AVMKilleen

As Labor Day Weekend arrives, American Veterans Mission extends our warmest wishes to our community, partners, and volunteers. This holiday is more than a well-earned break. It is a time to reflect on the dedication, effort, and resilience that working people contribute to the strength of our nation. Honoring Work and Service Labor Day recognizes the value of hard work and the dignity of labor. At American Veterans Mission, we also see this spirit reflected in the service of our veterans and military families. Their commitment reminds us that leadership, perseverance, and teamwork are values worth celebrating not only on the job but also in the communities we build together. A Time for Rest and ReflectionWe encourage you to take this long weekend to enjoy time with family and friends, reflect on the contributions of workers across America, and recharge for the season ahead. Whether you are gathering for a cookout, spending time outdoors, or simply resting, may this Labor Day bring peace and gratitude. Looking Ahead Together As we move into the fall, American Veterans Mission remains committed to uplifting veterans and strengthening connections between military and civilian communities. We invite you to stay connected with us through our upcoming programs and events. To see what we offer our communities, please visit our Offering page. Together, we continue to demonstrate that everyone has a role in building stronger communities.From all of us at American Veterans Mission, thank you for your support and dedication. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend! Read the full article

Youth Leaders Gain Confidence and Skills at TAMUCT Workshop On August 7, 2025, American Veterans Mission (AVM) has the opportunity to host Robert’s Rules Workshop Builds Youth Leaders at Texas A&M University–Central Texas. Designed for students ages 11 to 18, the interactive workshop gave young leaders the tools to speak with confidence, run effective meetings, and make decisions using the same parliamentary procedure that governs city councils and national organizations alike.Held from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Warrior Hall, the day included a mix of instruction, team-building, and hands-on exercises. Students participated in mock meetings, debated motions, and explored real-life applications of Robert’s Rules of Order. They left with a foundational understanding of how to lead with order, fairness, and purpose.“Our goal was to introduce young people to the structure and responsibility of leadership,” said Anthony V. Martinez, Executive Director of American Veterans Mission. “They stepped up. They listened, spoke up, and learned to advocate for themselves and others with respect and clarity.” Youth Volunteer Corps Participation and Chromebook Donations Among the participants were several outstanding members of the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of Central Texas. As a special part of the program, AVM distributed repurposed Chromebooks to a group of deserving YVC members to support their leadership growth and academic success.This generous contribution was made possible by Kohl’s Cares through the support of Eric Getz, whose partnership has made a direct impact on youth development in our community.“Thanks to Kohl’s Cares and Mr. Eric Getz’s coordination, we were able to put Chromebooks directly into the hands of youth who show leadership, service, and commitment to their communities,” said Martinez. “This gift gives them tools to continue making a difference.” Familiarizing Youth with Leadership the Right Way Robert’s Rules Workshop is part of AVM’s broader effort to build stronger civic engagement through youth leadership education. The workshop familiarized students with real-world leadership practices they can apply at school, in volunteer roles, and future careers.Each student received a certificate of completion and resources for continued learning.Building a Better TomorrowAt AVM, we believe that preparing youth to lead is essential to building stronger, more compassionate communities. Programs like this create a pathway for young people to take initiative, serve others, and lead with confidence.We thank all the YVC members, parents, and volunteers who made this event a success—and we are especially grateful to Texas A&M University–Central Texas for hosting us and to Kohl’s Cares for equipping our youth leaders for success.Explore more of AVM’s service programs at https://americanveteransmission.org/offeringFollow us on social media to see photos from the event:📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook 🐦 X (Twitter)For other social media platforms or to send us an email, please visit our Contact page.Together Everyone Achieves More! Read the full article

A Strong Showing at the 2nd Annual Hiring Event in Copperas Cove On July 30, 2025, the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) hosted its 2nd Annual Hiring Event, and the turnout was nothing short of remarkable.With 52 employers, recruiters, and resource organizations under one roof and 717 job seekers in attendance, including 189 veterans, this event marked a significant win for our community. For a town the size of Copperas Cove, these numbers are a clear sign that collaborative efforts are working.As a committed Silver Tier sponsor, American Veterans Mission (AVM) was honored to support this event and help connect our local workforce with real opportunities. The impact was evident in every handshake, resume exchange, and conversation that took place throughout the day. Credit Where It's Due This success didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to community growth. We especially want to recognize Brittany Sanders (a fellow veteran) and the entire CCEDC team for their hard work and dedication in organizing and executing such a well-run event. Their attention to detail and passion for service helped ensure that every employer and job seeker left with a sense of possibility. Veterans in Focus With nearly 200 veterans attending, this hiring event also reinforced how vital it is to create welcoming spaces for those transitioning from military to civilian life. Events like these offer more than just job leads—they provide community connections, confidence, and a path forward for those who have served.AVM remains committed to backing efforts that uplift veterans and strengthen the communities they call home. We believe in partnerships that lead to action, and this hiring event stands as a strong example of that mission in motion. Event Gallery: See the Day in Action We’ve put together a photo gallery from the 2nd Annual Hiring Event so you can relive the highlights or experience what you missed. From engaging employer booths to veteran networking moments, each photo captures the spirit of community, opportunity, and connection. We encourage you to share these photos and help spread the word about the meaningful work happening right here in Copperas Cove, Texas.https://americanveteransmission.org/hiring-event-copperas-cove-2025/ Want to get involved? Learn more about AVM’s programs and upcoming events by visiting our Offering page.Follow us on social media for updates and photos:📸 Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)#AmericanVeteransMission Read the full article

Let’s keep showing what our community can do—together.

In a significant and trusted partnership with Operation Homefront, American Veterans Mission was honored to lead another impactful back-to-school event with our local mission allies on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bernie Beck Lecture Hall at Texas A&M University–Central Texas. This year’s event welcomed 200 military children and their families from across Central Texas for a meaningful day of service, support, and community.The event's goal was straightforward: to alleviate the burden of the back-to-school season by providing free, high-quality school supplies, backpacks, and access to local resources for military families navigating transitions, deployments, and financial challenges. What resulted was a heartfelt gathering powered by compassion and collaboration.Impact Highlights - 🎒 200 military children received brand-new backpacks, essential school supplies, and teacher's kits - 💬 Dozens of volunteers assisted with setup, logistics, and distribution - 💡 Families connected with local nonprofit and community resources on-site The day was made even more memorable with a generous surprise from Rudy’s BBQ, which presented Operation Homefront with a check for over $25,000 in support of their ongoing veteran and family-centered initiatives.In another memorable moment, Scott Arcuri, Vice President of Field Operations at Operation Homefront, joined the team and volunteers in person to witness the mission in action and offer words of encouragement to our team and participating families. Our Partners and Sponsors We are grateful for the many partners, sponsors, and volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Their generosity and service ensured that our military children returned to school with not only the supplies they needed, but also the reminder that their community stands behind them.Local community partners and mission allies who donated and made a physical presence at this Killeen event included:- Girl Scouts of Central Texas: Troops 20301 and 6300 (GSCTX) - Bell County Comic Con - H-E-B Operation Appreciation (HEB) - Agape Hood (AH) - Navy Federal Credit Union - United Through Reading (UTR) - Ace Dental - Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q of Killeen - SWBC Mortgage - Gratitude Initiative - American Veterans Mission (AVM) - Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) Local community partners who donated to this Killeen event:- Fort Hood Spouses Club - Walmart Spark Good Operation Homefront National partners who graciously donated in support of this event:- Dollar Tree - Academy Sports + Outdoors - Food Lion Feeds - Hilton Grand Vacations - Northrop Grumman - Town House - Tractor Supply Co. Foundation - RTX: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon - Southern New Hampshire UniversityTake a look at some of the heartfelt moments from the day in our photo gallery below. Many thanks to AVM's volunteer photographer, Cameron "Cami" Houser, for capturing these moments:https://americanveteransmission.org/2025-back-to-school-event/ As we prepare for the fall and continue our local mission, we invite the Central Texas community to stay engaged with our work. Whether you’re a business looking to give back, a family seeking support, or a neighbor ready to serve—we welcome you to stand with us.🔗 Explore AVM's community initiatives and offerings.📱 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For other social media platforms, please visit our Contact page.🌐 Please visit our website often for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities: American Veterans Mission, near the bottom of the page, under "Upcoming Community Events."Together Everyone Achieves More!Disclaimer: Back-to-School Brigade® is the official program name and a registered trademark of Operation Homefront. AVM is honored to support this initiative in partnership with Operation Homefront, helping serve military children and families here in Central Texas. Read the full article

📸 Come out, volunteer, or just stop by to show your support. Together, everyone achieves more.

Celebrating Summer, Service, and Community at the 2025 Summer Fun FestOn Saturday, July 19, 2025, American Veterans Mission and various local nonprofit and for-profit organizations partnered with the Rick Herrema Foundation to host and celebrate the 2025 Summer Fun Fest at Fort Hood, Texas. The event welcomed hundreds of military and veteran families for a day filled with laughter, shared memories, and family-friendly fun.Photo Gallery: Summer Fun Fest 2025📸 Here is a photo gallery of some of the photos we took during the event.https://americanveteransmission.org/2025-summer-fun-fest/ A Day to RememberFrom the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Children bounced in inflatable castles, families shared snow cones under shady tents, and volunteers offered warm hospitality with every interaction.Highlights included:- Games like cornhole, axe throwing, dunk tanks, and obstacle courses - Arts and crafts stations for kids of all ages - Music, iced coffee, and yoga - Free food, including grilled burgers, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, refreshing drinks, and more - Military family resource tables staffed by various local partners and organizations Strengthening Bonds Through ServiceAt its heart, the 2025 Summer Fun Fest wasn't just about having fun; it was about strengthening the bonds between veterans, their families, and the broader community. Volunteers from numerous local nonprofit and for-profit organizations were on hand to answer questions, share resources, and listen. Families left not only with full hearts but also with information about local community programs and upcoming opportunities to get involved.Our Partners in ImpactWe’re deeply grateful to the Rick Herrema Foundation for hosting the event and to the Fort Hood Army Garrison team for opening their doors. Many thanks to Tow-Hands Party Rentals, American Veterans Mission, Rudy's Real Texas Bar-B-Q, Life Moves Yoga, Manna Church, Soldiers Hospitality House, Dave & Busters, Fort Hood Commissary, and the Fort Hood MWR for sponsoring this event. Special thanks also go to our volunteers, donors, and community partners who made this event possible.Looking AheadThe 2025 Summer Fun Fest reminded us that joy and connection are forms of service, too. As we continue our mission to uplift veterans and build people-centered impact where we live, we invite you to stay connected with us.👉 Explore our community initiatives by visiting our Offering page.👉 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 👉 Support upcoming community events through VolunteerMatch.Together, everyone achieves more. Thank you for being part of the mission at the #AmericanVeteransMission. Read the full article

Youth Leadership Workshop Coming to TAMUCT on August 7 American Veterans Mission is excited to host a youth leadership workshop on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Texas A&M University–Central Texas (TAMUCT) in Warrior Hall, Room 417. This event will introduce students ages 11 to 17 to the core principles of structured group leadership through an accessible introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order.Whether a student is preparing for student council, involved in community service, or simply curious about leadership, this workshop offers practical skills that they can carry into school, volunteer projects, and future roles. Why This Workshop MattersYoung people often step into leadership roles without being taught how to lead meetings, propose ideas, or work through group decisions. This youth leadership workshop helps fill that gap by introducing Robert’s Rules of Order in an age-appropriate, interactive, and easy-to-understand manner.Students will learn how to:- Make and respond to motions- Organize and lead small group meetings- Follow structured discussions- Build confidence as participants or chairpersons What Participants Will Receive This is not a lecture-style class. Students will actively participate in mock meetings, practice real scenarios, and receive- Hands-on guidance from an experienced instructor - A printed paperback with meeting terms and rules - A certificate of completion at the end of the course - Lunch and refreshments at no cost All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is needed. The goal is to introduce leadership structure in a way that is welcoming and easy to apply. How to Register This event is free, but registration is required. To secure a spot, please contact:📩 Mrs. Janie A. FreedDirector of Programs, Killeen Volunteers, Inc. (KVI) [email protected] Supporting Early Leadership and Civic Engagement This event supports the mission of Texas A&M University–Central Texas by promoting leadership, lifelong learning, and community service. It also aligns with AVM’s commitment to investing in local youth and strengthening leadership capacity in our region.For more information on AVM’s youth initiatives, visit our Offering page.📍 Location: TAMUCT, Warrior Hall, Room 417 📅 Date: August 7, 2025 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM 🎓 Ages: 11–17 💲 Cost: Free Read the full article

Bridging Opportunity at the Copperas Cove Hiring Event American Veterans Mission is proud to announce our role as a Silver Sponsor for the upcoming Copperas Cove Hiring Event, taking place on July 30, 2025, at the Copperas Cove Civic Center. Organized by the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), this annual event brings employers, job seekers, and service organizations together to create meaningful career opportunities in Central Texas.At AVM, we see this event as more than a job fair. It is a space where community meets commitment, and where veterans, military families, and civilians alike can discover new paths forward. Why the Copperas Cove Hiring Event Matters Employment is one of the most critical challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Events like the Copperas Cove Hiring Event help remove barriers and connect job seekers with real opportunities.As a local nonprofit rooted in veteran service and community collaboration, AVM is committed to:- Supporting workforce development efforts that value military experience - Partnering with organizations that share our purpose - Uplifting veterans through direct connection to resources Our participation as a Silver Sponsor reflects our commitment to this mission. It’s part of our broader effort to bridge gaps and build trust among military, veteran, and civilian communities. A Spotlight on Our Partners: Major Talent We are especially proud to stand alongside Major Talent, one of our trusted community partners. Major Talent simplifies the career transition process for veterans by:- Translating military service into civilian-friendly resumes - Offering unlimited access to interview preparation - Connecting veterans directly with veteran-ready employers You can learn more about their services at www.majortalent.com.They will also be on site at the Copperas Cove Hiring Event to assist veteran job seekers in person. A Season of Service and Impact This summer, AVM is active on multiple fronts across Central Texas, working closely with trusted partners to serve veterans, families, and youth.On July 19, 2025, we’ll be supporting the Summer Fun Festival, hosted by our community partner, The Rick Herrema Foundation (RHF), at the Abrams Physical Fitness Center, 62nd Support St, Fort Hood, TX 76544. This event is designed to strengthen family bonds and celebrate the community through food, games, and activities suitable for all ages. RHF’s commitment to enriching the lives of military families aligns closely with AVM’s mission, and we’re honored to support their work on post.Just a week later, on July 26, 2025, we’ll take part in our Back-to-School Mission at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, one of our strongest local community partners. This seasonal partnered event is part of Operation Homefront’s nationally recognized Back-to-School Brigade® program. AVM is proud to serve as the local community partner for the Killeen, Texas area. Through this effort, we help ensure military and veteran families receive essential school supplies and access to supportive resources in a welcoming, family-focused environment.Our involvement in these annual efforts reflects AVM’s broader commitment to building community through people-centered service. Whether we’re helping students prepare for success, connecting veterans to meaningful careers, or celebrating with families at summer festivals, we do it through trusted partnerships and local action. Join Us in Making a Difference We invite you to learn more about our programs, partnerships, and upcoming events by visiting americanveteransmission.org.Explore our community offerings here: Community Initiatives/Offerings.And if you’re in the area, stop by the Copperas Cove Hiring Event on July 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM CDT at the Copperas Cove Civic Center (1206 W Ave B). We look forward to seeing you there. Legal Clarification AVM’s Back-to-School Mission is a local partnered event that supports Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade® initiative. Operation Homefront owns the Back-to-School Brigade® trademark. AVM serves as a community partner to help carry out this program in Central Texas. Read the full article

🛍️ Visit the store: https://avmstore.qbstores.com/ 📖 Read our blog post: https://americanveteransmission.org/avm-store-now-open/

Get ready, Fort Hood! Registration for the Rick Herrema Foundation (RHF) Summer Fun Fest is officially open. This free, family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Abrams Physical Fitness Center, and you can reserve your spot today. The Summer Fun Fest brings together our military, veteran, and civilian communities for a day packed with excitement, connection, and a variety of activities for all ages. What to Expect at Summer Fun Fest There’s something for everyone at this year’s event: - NERF Competition inside Abrams Gym - Hula Hoop Challenge - Water Guns/Toys & Water Slides - Family Obstacle Course Challenge - Bend & Brew: Yoga & Iced Coffee - Messy Mondays: Art Station - Axe Throwing & Corn Hole - Dunk Tank - Food Tents with Cotton Candy, Popcorn, and Sno Cones - Firetruck & Splash Pads - First Aid and Security on Site Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025🕙 Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM📍 Location: Abrams Physical Fitness Center, 62 Support Street, Fort Hood, TX 76544 Hosted by RHF with the support of the American Veterans Mission and other community partners and sponsors, Summer Fun Fest is all about fun, friendship, and building stronger connections within our community. Register Today Registration is required for participation, and spots fill up quickly. Don’t wait—sign up today and get ready for a memorable day of fun with family, friends, and neighbors. 👉 Click here to register now Why We Come Together At American Veterans Mission, we know that events like Summer Fun Fest are more than just a good time. They help strengthen the bonds between military personnel, veterans, and civilian neighbors, reminding us that together, everyone achieves more. We hope to see you there. Together, Everyone Achieves More! Read the full article

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These students spent the week learning, leading, and showing what service looks like in action. We’re proud to support them and our community.

Together, Everyone Achieves More.