Join us Friday, October 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Military Veteran Peer Network, 765 Orange Street, Abilene, TX, for the 2026 Abilene Veteran Stand Down!
Hosted by the West Texas VA Healthcare System and Military Veteran Peer Network, this free event connects veterans with essential resources, including clothing, housing assistance, employment opportunities, VA benefits, mental health services, and more.
GVSR is proud to give back to those who served!
GRIT's Veteran & Senior Resources (GVSR), alongside our founding partner Home Instead Abilene, is proud to participate in this year's Stand Down.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and community partners, our volunteers recently assembled 50 veteran essential care bags to distribute during the event.
Each bag includes a variety of practical supplies to support veterans in their daily lives, including:
First aid kits and emergency blankets
Insect repellent and Blistex lip care
Healthy snacks and reusable utensils
Rite in the Rain weatherproof notepads
Nail care supplies and replacement shoelaces
Key holders and additional personal care essentials
A special thank-you to our community volunteers, including Julie with Angels Home Care and our friends at Home Instead Abilene, who helped assemble these bags.
Veterans are encouraged to bring their DD214, military ID, or VA identification card. Those without documentation are still encouraged to attend, as assistance will be available.
Our mission is simple: Connect veterans with resources, strengthen our community, and remind those who served that they are never forgotten.
Semper Fi!
2026 Abilene Veteran Stand Down | Free Veteran Resources & Support
Be a Santa to a Senior 2026 | Help Brighten a Senior's Christmas
🎄 Help Make Christmas Brighter for a Local Senior! 🎁
GRIT's Veteran & Senior Resources (GVSR) is proud to support Home Instead Abilene's Be a Santa to a Senior program, an annual holiday initiative that helps bring joy, comfort, and meaningful gifts to older adults in our community who might otherwise go without a Christmas present.
Beginning November 6, 2026, community members can visit a participating Giving Tree location, select an ornament featuring a local senior's gift wishes, and purchase gifts to help make their holiday season special.
Participating Giving Tree Locations:
Abilene Indoor Gun Range – 1309 Ben Richey Dr.
Drug Emporium – 2550 Barrow St.
Tea2Go North – 1152 E. N. 10th St.
Tea2Go South – 3582 Catclaw Dr.
University Place – 1250 E. N. 11th St.
Grain Theory – 202 Pine St., Suite 201
Abilene Convention Center – 1100 N. 6th St.
Barnes & Williams Pharmacy – 801 Hickory St.
The Winery at Willow Creek – 4353 S. Treadaway Blvd.
At GVSR, we believe no senior should feel forgotten, especially during the holidays. We encourage our friends, supporters, and community partners to participate and help spread the spirit of giving throughout the Big Country.
One ornament. One thoughtful gift. One senior who knows their community cares.
Together, we can make a difference this Christmas! ❤️
Semper Fi!
Suicide Awareness Hike & Remembrance
Come walk with us this Saturday.
This Saturday, September 12, we’ll meet at Abilene State Park from 9 AM–12 PM for our first official Carry the Mission event.
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re walking 1.1 miles together for awareness, remembrance, connection, and hope.
You don’t need a ruck.
You don’t need to carry weight.
You don’t need to be a Veteran.
You just need to show up and walk with us.
Bring a friend. Bring your family. Walk in memory of someone. Walk for someone who may be struggling. Or simply come walk beside your community and help remind others that they don’t have to carry life’s weight alone.
Not in Abilene? Walk or ruck 1.1 miles wherever you are Saturday, take a photo, and share it with us. You can Carry the Mission from anywhere.
Park entrance fees are waived for participants.
Water and light refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, September 12 | 9 AM–12 PM
Abilene State Park
Carry the Weight. Carry the Story. Carry the Mission.
Please share and invite someone to walk with us.
