Texas Veterans Commission Welcomes Commissioner Todd Wetsel

Governor Abbott Appoints Army Veteran

and Amarillo Community Leader to the Commission

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) welcomes Todd Wetsel of Amarillo following his appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as a Commissioner. A U.S. Army veteran who deployed twice to Iraq, and a longtime community leader, Wetsel brings firsthand military experience, financial leadership and a commitment to serving veterans and their families.

Wetsel succeeds Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran Mike Hernandez, whose dedicated service has helped strengthen support for veterans across Texas. His term is set to expire December 31, 2031.

TVC Commissioner Todd Wetsel

“Todd knows what it means to serve, both in uniform and in his community,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “His experience as an Army veteran, coupled with his work honoring and supporting fellow veterans in the Texas Panhandle, brings an important perspective to the Commission. We look forward to working with him to ensure Texas veterans and their families receive the benefits, services and opportunities they have earned.”

Wetsel enlisted in the United States Army in 2005 as a Cavalry Scout and served with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. During two deployments to Iraq, he served in several combat roles, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Humvee gunner, vehicle commander and dismount team leader. He completed his military service in 2010.

His commitment to veterans has continued long after leaving the Army. Wetsel serves as vice president of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, which honors military service and sacrifice while preserving veterans’ stories and educating future generations. He has also been active in nonprofit and community organizations throughout the Amarillo area.

“My military service shaped how I see leadership, responsibility and service to others,” said Wetsel. “I’m very grateful to Governor Abbott for this opportunity and honored to serve alongside fellow veterans on the Commission. I look forward to working with the TVC team to help veterans and their families across Texas.”

Wetsel is a senior vice president and trust investment officer at FirstBank Southwest in Amarillo. His financial services career spans more than two decades, including leadership roles in retirement planning and wealth management. He is also a member of the Amarillo Area Estate Planning Council and the Amarillo Area Foundation Catalyst Committee.

“Todd brings both military experience and a strong background in professional and community leadership,” said TVC Executive Director and Army veteran Thomas P. Palladino. “His connection to veterans in the Texas Panhandle and his commitment to public service will be valuable as we continue connecting Texas veterans and their families with the resources and assistance they need.”

A graduate of West Texas A&M University, Wetsel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

Wetsel joins Chairwoman Laura Koerner and fellow Commissioners in guiding the agency’s statewide mission of advocating for and serving Texas veterans, their families and survivors.

Commission Recognizes Departing Member

The Texas Veterans Commission extends its sincere appreciation to Commissioner Mike Hernandez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, for his dedicated service to Texas veterans. His leadership and commitment to the Commission have contributed to the agency’s continued work on behalf of veterans, their families and survivors across the state.

About the Texas Veterans Commission

The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior service to veterans, significantly improving the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. TVC assists veterans in receiving benefits, provides funding to agencies that provide direct services to veterans, and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits. Learn more at www.tvc.texas.gov.