they return to life as civilians.

Hupp, a Lampasas Republican and chiropractor, has been named associate commissioner for veterans’ services at the state Health and Human Services Commission, the commission announced Thursday.

In the newly created post, she “will review programs and benefits available for veterans and recommend ways to improve and better coordinate those services,” according to a commission release. It said she would work with the commission, four departments it oversees and “other state agencies and community-based organizations that serve veterans.”

The move is the latest by Gov. Rick Perry to stress he’s attuned to veterans’ problems finding jobs and help for emotional and mental health issues. In November 2009, Perry directed the Texas Veterans Commission to help work off a backlog of claims at the U.S. Veterans Administration.Janek said.

Hupp said: “I am humbled by the opportunity to give something back to those who have given so much to all of us.”

As a lawmaker, Hupp worked on a 2005 overhaul of state protective services for the young and elderly. Since leaving the Legislature in 2009, she has been a radio talk show commentator.

Her political career began amid tragedy: She witnessed mass murderer George Hennard’s slaying of her parents, Al and Suzy Gratia, in a 1991 massacre at Luby’s cafeteria in Killeen. There were 21 other victims. Hennard killed himself at the scene. Hupp said she regretted leaving her gun in the car, as was then required by state law. She said she probably could have stopped the killer. She later credited her gun rights advocacy with