Born and raised in North Dallas by a single mom who was a Dallas public school teacher, Congressman Colin Allred was student body president at Hillcrest High School and earned a full-ride football scholarship to Baylor University.
Diploma in hand and prepared to attend law school, Colin deferred his acceptance to play in the NFL. He was a linebacker for five seasons before sustaining a career-ending injury that opened the door for him to fulfill his other dream -- becoming a civil rights attorney.
Colin served in the General Counsel's office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Colin later returned home to Dallas and decided to run for office to represent the district he grew up in.
Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices in serving our country. It is our duty to make sure that when they return home, they have the resources they need to transition back to civilian life.
As a member of the Veterans' Affairs committee, Congressman Allred is dedicated to ensuring all veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service. That means strengthening the VA system to reduce wait times and make sure every veteran is getting the individualized care they need. Congressman Allred also strongly supports expanding mental health services so that veterans suffering from PTSD and other service related trauma can access the help they need. Additionally, it is our responsibility to equip our veterans with the tools and resources they need to return to the workforce. Congressman Allred supports measures to increase job training programs and educational opportunities, so veterans can successfully transition to the civilian workforce. The number of homeless veterans is deeply troubling, and we must help local communities provide shelter and transition services to these men and women to get them into safe, stable housing.
Congress must honor its obligations to our veterans. Congressman Allred is proud to work for the brave men and women who have put so much on the line to defend our freedom and protect our nation.