Remembering Them Forever (RTF)!

Military Information:

• US Army
• Vietnam Veteran
• Deceased
• Korea Veteran
• QR Code
• TVHOF Service Award
• TVHOF Patriot Award
• CPT: Captain
• 1-Alpha List
• TVHOF Class 2024

Bio:

Military Service

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He entered the service in 1951. After a tour in Korea,


In the late 1980s, Mike began working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). His personal experiences gave him a unique understanding of the issues facing veterans, and he became a tireless advocate for improving their access to healthcare and mental health services. He championed the cause of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that was still poorly understood at the time, and worked to ensure that the VA provided adequate resources for those dealing with trauma.

Leadership at the VA

Mike’s passion for helping veterans didn’t go unnoticed. By the early 2000s, he had moved into a leadership role at the VA, overseeing programs designed to improve the lives of veterans across the country. He played a pivotal role in expanding outreach programs that connected veterans with critical services, from housing assistance to healthcare.

One of Ussery’s most significant achievements was his work on the Homeless Veterans Initiative. Recognizing that thousands of veterans were living on the streets, Mike pushed for greater funding and more comprehensive programs to provide housing, job training, and mental health services to those in need. His efforts helped reduce the number of homeless veterans significantly and earned him widespread recognition within the veterans’ community.

Mentorship and Legacy

Beyond his work within the VA, Mike Ussery became a mentor to younger veterans. He understood that each generation of soldiers faced unique challenges, but he also believed that veterans could find strength in one another. Ussery often spoke at veterans’ events, sharing his story and encouraging others to seek help when they needed it. He was an advocate for removing the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the military and veteran communities.

As a retired Army veteran and VA leader, Ussery’s legacy is one of compassion and perseverance. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on the veterans’ community, ensuring that many of the benefits and services veterans receive today are the result of his tireless advocacy. Mike Ussery remains a symbol of dedication to service—both on the battlefield and at home, where he spent decades fighting for the rights and dignity of America’s veterans. 

Veterans Land Board Member

Ussery served in many organizations like the National Rifle Association, Rotary Club of Amarillo, Rotary International, Alzheimer’s Association and the USA Olympics. Ussery dedicated much of his time to Veteran organizations such as American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Sons of American Revolution and the Texas Veterans Land Board. Ussery is remembered for his dedication toward bettering the community, not just for Veterans, but for everyone.

https://vlb.texas.gov/veterans-homes/locations/amarillo/index.html