Colonel Scott and other founding members of NABVETS Chapter 0085

Colonel (ret.) James Scott

The Passing of a Great Leader

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of Colonel (ret.) James Scott, our esteemed Region III Commander. With a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force behind him, Colonel Scott continued his unwavering commitment to service by co-founding Alamo Chapter 0085 of the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS).

Among the numerous ways our organization fulfills its mission is through the Veterans Service Officer program. Colonel Scott selflessly dedicated countless hours to training to earn certification from the Veterans Administration as a Veterans Service Officer. He utilized his expertise to assist our nations heroes and their families in accessing the VA benefits and services that were rightfully theirs. In addition to this vital role, he worked tirelessly in many leadership positions, most recently serving as Region III Commander—providing guidance and support to all NABVETS chapters within the region and contributing significantly to the national organization through his membership on the National Command Council.

I had the distinct privilege of working closely with Colonel Scott for the past 12 years, and I know he has touched the lives of not only his friends and loving family, but also had a profound impact on veterans across our region. Colonel Scott was highly regarded across the organization — Brig. General Cocroft, one of the founders of NABVETS, would often call Colonel Scott to get his opinions on a variety of organizational matters. Just the fact that we all still called him “Colonel” is a testament to the leadership and wisdom he brought to every endeavor. His unwavering commitment to our organization leaves an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Further information regarding funeral arrangements and where condolences may be sent will be forthcoming. But one way we can honor Colonel Scott’s memory now is to ensure that his legacy of service and dedication to veterans continues to inspire us to greater heights, both in our personal lives and as members of NABVETS. Please consider making a donation in his memory.

With deepest sympathy,

Alvin C. Fagan
NABVETS, Acting Region III Commander

Help create a positive lifestyle for Veterans.

We advocate vigorously to ensure veterans receive equitable benefits, voice challenges adversely affecting veterans, and fill needs to improve the quality of life for veterans. Please consider helping us in our endeavor by donating to the NABVETS Alamo Chapter. Your donation helps provide a facility to meet with veterans to privately and discretely discuss their needs, as well as our many other ways of improving their quality of life.

Mission Statement

NABVETS is a 501c3 all-volunteer service organization dedicated to addressing the unmet concerns and needs of all veterans, with an emphasis on improving the economic situation of low-income, homeless, and minority veterans and their families.

Our Values

Treat every veteran with dignity and respect and maintain their confidentiality.

Maintain transparency in how we use funds raised on behalf of veterans.

Conduct ourselves with honor & civility during meetings, activities, & in the community.

Adhere to by-laws as the mechanism to meeting our objectives.

Communicate openly, honestly, & timely with everyone.

Discrimination is not tolerated. We welcome all and help all.

Pledge to meet the goals, requirements & expectations of our national command.

Our members create a positive lifestyle for Veterans everyday!

The National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) is a membership-based, fraternal Veterans Service Organization with Members, Chapters, and State and Regional Commands located across the nation. NABVETS was founded in 1969 by seven returning African-American Vietnam Veterans who were unhappy with the lack of programs and services available to assist veterans with reintegrating into society upon their return from war. NABVETS was created out of the need for a national Veteran's Services Organization that understands the challenges confronting minority and all low-income veterans, and who can serve as a strong advocate on their behalf before Congress and other governmental bodies. NABVETS is a chartered Veteran's Service Organization representing veterans officially in filing claims with the VA for benefits earned through active military service.

NABVETS advocates vigorously with the federal, state, and local government as well as the general public on an ongoing basis, and on behalf of its membership, to:

Ensure veterans receive equitable benefits
Voice challenges adversely affecting veterans
Advance solutions to improve the quality of life for veterans, youth, families, and communities
Highlight veterans' contributions in service

NABVETS will continue to serve as a leading voice on the issues disproportionately confronting Black veterans and their communities. Those issues include:

Incarceration
Mental Health Issues
Alcoholism
Financial Benefits Inequalities

Healthcare-related, Benefit Inequalities
Chronic Unemployment
HIV/AIDS
Education

Homelessness
Substance Abuse
Less-than-Honorable Discharges
Administrative Discharges

NABVETS will continue to celebrate, preserve, and educate the nation about the contributions of veterans, particularly Black veterans who have been under-represented in the historical record. It will act as an avenue for veteran's continued contributions nationally through meaningful community service.

NABVETS will continue to dedicate itself to reaching out, assisting veterans, and ensuring they receive the full range and amount of benefits for which they are eligible. Equally important, NABVETS remains committed to fostering a spirit of camaraderie and community among veterans of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and military services.

01

Advocate on behalf of all Veterans to access benefits which are due to them.

This service is free to veterans, or their survivors, and includes representation for all matters pertaining to their claims, including submission of claims, collection of necessary evidence, monitoring of progress, clarification of procedures and appealing denied claims.

02

Educate members and community about benefits/services available.

We provide education to our members, and the greater community, regarding benefits and services available to veterans through the VA—many of which are essential to their well-being and health and welfare of their families, but which are often overlooked.

03

Raise awareness about veterans' issues and needs.

We participate in community events, such as the Martin Luther King Day march, in order to raise awareness about veterans’ issues and needs, as well as highlighting our efforts and the services we are able to provide.

04

Extend a helping hand to those in our community.

We extend a helping hand to those in our community who may have needs, whether veterans or not, through direct services such as delivering food baskets and necessary items to local churches.

Help create positive lifestyles for those who have served our country.

The NABVETS Alamo Chapter welcomes you to join us at our monthly meetings where we conduct general business, discuss fundraising opportunities, plan future events and service activities, and enjoy socializing with our fellow members. We highlight the many important contributions of minority veterans to both our military efforts and in our communities, and we preserve their historical record for future generations.

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Mail in check or money order with your new membership application or with your membership renewal.

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Get in Touch

Know a Veteran in need? Are you a Veteran who needs assistance with benefits? Interested in becoming a member? Please reach out to us!

2021 Officers

Col. Ret. James Scott, Region III Commander

Alvin C. Fagan U.S. Army Ret., NABVETS, Texas State Commander

Lamar Rankins, Commander

John McVea, Secretary

Ms. Karen Jefferson, Treasurer

Ms. Estry, Sgt. of Arms

Ms. Jacqueline Carroll, Vice Treasurer

Freddie Anderson, Chaplin

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