AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kimberlee Joos and Laura Koerner to the Texas Veterans Commission for terms set to expire ON December 31, 2023. The commission serves as the state appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces.

Kimberlee Joos of Argyle retired as a Colonel, after 23 years of service in the United States Air Force. Her primary military specialty was intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. She served as Commander, 17th Training Wing, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas in her final active duty posting. Her military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. She is a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth World Affairs Council and currently serves as secretary of the Denton County Master Gardener Association. Joos received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Southeast Missouri State University, a Master of Arts in security studies from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in National security and strategy from Air University, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.

Laura Koerner of Fair Oaks Ranch is an engineer and a Councilwoman for the City of Fair Oaks Ranch. She served in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare (Nuclear) Officer onboard USS MAHAN (DDG 72) and USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), earning 2 Navy Commendation Medals and a Navy Achievement Medal. She is a Blue & Gold Officer with the Admissions Department of the United States Naval Academy and a member of Project Management Institute, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the United State Navy League. Koerner received a Bachelor of Science in system engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Science in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is qualified as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator at the Naval Nuclear Power School.