Post 856 Hosts Annual Stand Down

Texas VFW Post 856, Austin, hosts its Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down

DISTRICT 28 VFW AND AUXILIARY

MEMBERS held its Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Post 856 in Austin on October 22, 2021. Several Posts within District 28 participated in the event. Representatives from the VA, the Texas Veterans Commission, Wilco Blue Star Mothers and other community organizations were present. Staff from Texas VFW Headquarters and volunteers provided set up and assistance throughout the day. About 40 Veterans were provided COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, clothing, blankets and other supplies.

“It is a humbling and heartwarming experience to assist veterans who come for goods and services that will help them stay well and warm through the winter months. Seeing the smiles on the veterans faces touches everyone who volunteers and we are fulfilled knowing we are leaving them in a better situation than when they arrived.”

—Wyonda Laurence, Texas VFW Headquarters

Andrew CAmplen

for Texas VFW State Jr. Vice Commander 2022-23

Comrade Camplen is a Gold Legacy Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He earned his eligibility by serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm while assigned to the USAF 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. He is a recipient of the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Kuwait Liberation Medal–Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait Liberation Medal–Kuwait, and various other medals.

POST

Jr. Vice Commander 2013-2014 Post Commander Pvt. Bruno Phillip VFW Post 688, Boerne, Texas (7 terms)

DISTRICT

District 13 Commander (3 terms)

DEPARTMENT

State Assistant Adjutant All-State Post Commander (6 awards) All State District Commander (2 awards) Mack Johnson Award Recipient

NATIONAL

Century Recruiter Award All American Post Commander (5 awards) All American District Commander (2 awards) National Aide-De-Camp (3 times) National Programs Committee Member National Programs Award Recipient Life Member of the VFW National Home for Children

MILITARY APPOINTMENTS

Honorary Commander USAF 433rd Military Airlift Wing Key Spouse USAF 433rd Medical Squadron

After his service in the United States Air Force, Andrew served the citizens of San Antonio as a San Antonio Police Officer for almost 25 years. He spent the last 12 years of his career with SAPD as a Violent Crimes Detective on the Robbery Task Force. He exemplifies selflessness and service to others. His achievements, moral character, integrity, and leadership from the front, make him uniquely qualified to serve as State Jr. Vice Commander for the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars.