The trauma of combat can result in many unintended and unwanted consequences. They can be devastating to the service member, and if untreated they can last for many years. The effects of trauma, however, are not limited to the service member. They can affect their families and others in their communities. Unemployment, divorce, homelessness, drug abuse, crime, violence -- all can be avoided when caring people step forward with help.

Seeking help is a difficult step; finding help should not be. There are a great many resources available, even if they are not always readily apparent.

TexVet focuses on making it easier for you to find the people who offer help -- to military veterans and their families. The resources that we have linked to TexVet are meant for anyone who is serving or has served in any branch of the military. Family members and others who care about a service member also are encouraged to use TexVet.

Likewise, TexVet is a forum for collaboration between government agencies and private organizations and businesses that are serving and supporting the military, veterans, their families and their communities. Service providers, military- and veterans-related groups all are encouraged to contact us with information we might share in the spirit of helping people deal with the effects of war and military service.

The resource and information referral service, 2-1-1 Texas, also is a part of the TexVet initiative. This is a non-emergency confidential telephone service linking callers to local services in Texas. Anyone can use the service to speak directly with a person who is trained to help you find the help you need. While it is not necessary to divulge any information about your military-related status when you call 2-1-1 (and the 2-1-1 specialist will not ask you to do so) it might be helpful, to you, if you want to bring it up.