Texas Ranks High For Veteran Support On Purple Heart Day

Texas and Abilene Salute Veterans on National Purple Heart Day

Honoring Sacrifice on August 7

National Purple Heart Day, observed each year on August 7, is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our military men and women who were wounded or killed in combat. It's also a time to thank every veteran, past and present, for serving this country with honor. And here in Abilene, home to Dyess Air Force Base, that message hits especially close to home.

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As an Air Force brat myself, with a father who served over 26 years, a brother-in-law who served in both the Army and Marines, and a son currently stationed in the Navy, Purple Heart Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s deeply personal.

Where Texas Ranks in Supporting Disabled Veterans

In honor of Purple Heart Day, the non-profit SmileHub released its 2025 report on the Best States for Disabled Veterans, analyzing all 50 states using 22 different metrics. We’re proud to report that Texas ranked #3 in the nation, showing our state’s strong commitment to veteran care and support.

SmileHub looked at factors like:

The percentage of veteran-owned businesses
Total VA spending per veteran
Rates of veteran homelessness
Availability of occupational therapists

Notably, West Virginia had the highest VA spending per veteran, while Nebraska had the largest share of disabled veterans in the country.

Saying Thank You Starts with Us

Whether it's donating to veteran-focused charities, thanking a Purple Heart recipient, or simply acknowledging someone’s service, today is the day to go the extra mile. A kind word, a cup of coffee, or a heartfelt hug means more than we’ll ever know.

Let’s show the world that Abilene and all of West Texas stand tall behind those who served.

To see how other states rank, visit the full SmileHub report here.

Active Duty Military Installations In Texas

Texas currently has 15 active-duty military installations. Here is a look at the active-duty military installations in the Lone Star State.

Gallery Credit: Charlie Hardin

10 Abandoned Military Bases in Texas

Texas is a big state and over the years many military bases have been scattered all over. However, many of those military bases have been closed and either crumbled to the ground with their skeletal remains or have been transformed into other uses.