Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Todd Wetsel of Amarillo as a commissioner on the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The commission said Wetsel is a U.S. Army veteran who deployed twice to Iraq and a longtime community leader. His term is set to expire December 31, 2031. He succeeds Mike Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran.
Wetsel enlisted in the Army in 2005 as a Cavalry Scout and served with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. During his two Iraq deployments he served in several combat roles, including as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Humvee gunner, vehicle commander and dismount team leader. He completed his military service in 2010.
TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner, a Navy veteran, said Wetsel's experience "brings an important perspective to the Commission." Wetsel is vice president of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, which honors military service and preserves veterans' stories. He has also been active in nonprofit and community organizations in Amarillo.