Honoring Heroes: Applications Open for New Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home

Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dr. Dawn Buckingham has announced that applications are now being accepted for potential residents at the newly opened Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home (TSVH) in Fort Worth. The state-of-the-art facility, which began welcoming residents in March 2025, stands as a living tribute to the courage and service of America’s first Black military aviators.

A Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen

The Fort Worth Veterans home proudly bears the name of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering group of African American pilots who broke racial barriers during World War II. Formed in 1941 as part of an experimental program based in Tuskegee, Alabama, these aviators became the first Black military pilots in the United States Armed Forces. Despite facing discrimination at home and within the military, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves through exceptional skill, discipline, and valor. Flying more than 15,000 combat missions across North Africa and Europe, they protected American bombers, earned 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 60 Purple Hearts, and ultimately helped pave the way for the integration of the U.S. military. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans to this day.

“The Tuskegee Airmen forever changed the face of American aviation and military service,” said Buckingham. “It is only fitting that Texas honor their legacy through a home that provides comfort, community, and care for the Veterans who followed in their footsteps.”

State-of-the-Art Care and Comfort

The 100,000-square-foot Fort Worth facility is the tenth Texas State Veterans Home operated by the Veterans Land Board (VLB). It can serve up to 120 residents in a welcoming, community-centered environment. The home features 72 rooms, including 24 private suites, designed to balance comfort, independence, and medical support.

A dedicated memory-support neighborhood offers specialized care for up to 30 residents with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive conditions. Veterans with a 70 percent or higher service-connected disability are eligible to live at the home at no cost, a benefit that ensures those who have given the most receive the highest level of care and dignity.

A Neighborhood Approach to Living

The Tuskegee Airmen home is designed with connection and community in mind. Divided into four “neighborhoods,” each area includes shared living and dining spaces, library nooks, hospitality stations, and outdoor patios with ceiling fans and garden views. The layout promotes fellowship among residents and creates a home-like environment where Veterans can thrive together.

Residents can take part in a wide range of activities and therapy options, from art, gardening, and music to yoga, exercise, and pet therapy. The facility also hosts frequent social events such as football watch parties, live musical performances, and community outings to restaurants, museums, and local attractions.

A Home for Texas Veterans and Families

Like the state’s nine other Veterans Homes, the Fort Worth facility operates under the supervision of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with an on-site VLB representative ensuring residents and their families receive personalized support. Texas State Veterans Homes offer affordable, long-term nursing care for Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Parents, combining high-quality medical care with the camaraderie of a shared mission and history.

Continuing a Legacy of Service

The Fort Worth community—long recognized for its strong military roots—has embraced the Tuskegee Airmen Veterans Home as both a care facility and a living monument. For Dr. Buckingham, the home represents more than bricks and mortar; it is a promise kept to those who served.

“This home stands as a reminder that freedom is safeguarded by those willing to serve,” Buckingham said. “Our goal is to ensure they receive the comfort, respect, and quality of life they so richly deserve.”

How to Apply

Applications for admission to the Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home are now open. Qualified Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Parents can apply online or schedule a tour through the Veterans Land Board’s website. Veterans with a 70 percent or higher service-connected disability may live at the home free of charge.

For more information or to apply, visit the Tuskegee Airmen TSVH website or contact the on-site VLB representative to learn more about eligibility, services, and tour opportunities.