By Conservative State Representative Angelia Orr
This week, we take time to honor the incredible men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. Veterans Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of what freedom truly costs and the sacrifices made by those brave Americans who answered an extraordinary call.
I want to take a moment to especially remember veterans from the Vietnam War, who came home to a nation that didn’t always welcome them with the gratitude they deserved. We owe them, and every veteran, not just our thanks today, but our respect and support. I encourage everyone reading this: go out of your way to thank a veteran today, and make it a habit to do it every day. Shake their hand, listen to their story, and show your appreciation.
These men and women defended our freedom, protected our families, and ensured that the United States remains a beacon of liberty in the world. From the shores of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, from the mountains of Afghanistan to bases right here in Texas, veterans have risked it all. They have fought for every right we enjoy, every choice we make, every sunrise we take for granted. It is because of them that we live in a free nation. Never forget that.
Texas is home to more than 1.5 million veterans. Many of them continue to fight battles long after leaving the battlefield—PTSD, brain injuries, addiction, and other challenges that aren’t always visible. These heroes stood for us, and now it’s our turn to stand for them.
That’s why I was proud to jointly sponsor Senate Bill 2308, recently signed into law. This legislation establishes a Texas-based consortium to conduct FDA-approved clinical trials with ibogaine, a promising therapy for opioid addiction, PTSD, and other neurological conditions. Veterans like Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell have shared how life-changing this therapy can be. It can interrupt addiction, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and reduce cravings—often after a single treatment.
Through this program, Texas will lead the nation in innovative mental health therapies to help our nation’s heroes who are hurting.
As we honor our veterans this week, let’s not just say thank you—let’s show it. Go out of your way to thank a veteran today, and make it a habit to do it every day. Their service and sacrifice deserve more than words; they deserve our respect, our support, and our gratitude every single day.
Thanks for reading my weekly column. Check back next week as I continue to update on the conservative wins from this year’s legislative sessions. Make sure you stay connected and informed by calling our Capitol office at (512) 463-0600 or by following my social media page at www.facebook.com/AngeliaOrrForTX.
