By Jeff Wentworth
Guest Commentary

Ten years ago this month I began writing this nonpartisan weekly column to help keep my constituents informed about state issues.

That first column was a tribute to the military men and women whose service has kept us free.  Four newspapers in Senate District 25 printed it.

A lot has changed in 10 years.  My column now appears regularly in a number of newspapers, including some not in the district. 

Originally, the column was faxed each week.  Now, it is distributed by e-mail to print and electronic media and to more than 400 individuals who have asked to be added to the distribution list.  It also may be read online.

Although the years have brought changes to the column, one thing remains unchanged.  Our nation still owes its freedom to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.  I hope that you will pause next Tuesday, on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, and join me and millions of other Americans in honoring our nation’s veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice.

A decade ago, 1.57 million veterans called Texas home.  Now there are 1.7 million veterans in Texas.  More than 260,000 live in counties that are wholly or partially in Senate District 25.

As one of only five Texas state senators who has seen active duty military service, I am proud that a quarter of a million veterans live in the district that I represent in the Texas Senate.

I also am proud that the Legislature has passed bills which reflect Theodore Roosevelt’s observation that “a man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.”

Although Texas’ strong military presence is, in all probability, responsible for many veterans’ choosing to live in Texas, I believe that the state’s programs and benefits also are responsible for so many veterans’ deciding to call Texas home.

Texas veterans’ programs are overseen by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission.  The Land Board helps veterans obtain loans to buy land, a house or to improve their homes.  Information about veterans’ loans is available on the Internet at www.glo.state.tx.us.  At the site, click on “Veterans Land Board.”

The Veterans Commission helps veterans with disability, education and employment issues, as well as home loans.  Some veterans may be unaware that their disability rating could have changed through the years. 

Veterans’ widows also may not be aware that they may be eligible for a pension.  Only about 14 percent of eligible widows are collecting their pensions.  Contact for the Texas Veterans Commission is available on the Internet at www.tvc.state.tx.us.  Both the Land Board and the Commission may be reached by calling toll-free (800) 252-VETS (8387).

It is fitting that we pay tribute to veterans, not only on Nov. 11, but all year long.  Without their service and sacrifice, we might not have been able to exercise our right to vote on Nov. 4. 

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at jeff.wentworth@senate. state .tx.us.

Drivers who deliver Meals on Wheels in our area are such willing and dependable volunteers and on Monday we honored these great volunteers with lunch and a small token of appreciation. They are such an important part of the Meals on Wheels program.

Tai Chi classes are every Wednesday at 8 a.m. and open for any adult in the community. The drop-in rate is $5 per class, or $20 for the month. We hope to increase participation to keep this valuable classes continuing.

There is now a sign-up sheet to express interest in an old-time gospel singing group which will be added to the senior center’s events if there’s enough interest.

Nutrition and diabetes classes will begin on Tuesday and are open to anyone in the community with an interest in good nutrition, or has diabetes.

Unless there is more interest gathering for crafts, the center’s last organized project will be to make Christmas cards. Come by Nov. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring old Christmas cards and decorations, along with pot luck finger foods. Join the project with Gail Hortick and get into the Christmas spirit!

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union will be here on Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to give a presentation and sign up new members.

United Way has been very supportive of the Bulverde Senior Center in the past so please give any donation to Glenna by Nov. 24. Glenna will present the center’s donations to the United Way representatives on that same day. The donation may be used by United Way for the senior center by specifying that choice on the envelope. Donation cards and envelopes are available at the center.

Retired seniors who miss the workplace can get job training and return to work for at least 20 hours a week through a new program in Comal County. Jobs available will pay minimum wage. Contact Kim Dean, coordinator for our Senior Outreach Program, for more information.

Also contact Kim regarding a Medic Alert System. The center’s Senior Outreach Program has partnered with GVTC to make this available.

Don’t forget that flu shots will be available at the Comal County Health Department on Cougar Bend tomorrow between 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Sonja Harris, president of the Republican Club of Comal County with U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith. Courtesy photo

Special to the Bulverde News

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith addressed the Rep-ublican Club of Comal County at the GVTC Auditorium on Oct. 28. 

Smith said the economic situation is in a crisis that must be dealt with and that although he was philosophically opposed to the Emergency Economic Stabili-zation Act, he voted for it because he felt it was necessary for the country. 

Smith cited three main reasons it was necessary:  (1) To restore availability of short-term credit for business so that payrolls can be met; (2) To provide for housing loans ,and (3) To protect security of pension plans and other money-market investments. 

Smith said the Republican energy plan includes developing alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and nuclear.

“As for fossil fuels, we must take advantage of our own resources, including Alaska,” he said. “We should also drill offshore on the east and west coasts and within 50 miles to take full advantage of our rich resources.”