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.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/afghanistan/

http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/iraq/


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: Women Veteran Population: 3,557

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 Women Veteran Population: 36,459

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 Women Veteran Population: 4,123

Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio

Laredo Women Veteran Population: 4,866

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


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 (Counties with > 10,000, 18+)


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. Top 3 Outreach Strategies:

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



18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+

1,807 3,246 1,585 726

MEDIAN INCOME MALE VETERANS WOMEN VETERANS



% 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 Women Veteran Population: 3,776

Angelina, Cherokee, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, and Upshur

Beaumont Women Veteran Population: 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 (CBOCs) & Vet Centers:

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 (Counties with > 10,000, 18+)


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. Top 3 Outreach Strategies:

Women Veteran Program Media Packages



Circles indicate rural areas

Figure 5 East Texas Region Rural Area Snapshot


WEST TEXAS REGION DEMOGRAPHICS

DEMOGRAPHICS

Women Veteran Population 9,831(VetPop 2014 projected data for 2016)


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 Women Veteran Population: 1,189

Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio

Lubbock Women Veteran Population: 2,499

Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, and Yoakum

Abilene Women Veteran Population: 2,828

Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Throckmorton

San Angelo Women Veteran Population: 1,598

Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reagan, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, and Tom Green

Midland/Odessa Women Veteran Population: 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


Fort Bliss, Dyess Air Force Base, and Goodfellow Air Force Base


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 (Counties with > 10,000, 18+)

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



18-34 35-54 55-64 65-75+

7,802 12,558 4,028 1,295

MEDIAN INCOME MALE VETERAN WOMEN VETERAN



% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African American American Indian/Native

Alaskan

81% 13% 89% .39

Unemployment 7%

Poverty 7%




Bryan/College Station Women Veteran Population: 1,315

Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington

Austin Women Veteran Population: 14,643

Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson

Waco Women Veteran Population: 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


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 (Counties with > 10,000, 18+)


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. Top 3 Outreach strategies recommended include:


Social media (Facebook, Twitter)

Print materials

Circles indicate rural areas

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

MALE VETERANS WOMEN VETERANS



% of Majority Races White Hispanic/Latino African American American Indian/Alaskan

85% 10% 3% 1%

Unemployment 6%

Poverty 4%




Amarillo Women Veteran Population: 1,907

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


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. Top 3 Outreach strategies recommended include:




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



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/Latino

African American Asian

75% 9% 14% .5%

Unemployment 7%

Poverty 7%



Metropolitan Areas Surrounding Areas

Houston/Galveston

Women Veteran Population:

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

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinics (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

Women Veterans Outreach Plan

Documents

Transcript of Women Veterans Outreach Plan