Letter to Texans - Veterans Day

Letter

Dear Fellow Texans,

We're blessed to enjoy unrivaled security and freedom in this country thanks to the men and women who have sacrificed so much to make that possible.

So today on Veterans Day, we remember and celebrate all who have proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and who devoted their lives to safeguard our liberty through selfless service and courageous sacrifice.

I am proud to represent a state marked by strong patriotism and reverence for our veterans. Nearly 1.7 million veterans call Texas home, including more female veterans than any other state in the nation.

Among the nearly 200,000 female veterans living in Texas is Major General Angie Salinas, USMC, Ret. Originally from Alice, TX, Major General Salinas quickly rose through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps and broke barrier after barrier as she led thousands of Marines. She was the first Hispanic woman to become a general officer in the Marine Corps, the first woman assigned as a combat service support ground monitor, and the first woman to command one of the Marine Corps' two recruit depots. When she retired after 39 years of service, she was the longest-serving woman in the Corps' history and the highest ranking woman and Hispanic member of the Corps.

MajGen Salinas will be the first to tell you her journey was not an easy one. Her great achievements came from perseverance and hard work. Her impressive career serves as just one example of the admirable qualities that distinguish our nation's veterans.

Like many veterans, she continues to serve her community by promoting youth education and community service, and acting as a role model for young servicemen and women across the nation.

We could never thank our veterans enough for their devotion to state and country. But on behalf of my wife, Sandy, and I, as well as 27 million grateful Texans, let me extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the veterans for their service to this great nation and to their fellow countrymen. May God Bless you all, and may God continue to Bless the great state of Texas.

Sincerely,

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