A&M-San Antonio has been selected as a Gold Recipient of the 2024 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) by the Texas Veterans Commission. The award recognizes universities and colleges that support military-connected students and contribute to their academic success. This marks the fourth year A&M-San Antonio has been selected for a VEERA, including in 2023 when the University was once again a Gold Recipient.
“Receiving the VEERA is a huge honor and demonstrates the University’s dedication to serving our military-connected students. It also supports The Texas A&M University System’s strategy to be the number one veteran-serving system in the nation,” said Tila Jernigan, director of A&M-San Antonio’s Office of Military Affairs.
A&M-San Antonio has approximately 1,200 military-connected students, including nearly 500 who are veterans. Military-connected students comprise about 15 percent of the total student population at A&M-San Antonio. With a proud history of supporting veterans and their families, the University developed Patriots' Casa in 2014 as the campus was taking shape. The $12 million facility features a private suite where licensed professionals offer counseling services at minimal or no cost. There’s also a ceremony room, lounge, children’s therapy area and outdoor garden.
A&M-San Antonio was among five Texas A&M University System institutions awarded this year by the Texas Veterans Commission. The award ceremony was held during the 16th Annual Texas A&M System Military-Affiliated Student Symposium in College Station.
The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 and acts as the state-appointed advocate for Texas veterans. As part of VEERA, the commission evaluates applications on a variety of criteria and awards Gold-, Silver- and Bronze-level status. As a VEERA Gold Recipient, the University received the highest level of recognition, highlighting the depth and breadth of services provided to veteran students and their families.
Pictured Above: Tila Jernigan, director of A&M-San Antonio Military Affairs, Leah Musquiz, assistant director of VA benefits, Krismarie Rodriguez, program coordinator for Military Affairs, Angel Vega, student certification coordinator and adjunct faculty member, Martin Vertiz, student certification coordinator
Pictured in Headline Image: Charlie Catoe, Texas Veterans Commission division director of operations, Leah Musquiz, assistant director of VA benefits, Tila Jernigan, director of A&M-San Antonio Military Affairs, Laura Koerner, Texas Veterans Commission chairwoman, and Angel Vega, student certification coordinator and A&M-San Antonio adjunct faculty member.