9,831(VetPop 2014 projected data for 2016)
Women Veteran Age
Population
18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
3,642 4,589 1,555 711
MEDIAN INCOME
% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African American American Indian/Native
Alaskan
75% 9% 14% .49%
Unemployment 6%
Poverty 8%
El Paso
1,189
Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio
Lubbock
2,499
Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb,
Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, and Yoakum
Abilene
2,828
Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox,
Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and
Throckmorton
San Angelo
1,598
Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reagan,
Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, and Tom Green
Midland/Odessa
1,717
Andrews, Borden, Crane, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Loving,
Martin, Midland, Pecos, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward, and Winkler
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The West Texas Region has the largest geographical area and number of counties of the seven regions, with the
second smallest population of women veterans. The largest women veteran population in the region is in El Paso. El
Paso is located on the Texas borders of Mexico and New Mexico. The West Region has the largest number of
veterans claiming a disability. El Paso’s main economy is the defense industry, providing federal and contracting
positions as well as education with two major universities.
Rural Counties (Populations of 10,000 or
less):
Bailey, Floyd, Motley, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, King, Knox, Yoakum,
Lynn, Garza, Kent, Stonewall, Haskell, Throckmorton, Bordon, Fisher,
Shackelford, Stephens, Martin, Mitchell, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff
Davis, Presidio, Brewster, Loving, Winkler, Glasscock, Sterling, Robert
Lee, Coleman, Crane, Upton, Reagan, Irion, Concho, McCulloch, Ozona,
Schleicher, Sutton, Kimble, Menard, and Mason
Major Universities: West Texas A&M University, University of Texas El Paso
Major Military Installations: Fort Bliss, Dyess Air Force Base, and Goodfellow Air Force Base
(VA), Community Based Outpatient
Clinics (CBOCs) & Vet Centers:
El Paso VA Medical Center, Big Spring VA Medical Center, Permian
Basin CBOC, Fort Stockton CBOC, San Angelo CBOC, Big Spring
CBOC, El Paso CBOC, Stamford CBOC, Lubbock CBOC, Taylor County
Vet Center, and Midland Vet Center
Table 10 West Texas Region Demographics

WEST TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
WEST TEXAS REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
RURAL COUNTIES WOMEN VETERANS RURAL COUNTIES WOMEN VETERANS
Bailey 13 McCulloch 10
Coke 21 Menard 19
Coleman 24 Mitchell 48
Crane 13 Motley 3
Crosby 36 Presidio 10
Culberson 16 Reagan 10
Dickens 31 Runnels 56
Crockett 41 Schleicher 13
Concho 21 Shackelford 14
Fisher 17 Stephens 23
Floyd 7 Sterling 1
Garza 19 Stonewall 3
Glasscock 3 Sutton 16
Haskell 16 Terrell 4
Hudspeth 10 Terry 23
Irion 10 Throckmorton 5
Jeff Davis 13 Upton 9
Kent 0 Ward 33
Kimble 25 Winkler 67
King 0 Yoakum 21
Knox 10
Lamb 631
Loving 1
Lynn 13
Martin 1
Mason 53
TOTAL 1,433
STRATEGY
The West Texas Region contains primarily rural counties except for the
few in and around the metropolitan areas of El Paso, San Angelo,
Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, and Abilene.
The West Texas Region is the Largest of the seven regions and contains
the majority of rural counties (44).
Top 3 Outreach strategies recommended include:
 Localized veteran events
Metropolitan areas
Figure 6 West Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot

CENTRAL TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Age
Population
18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
7,802 12,558 4,028 1,295
MEDIAN INCOME
Indian/Native
Alaskan
81% 13% 89% .39
Unemployment 7%
Poverty 7%
Bryan/College Station
1,315
Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington
Austin
14,643
Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and
Williamson
Waco
16,043
Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan, Bell, Coryell, Hamilton,
Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The Central Texas Region has the third highest population of women veterans with the highest populations between
Austin and Waco and is home to the three major universities in the state.
Rural Counties (Populations of 10,000
or less):
Blanco, Hamilton, Mulls, and San Saba
Major Universities: University of Texas, Texas State and Texas A&M
Major Military
Installations:
Fort Hood Army Base
U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs
Community Based
Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
and Vet Centers:
Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Temple
CBOC, Austin CBOC, College Station CBOC, Brownwood CBOC, and Cedar Park
CBOC, Austin and Vet Center, and Killeen Heights Vet Center
Table 11 Central Texas Region Demographics

CENTRAL TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
CENTRAL REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
Blanco 140
Hamilton 32
Mills 15
San Saba 12
TOTAL 199
STRATEGY
There are four rural counties in the Central Region. Three,
Hamilton, Mills, and San Saba, are located in the northwest
area of the region, and Blanco in the southwest part of the
region. All four counties are relatively close to major
metropolitan areas which contain a large VSO support system.
 Social media (Facebook, Twitter)
 Print materials
Figure 7 Central Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot

PANHANDLE REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Age Population 18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
314 461 316 177
MEDIAN INCOME
Indian/Alaskan
85% 10% 3% 1%
Unemployment 6%
Poverty 4%
Amarillo
Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith,
Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore,
Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and
Wheeler
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The Panhandle Region has the smallest population of women veterans and contains one major metropolitan city. The
Panhandle Region is approximately one hundred miles from Lubbock in the West Region, which has a similar population
of women veterans. An event in Lubbock could be within reach of participants from Amarillo, Midland/Odessa, and San
Angelo, metropolitan cities. The male veteran median income is more than twice of the women veteran median income.
Rural Counties (Populations of 10,000 or less): Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth,
Dallam, Donley, Hall, Hamsford, Hartley, Upscomb, Ochiltree,
Swisher, Wheeler, Oldham, Parmer, Hemphill, and Sherman
Major Universities West Texas A&M University
Major Military Installations None
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
Amarillo VA Medical Center, Dalhart CBOC, Childress CBOC, and
Amarillo Vet Center
Table 12 Panhandle Region Demographics

PANHANDLE TEXAS REGION RURAL AREA SNAPSHOT
PANHANDLE REGION RURAL WOMEN VETERANS SNAPSHOT
(Counties with > 10,000, 18+ & Over)
Briscoe 1
Carson 40
Castro 37
Childress 12
Collingsworth 13
Dallam 58
Donley 67
Hall 13
Hansford 12
Hartley 14
Hemphill 4
Lipscomb 18
Ochiltree 19
Oldham 8
Parmer 19
Roberts 3
Sherman 3
Swisher 31
Wheeler 20
TOTAL 392
STRATEGY
The Panhandle Region of Texas is 73% rural, containing one
metropolitan area. The five counties that are not rural are in and
around Amarillo. The median wage for women veterans is 61% less
than their male veteran counterpart at $16,250 per year.
Area inside circle is metropolitan
Area inside circle, excluding yellow circle, is rural
Figure 8 Panhandle Texas Region Rural Snapshot

UPPER GULF COAST TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Women Veteran Age
Population
18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+
6,636 10,881 3,625 1,495
MEDIAN INCOME
$46,946 $34,541(26% less than the male veteran)
% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latin
o
African American Asian
75% 9% 14% .5%
Unemployment 7%
Poverty 7%
Metropolitan Areas Surrounding Areas
Houston/Galveston
30,652
Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty,
Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
The Upper Gulf Coast Texas has the fourth largest population of women veterans in the smallest land area and
counties of the seven regions. This region has one major metropolitan area (Houston), which has large veteran services
support in and around the city.
The Upper Gulf Coast does not contain rural areas (18+, >10,000)
Rural Counties (Populations of 10,000 or less): None
Major Universities University of Houston, University of Houston Clear Lake, University
of Houston Downtown, University of Houston Victoria, Texas A&M
Prairie View
Major Military Installations Ellington Field
(CBOCs) and Vet Centers:
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Lufkin CBOC, and Katy
CBOC, Houston Vet Center, Houston West Vet Center, Harris
County Vet Center, Laredo Vet Center, McAllen Vet Center,
Jefferson County Vet Center, and Corpus Christi Vet Center
Table 13 Upper Gulf Coast Texas Region Demographics

APPENDIX E. ACRONYMS
Acronym Name
TVC Texas Veteran Commission
MVPN Military Veteran Peer Network
VCSO Veteran County Service Officer
VFW Veteran of Foreign Wars
DAV Disabled American Veterans
VCNCT Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas
CTVSC Central Texas Veterans Service Coalition
MVCC Military & Veterans Community Collaborative
SACV San Antonio Coalition for Veterans
MPoWCT Military Partnership of West Central Texas
WVCB Women Veterans of the Coastal Bend
Table 14 Acronym Listing

REFERENCES
Klimas, J. (2014, October 19). The Washington Times. Retrieved from The Washington Times:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/19/younger-veterans-bypass-vfw-american-legion-for-
se/
Texas Counties.net. (n.d.). Retrieved from Texas Counties.net: http://www.texascounties.net/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics:
http://www.va.gov/vetdata/Veteran_Population.asp
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Fact Finder: http://www.census.gov/
United States Department of Labor. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/cps/demographics.htm

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