Texas Border Business
STARR COUNTY, Texas – The Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the partners, organizations, and volunteers who made the Honoring Our Heroes: Starr County Veterans Resource Fair a tremendous success. Together, we stood united in celebrating and supporting the brave men and women who have served our nation.
A special thanks is extended to LTC(P) Dr. James Falcon for his powerful and inspiring keynote address. Dr. Falcon shared a message of hope, service, and leadership, reminding attendees that the call to serve does not end when the uniform comes off. He emphasized that Veterans continue to make an impact through advocacy, mentorship, and quiet acts of kindness that have ripple effects across communities and the nation.
Quoting President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Falcon urged all to remember, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” He called on fellow Veterans to engage locally, noting that their contributions strengthen the economy, grow businesses, create jobs, and serve as guiding examples for others.
Dr. Falcon also spoke to the resilience and courage of Veterans who face challenges such as PTSD or difficulties reintegrating into civilian life, reminding them:
“You are not your battle scars… You are not defined by the burdens you carry…, but by the battles you choose to fight today and the ones you choose to fight tomorrow.”
His message of purpose and compassion underscored the importance of leading with heart, a value that will continue to shape Starr County for generations to come.
The Veterans Resource Fair connected local Veterans with vital information and services from a wide range of agencies and organizations, including:
DHR Health, South Texas College (STC), VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (VA Home Front), STC Office of Student Re-engagement, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), Border Region Behavioral Health Center, Endeavors, Workforce Solutions, MyCareMedical, STC Human Resources, LiftFund, Inc., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration Service, U.S. Department of VA Primary Care, STC Student Veterans Affairs, Mint Orthodontics, Live Well Texas, STC Career & Employer Services, Chicanos Por La Causa, Region One ESC, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System “Live Whole Health,” the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, Military Veteran Peer Network, Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL), Team Red, White & Blue, and many more.
The event also offered free health screenings, on-site vaccinations, and numerous other resources to promote the well-being of our local heroes and their families.
As we reflect on this day of service and appreciation, SCIF proudly reaffirms its commitment to Starr County’s Veterans: We stand with you. We honor you. And we thank you for your service.
