TYLER, Texas —
Community Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans - Tyler, a one-stop shop for veterans, announced Wednesday they would partner with various organizations to better serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
According to CampV Tyler, they have formed partnerships with:
- VA Benefits (Federal benefits)
- Texas Veteran Commission (State benefits)
- Andrews Center (Veterans counselor)
- The Green Zone (Mental health referral)
- THAAT Ranch (Equine therapy)
- National Alliance of Mental Illness (Support group)
- East Texas Workforce Solutions (Employment)
CampV Tyler is a veteran's resource center located on 20 acres in west Tyler that will work to integrate military and civilian resources into a centralized location providing more efficient and effective processes for veterans, military members and their families who are seeking support.
“It's amazing to hear all the veterans that are in the area that are saying it'll be great to just have whatever you need just in that one place,” CampV Tyler Marketing Director Mallory Mazarakes said.
"There's so many of us veterans who have gone through those transitions, that we can share our experience and our knowledge with other to help make that transition a lot easier,” East Texas veteran Beverly Russell said.
The land will be under construction for the next four years, but the benefits for the more than 160,000 veterans in East Teas could come sooner.
Keith Irwin, with the Andrews Center, says the group will be moving to CampV Tyler as early as November 2019, along with several other partners.
“We're vets helping vets," Irwin said. "We resource vets on a daily basis. I think if you put it all together in one location, and when word gets out it'll be the best kept secret for a while here in Smith County, but I think before long when the word gets out it will really benefit our community and the veterans at large."
“It's amazing to hear all the veterans that are in the area that are saying it'll be great to just have whatever you need just in that one place,” CampV Tyler Marketing Director Mallory Mazarakes said.
The first part of the resource center is expected to be finished at the end of 2019, followed by a three-year plan expected to be completed in 2022.
THREE-YEAR PLAN
2020
- Large, permanent respite center with kitchen, café and lounge
- Women veterans’ respite
- Events pavilion
- Flower and organic gardens
Supplemental income will include monthly festivals with food trucks, entertainment and a farmers market.
2021
- Spiritual chapel and meditation paths
Supplement income from the chapel will allow a wedding venue with a reception tent.
2022
- Build three transitional homes to ease transitioning to civilian life
CampV Tyler will partner with employers and agencies, educators and community resources to offer a comprehensive life plan. Statistics show the first year of transition is the most difficult. Resources will allow veterans to start early, develop a plan, work closely with a life coach and put families on a healthy path. puts families on a healthier path.
"CampV will be marketed to military bases throughout the country as a transition destination," Mazarakes said. "It will become a desirable place to live and raise a family producing economic benefits throughout East Texas."
“This facility and what your plans are for the veterans of East Texas is just awesome,” Eric Montgomery with the Regional Veterans Affairs said during the CampV open forum.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As veterans depend on CampV Tyler for support, CampV Tyler relies on philanthropists to build and foster a “Field of Dreams."
If you would like to assist CampV Tyler with fundraising efforts, donations, construction, volunteering or resources, please contact the organization at (903) 566-1010 or by email at info@CampVTyler.com. You can also donate online by clicking here.