The City of Richardson supports the life and success of military veterans. The following web pages will provide information about opportunities in various areas including education, employment, health and housing as well as programs and events throughout the year.

If you or someone you know is a veteran willing to share their story,
please contact RichardsonToday@cor.gov.

Resource Lists

• TXServes - North Texas offers transitioning service members, veterans and their families access to a class-leading continuum of providers that runs the gamut from superior legal, housing and emergency service providers to employment, recreation and fitness, financial capabilities and more – all designed to provide those who serve, have served, and their families, with the most comprehensive service delivery experience available anywhere in the nation. View list of providers.
  
  
• TexVet is the state clearinghouse for trusted information, resources, data, technical support and research relevant to service members, veterans, their families and those who serve them. Learn More
  
  
• Request Military Service Records
  Recent military service and medical records are not online. However, most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation). Learn how on the National Archives website. 

Education

• Dallas College has programs to support educational goals of veterans. You may qualify for college credit through Veterans Educational Transitions, or you can earn a degree or credential to advance your career. Learn More
   
• UT Dallas Military and Veteran Center
  The UT Dallas Military and Veteran Center (MVC) provides resources and support for veterans and military-affiliated students. MVC staff are invested in seeing students achieve their academic and career goals. Learn More
   
• The College Credit for Heroes program seeks to maximize college credit awarded to veterans and service members for their military experience in order to expedite their transition into the Texas workforce. The program’s goal is to eliminate obstacles to attaining licensing, certification and accreditation, and degree awards at state and national levels so that veterans’ transition more quickly from the college classrooms to the workforce. Learn More
  
  
• Deferment Request Form
  If you qualify for state or federal education benefits earned through military service and payment to the school is delayed, you may be eligible for a 60-day deferment of tuition and fees to avoid late fees and/or being dropped from class. Learn More
  
  
• GI Bill Comparison Tool
  Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to help you find a school and determine your GI Bill benefits while attending it. Learn More
  
  
• 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. Learn More
  
  
• The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 months of benefits at the 100 percent level. Learn more
  
  
• The Montgomery GI Bill program (MGIB) provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. Learn More
  
• On-the-Job Training
  If you are a military veteran or eligible family member, the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program offers you an alternative way to use your VA (GI Bill) education benefits. While you are in training for a new job, you can receive monthly benefits form the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in addition to your regular salary. Learn More
  
  
• The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty. Learn More
  
  
• The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Learn more
  
  
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training
  As a veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous GI Bill programs. Once you’ve decided to use your GI Bill benefits it’s important to choose the proper school and type of training. VA’s decision-making tools will help you get the most from your benefits. Learn More
  
  
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
  VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. The government matches your contributions on a 2-for-1 basis. Learn More

Employment

• COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line)
  COOL helps Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs and civilian careers.
  • Air Force
  • Army
  • Coast Guard
  • Navy
  • Marine Corps

• Match Your Military Experience to Occupations
  The Military to Civilian Occupation Translator helps service members match military skills and experience to civilian occupations.
  • Use Texas Skills to Work to Translate Military Experience into Civilian Skills
  • Use CareerOneStop’s Military to Civilian Occupation Translator
    
    
• Texas Operation Welcome Home Program designed to better meet the needs of Transitioning Service Members, recently separated Veterans and Military Spouses. Explore resources available to veterans and learn about employment opportunities throughout the state. Learn More or visit the Texas Workforce Commission page
  
  
• Understanding Your Employment Rights Under
  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A Guide for Veterans
  
  

• Veterans Employment Preference
  To help connect veterans with veteran-friendly employers, the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission have collaborated to provide this list of private employers in Texas that have a policy for veteran employment preference. Learn More

• Veteran Entrepreneur Program
  This program was created in 2013 with a mission to foster and promote Veteran Entrepreneurship throughout the State of Texas. Learn More

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
  You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and job seeking skills coaching. Learn More

• Work in Texas Veterans Jobs
  The website, Work-In-Texas-Veterans.jobs, helps Texas veterans translate their military skills to jobs in the civilian world. The Military Occupation Code Crosswalk function allows veterans to enter the type of work they performed in the armed services and receive a list of civilian jobs that require those skills. The system also translates military occupation codes into skills employers are looking for in potential employees. Learn More

Health

• TEXVET
  TexVet is the state clearinghouse for trusted information, resources, data, technical support and research relevant to service members, veterans, their families and those who serve them. Learn More
  
  
• VA North Texas Health Care System
  • Affordable Care Act
  • Billing and Insurance
  • Community Clinic Directory
  • Prescriptions
  • National Center for PTSD
  • Request Your Medical Records
    
    

Housing

• Endeavors | Dallas Endeavors provides homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services to veterans at risk of becoming homeless. Through their case management services, veterans develop a housing stability plan, are provided assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, and are provided referrals to community agencies. Part of their services include providing veterans with temporary financial assistance, which is based on financial need and includes rental deposits, arrears and utility payments. Learn More
  
  
• Property Tax Exemptions for Texas Disabled Veterans
  Guidelines set forth by the State Comptroller and administered by the County Appraisal District offers veterans tax exemptions from their property value. Learn More
  
  
• TEXVET Homeless Assistance View a list of homeless resources near you.
  
  

Programs and Events

• Memorial Park
  In 2021, Memorial Park underwent renovations to add or enhance: landscaping, flag poles and stonework. Additionally, a large, black granite stone featuring the seals of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard was added.
  Learn More
  
  
• Texas Veterans Commission
  
  
• TEXVET Local Events
  
  
• Animal Adoption Fees Waived
  The Richardson Animal Shelter waives adoption fees for veterans. Note that the $5 registration fee for Richardson residents still applies. All regular adoption guidelines apply and new owners are still required to have the pets spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies if it has not been done so already. A valid Texas driver’s license or ID is required and new owners must be 18 or older. For more information on the Animal Shelter, visit www.cor.net/animalshelter or call 972-744-4480.

Resources

• Honor Veterans Now Committed to feeding veterans across Texas battling hunger by funding a hot meal each day through local and national meal providers. Learn More
  
  
• Property Tax Exemption
  Disabled veterans may be eligible for state disabled veteran exemption and local disabled persons exemption. Additional information on these exemptions can be viewed at the Texas Comptroller website:
  • Disabled Veterans Exemption
  • Disabled Persons Exemption

  Veterans should apply for both exemptions with the appraisal district in the County they reside:

  • Dallas County residents apply with Dallas Central Appraisal District: https://www.dallascad.org/ or 214-631-0910
    
    
  • Collin County residents apply with Collin Central Appraisal District: https://new.collincad.org/ or 469-742-9200
    
    
• The Military Veteran Peer Network The Military Veteran Peer Networks' mission is to establish camaraderie and trust with each other, identifying and vetting community resources and, collectively, contributing to the communities where we live. The network connects veterans and their families to local, state, and national resources through an active group of veteran peers. As a member, you can meet other vets, get help and support, and find resources. Learn More
  
  
• The Texas Veterans Commission Advocates for all Texas veterans, assisting with: VA claims, employment, education, entrepreneurship and VA healthcare advocacy. Learn More
  
  
• The Texas Veterans Portal Connects veterans, their families and caregivers to the benefits and services earned through their military services. Learn More
  
  
• Veterans Crisis Line The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text. Learn More  |  1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)