Tag Archives: Houston veterans

Supporting Veterans Throughout the Year

Veterans Day, is the national holiday for us to thank our country’s bravest citizens… those who risked their lives to protect all that is the United States of America. Filled with parades, meals and a plethora of other celebrations, the day serves as an important reminder that Veterans are a part of our communities as well.

But as great as the festivities of Veterans Day may be, it’s just one day. We should instead find ways to support our heroes year-round. One way we can do this is by supporting Veteran- owned businesses. The National Veteran- Owned Business Association, or NaVOBA, provides an easy to use directory of all of association members. They are also the group that labels products and services with the “Buy Veteran” moniker. This is a great way to support our vets, because as these businesses grow and expand, it creates more opportunities for others. Check out the site and see what VOBs are in your area.

Houston is not only a great city, but it’s particularly proven to be a supportive environment for Veterans. Other resources for Houston- area vets include…

— The City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs (COHOVA)… one of the largest municipal VA offices in the United States. COHOVA was created in 2007 as part of the City and County’s joint Returning Veteran Initiative.

— The Harris County Veterans Services Office… as the third largest county in the state of Texas, Harris County operates a comprehensive Veterans Services department.

— The TexVet network… a great resource to connect Veterans across the state.

So after all the celebrations, let’s find other ways to remember the brave sacrifices that our heroes have made, and continue to make for our freedoms. Sure… thank a Veteran on Veteran’s Day. But it doesn’t have to end there.

TLCQ 2013: Dane D. Cook

In the First installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Dane D. Cook, candidate for Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District 3.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.

TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

DC: Dane D. Cook



 TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

DC: NO



 TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

DC: Government is the people deciding what we want in a collective voice. We have decided we have priorities and goals simple examples are Police, Education, and Infrastructure. Government is the organized response in what one would hope would be a methodical and intelligent approach.

TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it. 


DC: have HCC adopt an open and transparent contracting and budget processes. A detailed budget along with contractors and there disclosure of any contractors donating to political campaigns placed on the HCC trustees website. While I am aware I am only one vote I will first find how many of other trustees support the idea then go to organizations and ask them to put political pressure on the any holdout trustees.

TL: As our nation’s educational and professional landscape continues to evolve in the 21st century, institutions like HCC stand to be a critical part of that important process. In your opinion, is HCC ready for the monumental changes coming to education? What can the system do to best prepare?

DC: NO, Successful student’s come from quality educators, HCC needs to look at policies that encourage quality educators to remain within the HCC school system. We currently place numbers of graduates above quality of graduates, and HCC does not even do that well with a 14 percent graduation rate. We must allow our faculty to educate without unnecessary administrative markers and bureaucratic red tape. This will allow for a more rigorous curriculum. I believe when our students are challenged intellectually they will become more engaged and rise to face the challenge. Then we will produce more students with the critical thinking skills to meet the evolving challenges in the 21st century.

TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?

DC: I am the only candidate that has gone to HCC. I have dealt with the issues of HCC not from hearing or being told by administrators. I have dealt with the bottom line issues from the perspective of a student, and student leader. I am completely removed from any contractors and will provide a neutral perspective free from any implied or unapplied preferences.

TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

DC: mountain bike, reading, cooking, going to Houston Dynamo and Astros games.

Thanks to Mr. Cook for his response.