News and Updates

We are beyond grateful to Taskforce Uplift and their incredible partners for making it possible to provide laptops to the student veterans of Texas A&M University-Central Texas, helping them continue their academic journey with the tools they need to succeed.

A special shout-out to the fantastic Kohl’s Cares volunteers who were on-site assisting with the distribution of laptops. Your dedication and support played a crucial role in making this event a success, and we appreciate all you did to help our local student veterans.

Together, we empower these brave men and women as they work toward their academic and professional goals while bridging the digital divide in the Central Texas area. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served us! 🙏💻💙

A message from the American Veterans Mission’s President & CEO, Dr. Anthony V. Martinez, September 5, 2024:

“As I prepare to leave for the Republic of the Philippines this weekend, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my mentors, colleagues, alums, and friends at Texas A&M University–Central Texas (TAMUCT) for nominating and choosing me as this year’s distinguished alumnus. Your support and recognition mean the world to me. I also want to congratulate Mr. Abdul Subhani, this year’s distinguished legacy alumnus, and US Army Lieutenant General (Retired) Pete Taylor, the distinguished honorary alumnus.

Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas A&M University–Central Texas is a profound and humbling honor. This recognition is a tribute not only to my personal journey but to everyone who has journeyed with me in learning and growth. It’s a testament to the values and education we all received at the Texas A&M University system, which are foundational in our personal and professional journeys. I share this award with the incredible faculty, mentors, and fellow alums. I am proud to be a warrior and committed to giving back to our university and community.

To my mentors, friends, and colleagues, I am deeply sorry that I cannot be physically present at the upcoming event to join my fellow Warriors due to my business travel overseas. My absence is a source of deep regret as I sincerely wish to be there to share the moment with you. Although I will not be physically present, I am honored to celebrate this milestone with you. I look forward to the event’s success and hope you enjoy it as much as I would have.

On behalf of LTG (Ret) Pete Taylor and Mr. Abdul Subhani, who are also deeply committed to our alma mater, we encourage our fellow alumni to join us in positively impacting our community. As alumni, we possess the knowledge, skills, and networks to bring about positive change. Whether it’s through mentoring students, supporting local initiatives, or simply leading by example, our contributions can transform lives and communities. Let’s continue to carry forward the warrior spirit and contribute to a brighter future for all. Our positive actions can inspire and motivate others, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Thanks again for this recognition, and a special thanks to Justice Gregory Johnson, who will be the keynote speaker for this event. Together, everyone achieves more.”

End Message. Photo Credit: Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen, Texas

The American Veterans Mission expresses deep gratitude to Mr. Shayne Major, managing partner of Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in Killeen, Texas, for his unwavering community advocacy. His advocacy significantly impacted the quality of life of many military families in the Fort Cavazos area. We appreciate Shayne’s generous support and positive influence on our local communities.

On December 9, 2023, Dr. Anthony V. Martinez, the president and CEO of the American Veterans Mission, had the pleasure of meeting Shayne and his colleague, Ms. Hayley Pernell. Their involvement in one of Operation Homefront’s signature events, Holiday Meals for Military Families, was truly inspiring. This year, on July 20, 2024, Shayne and his team’s dedication to Operation Homefront’s programs in Texas was further exemplified by a substantial donation of $22,602.

Through Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q’s Operation Camo Cup, Shayne and his team have significantly contributed to an Operation Homefront initiative vital for military families. Their support during the back-to-school season has been invaluable in assisting military families facing financial hardships or other obstacles. The American Veterans Mission thanks Shayne and Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q of Killeen for their positive involvement in our local communities. Together, everyone achieves more!

Photo Credit: Lightdance Photography, Killeen, Texas

The American Veterans Mission wants to thank the Bell County Comic Con, one of our local community partners, for their generous contribution to this year’s Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade® (BTSB) event in Killeen, Texas. Bell County Comic Con’s donation of child weekend passes to military children, totaling approximately $1,980, made a significant difference in their experience at the event, providing them with a memorable and enjoyable time.

By participating in this event, Bell County Comic Con and other community partners enhanced the program experience for Operation Homefront clients. Their involvement not only laid the foundation for a solid and positive relationship for future collaboration but also brought joy and a sense of community to the military families who attended. Many thanks to Johnny and Christina for their hard work staffing the Bell County Comic Con table. Thanks again to Bell County Comic Con for your participation and excellent job. Together, everyone achieves more!

Photo Credit: Lightdance Photography, Killeen, Texas

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2024 Texas A&M University-Central Texas Alumni Association Graduation Mixer! Here is the link to the photos of our incredible alums!

Graduation Mixer 2024 | Flickr

Thank you for joining us from the staff and Board of Directors of the Alumni Association (photo below). We hope to see many of you at our inaugural alumni brunch on September 21, 2024. We are Warriors!

The American Veterans Mission wants to thank and acknowledge Tetyana Quiles, one of our ex-officio board members. With over a decade of experience in higher education administration and event management, Tetyana serves as the Event Services Manager at Texas A&M University-Central Texas within the Office of the President. Her role centers on orchestrating seamless and memorable events that meet and exceed expectations. From planning to execution, she ensures every detail is meticulously managed, collaborating with customers, vendors, and media outlets to deliver outstanding experiences.

Our team celebrates Tetyana Quiles for her extensive multicultural insights and fluency in five languages: English, German, Russian, Ukrainian, and Czech. Her educational journey began at Central Texas College, where she earned three (3) associate degrees, laying a solid foundation for her academic and professional achievements. She furthered her education with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing, an MBA in finance, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from A&M-Central Texas. She is pursuing a doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and is committed to continuous learning and advancement.

Tetyana Quiles proactively engaged in her community, serving as a community volunteer and one of our board members at the American Veterans Mission for three (3) years. She is also a life member and active participant in the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), contributing to its mission of fostering personal and professional growth. Since February 2015, she has engaged in life-changing lectures, a supportive community, and individual and professional growth opportunities.

Tetyana is a distinguished alumna at Central Texas College, honored by the Central Texas College Foundation alongside other notable alums. Her achievements show her dedication to excellence and her commitment to positively impacting our military communities. Thank you for everything you do, Tetyana. Together, everyone achieves more!