Burn Pits 360 Invites Public to Attend Hearing in Texas Department of Public Safety v. Capt. Le Roy Torres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kalen Cotto
Email: kalen@bp360mail.org 

ROBSTOWN, Texas (Oct. 22, 2025) — Burn Pits 360, a national nonprofit advocating for veterans exposed to toxic hazards, is inviting the public to attend a pivotal court hearing in the case of Texas Department of Public Safety v. Capt. Le Roy Torres.

The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, before the Fifteenth Court of Appeals at the University of Texas School of Law’s Connally Center for Justice in Austin. The session will take place in the Eidman Courtroom, Room 2.306, located at 727 E. Dean Keeton St.

The case centers on Capt. Le Roy Torres, a retired U.S. Army Reserve officer and Texas State Trooper who became seriously ill after being exposed to toxic burn pits while deployed in Iraq. After being denied reasonable workplace accommodations, Torres and his wife, Rosie Torres, co-founded Burn Pits 360, a national organization that played a leading role in the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which expands health care and benefits for millions of veterans affected by military toxic exposure.

“This is more than a legal case — it’s about justice for thousands of veterans who came home sick from their service and were met with indifference,” said Rosie Torres, executive director and co-founder of Burn Pits 360. “We invite the public, veterans and supporters to stand with us in the courtroom as we continue the fight to protect those who protected us.”

The outcome of the appeal could have far-reaching implications for veterans’ employment protections and the recognition of service-connected illnesses nationwide.

“This case represents every service member who has been told their sacrifice didn’t matter,” said Capt. Le Roy Torres, co-founder of Burn Pits 360. “We carry the voices of those who can no longer fight for themselves — and we won’t stop until justice is served.”

The court has announced that oral arguments will be open to the public and broadcast live on the Fifteenth Court of Appeals’ YouTube channel. Public parking will be available at the San Jacinto Garage (SJG), with access to the Connally Center for Justice from Level 3.

Location / Viewing Details

• Case: Texas Department of Public Safety v. Le Roy Torres

• Court: Fifteenth Court of Appeals, State of Texas

• Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 — 1:30 p.m.

• Eidman Courtroom (Room 2.306) | Connally Center for Justice, University of Texas School of Law | 727 E. Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78705

• Parking: San Jacinto Garage (SJG), Level 3

• Livestream: Fifteenth Court of Appeals YouTube Channel