2023 Texas VFW Magazine Spring Edition

The

PACT ACT

PACT ACT advances a Top Priority of the VA and VFW

Getting more veterans VA care!

Did you know there are THREE new categories of Veterans that will be phased into receiving hospital care, medical services and nursing home care?

New Additions to PACT ACT benefits:

The PACT Act adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures in addition to adding more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.

The PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic-exposures and veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and post-9/11 era.

For Vietnam veterans, VA has added two new conditions to the Agent Orange presumptive list: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).

SERVING VETERANS SINCE 1899

What Does the Texas VFW Offer You?

• Camaraderie with Fellow Veterans

• Community Networking & Involvement

• Remembrance Programs

• Full Time Support of Today's Service Members

• Programs for Families and Youth

• Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill and Texas Legislature

• Free Representation in VA Claims

• An Award-Winning Magazine

• Online Member Resource

• And Much More...

Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in print.

Helping Neighbors & Veterans

Serving The Troops at the Texas Border

2023 Mid-Winter Conference

Mid-Winter Joint Memorial

Texas VFW Foundation

2023 Texas Legislature

Voice of Democracy

Patriot’s Pen / Teacher of the Year

Over 100-Year-Old Tradition

Bloomington Spring Day

The official Magazine publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Published four times per year (Feb., May. Aug., Nov.) by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Department Headquarters - (512) 834-8535 PO Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78753

Texas VFW Magazine Spring Edition 2023 78, Number 1, © May 2023 All Rights Reserved. Editor - Ben Lowrance

Co-Editor/Graphics – James Lucas

To submit content for community, social media, press release or magazine consideration, please contact media@texasvfw.org

Advertisers: Email inquiries to media@texasvfw.org for additional information.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing. Thank

The Caring Place

Submitted by Georgetown VFW Post 8587

During the 2023 Amplify Austin Fundraiser in early March 2023, Georgetown’s VFW Post 8587 made its largest contribution to-date to The Caring Place in the amount of $5, 000. Due to the success of the fundraiser for The Caring Place, the VFW contribution was matched dollar-for-dollar by generous event sponsors and the value increased to $10,000 This year, there were over 700 non-profit organizations from the Central Texas region participating in the fundraiser. Due to generous contributions such as the VFW Post 8587’s, The Caring Place raised the sixth most donation contributions among the other non-profit organizations totaling $128,865

The Mission of The Caring Place is to provide for the basic human needs all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way.

Donations to The Caring Place support neighbors in crisis through assistance with food, rent, utilities, transportation and more Ginna O’Connor, Executive Director of The Caring Place expressed her appreciation for such a generous donation by stating, “The Amplify campaign is The Caring Place’s largest campaign of the year which helps provide for the basic human needs of neighbors throughout northern Williamson County We know that when groups like the VFW contribute, they are not only making a huge impact on individuals going through a rough time, but also raising awareness of the mission We are grateful for their continued leadership in our community ”

The Caring Place served 6,490 neighbors with basic needs in 2022. Of this number, approximately 260 were active-duty military, Veterans, or spouses of Veterans VFW Post 8587 Webmaster, Frank Espinosa, Jr , stated, “that’s why our VFW continues to support the great work of The Caring Place, in addition to helping our neighbors in need, they also help our active-duty service members, Veterans and their families in need ”

More About The Caring Place

Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our Central Texas community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way The Caring Place is a community-based, community-supported, and community-serving organization located in Georgetown, Texas The Caring Place service area includes Georgetown, Andice, Bartlett, Florence, Granger, Jarrell, Jonah, Schwertner, Walburg, Weir, and the portion of Hutto that lies within GISD. Website – The Caring Place

Eagle Pass, TX – Day 1

Written by James Lucas

In December of 2022, a Boots on the Ground effort was organized to feed over 600 Texas National Guard Troops in Eagle Pass that are securing the Texas border for Operation Loan Star. On Day 1, groups began arriving at H-E-B to get all the meats and sides loaded up. Texas VFW State Commander, Lynn Toomer, and wife, Karen Toomer, were inside the store making sure all items were well accounted for as another team was working outside with H-E-B staff to load up the trailers Pallets of boxes were loaded with briskets, large chicken quarters, sausage, green beans, potato salad and other fixings.

There was little time to spare as late evening came and went. Teams were working hard through the cold, wind and rain to ensure the dinner for the Texas National Guard Troops was a success. The BBQ team from VFW Post 10429 Benbrook prepped and seasoned briskets first.

H-E-B has been a great supporter of veteran organizations and the VFW. They graciously donated all the food supplies for the troops.

With daylight fading fast and more members arriving in Eagle Pass, everyone was getting excited to get over to the Base to fire up their smokers. Located next door to the old Radar Base, TX (formerly Eagle Pass Army Airfield), arrival seemed seral upon entry going through the old stomping grounds of abandoned barracks and other buildings as everyone traverses trough the active Mobile Base site. With all 3 initial groups arriving and moving into place, the massive unloading effort began swiftly as a plan was deriving for food prep.

A lot of coordination of available cooking space and timing was a huge factor for getting all the meats cooked to perfection. Working through the night and no sleep in sight, this didn’t deter these veterans from pushing through to accomplish their mission

Continued on page 6.

Radar Base, TX Military History

Radar Base, TX was formerly the Eagle Pass Army Airfield active during World War II and operated as the United States Army Air Forces training base from 1943 until 1945. During the Cold War, the base name was changed to Eagle Pass Air Force Station (ADC ID: TM-188) and was utilized as a United States Air Force Radar facility. In 1962, the base was known as Laughlin Air Force Auxiliary Landing Field #1 and used as a pilot training school until closing in 1991.

Group Photo: Standing L-R: Larry Sanders (State Sr. Vice Commander), John Shipley (District Commander), Jesse (H-E-B Store Manager), Chris Clouser (Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 Commander), and two other H-E-B employees (names unknown)

Group Photo: Standing L-R: Larry Sanders (State Sr. Vice Commander), Lynn Toomer (Texas VFW State Commander), Robert Martinez, Jr. (State Jr. Vice Commander)

Standing L-R: Geoff Crew (VFW Post 10429 member), Lynn Toomer (Texas VFW State Commander), Roger Dew (Texas VFW BBQ Chair), Eddie Terry (Texas VFW Chief of Staff).

Image Caption: H-E-B employees go above and beyond for the VFW.

VFW Post 12041 Smoker

Camp Lejeune & Your Rights: Get the Facts

The VFW entrusts Baird Mandalas Brockstedt Federico & Cardea (BMBFC) to represent veterans and their families seeking legal compensation for harm caused by the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Anyone who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed, including in utero, for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and diagnosed with a serious illness or condition, may be eligible to file a legal claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This includes surviving family members of individuals who suffered harm from Lejeune water on behalf of their deceased loved ones.

Our team has extensive experience and proven success in litigating toxic groundwater cases.

We work alongside Military and Medical Advisory Boards made up of members of the military community and healthcare professionals with expertise on complex medical issues.

BMBFC Military Advisory Board Chair

JASON E. JOHNS is a Past State Commander for the VFW of Wisconsin and serves on the VFW’s National Legislative Committee. He is an Iraq War veteran (Army), Purple Heart recipient, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge. He is a VAaccredited attorney who has dedicated his civilian career to advocating for his fellow veterans in the legislative, legal, and nonprofit realms

What will filing a lawsuit cost me?

For our services and as part of our commitment to justice over the dollar, our contingency fee is 25%. Further, our clients will not pay any out-of-pocket costs or fees. Ever.

Will filing a legal claim and receiving an award under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act affect my VA Benefits?

No. Any disability award, payment, or benefit received from the VA connected to a Camp Lejeune condition will only be subtracted from the amount of a lawsuit award you may receive. The VA has stated it will NOT:

• Reduce rating percentage or amount of monthly compensation.

• Affect eligibility for other VA benefits or services, or the amount of benefits or healthcare the VA can provide.

• Influence the VA’s decision to provide benefits or healthcare based upon your exposure or the amount of compensation you receive from the VA.

What illnesses are caused by toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune?

The many illnesses and health conditions caused by toxic exposure include, but are not limited to, multiple types of cancer, kidney and liver issues, Parkinson’s disease, infertility and miscarriages, birth defects, and neurological effects.

It is important to understand that your illness or condition does not have to be on the VA Presumption list or any other list compiled by government agencies to be eligible to file a legal claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Eagle Pass, TX – Day 2

Everyone woke up from their overnight naps to a calm yet cool morning and quickly greeted by the adopted base dog for pleasantries Several discussions around a newly recruited member overnight, Colby, who is from Rowlett, TX He had served a couple of deployments in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom prior to joining the Texas National Guard After talking with Colby, it was clear he had never heard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and what they stand for. Additionally, he expressed when he departed from his activeduty deployments, there were not many options presented to him for transitioning into a civilian world or other veteran organizations that could assist him After not finding the path he wanted to be on, he had joined the Texas National Guard to continue service to his country.

Within a matter of just a few hours, more than 600 troops were expected to walk through the Mess Hall for lunch and dinner service. More comrades and volunteers were arriving from across Texas to help to chop, make sides and organize the food containers for the chow line.

As the day progresses, many Texas National Guard troops and Base Commanders stop by say hello and thank the VFW comrades and volunteers for providing this service to them during the Christmas holiday. Some troops catch up with VFW comrades that previously served together on overseas deployments. With stories and smiles stretching a far, all BBQ stations and kitchen prep areas are picking up the pace Service began promptly for lunch since not all troops would be in the Mess Hall for dinner.

Serving The Troops Feature

Shenna Lawless, Frisco VFW Post 8273 Commander, is working the food line in-between Lupita Perez and Robert Martinez, Jr. (Texas Jr. Vice Commander). Shenna was the catalyst to making the entire Serving the Troops at Eagle Pass event happen just a few short weeks prior. She reached out to our Texas VFW State Commander, Lynn Toomer, which quickly set this event in motion with the Department and across all Districts. Thank you Commander Lawless for going above and beyond!

Image Caption: VFW comrades and Texas National Guard Troops enjoying coffee and comradeship with the stray that has now been adopted by all the troops on base.

Group Photo: Standing L-R: Larry Sanders (State Sr Vice Commander), Roger Few (Texas VFW BBQ Chair), Lynn Toomer (Texas VFW State Commander, Colby (new VFW member recruit), Texas National Guard Troops (names unknown), Chris Clouser (Lytle Memorial VFW Post 12041 Commander), Robert Martinez (Texas Jr Vice Commander), John Shipley (VFW Post Poteet)

VFW Post 8273 has been All-State and All American since 2018.

With cheer in the air and other holiday festivities in the Mess Hall, the food line was continually flowing, and the food was going fast. Lynn Toomer is joined on the service line by Texas VFW Humana representative, Andrea Ortiz, who also a member of Helotes VFW Post 7108 Andrea is a familiar face across Texas with always supporting VFW efforts wherever they may be.

As troops enjoyed their dinner, State Commander Toomer calls Attention on Deck! For those that didn’t know the Veterans of Foreign Wars, it was made clear these comrades and volunteers were there to show appreciation for what these troops were doing and sacrificing at the Texas border. Texas Sr. Vice Commander, Larry Sanders, followed up with thanks to all the VFW comrades and volunteers who had driven from across Texas and taking time away from their families to make a difference for these troops. To out close out the event, new recreational equipment graciously donated the for this special occasional

Scan here to see more

Image Caption: VFW comrades and volunteers Serving the Troops at the Texas Border.

Standing L-R: Eagle Pass Police Officer (name unknown), Eddie Terry (Department Chief of Staff), Andrea Ortiz (Texas VFW Humana rep and VFW Post 7108 member).

If any VFW members wish to speak to a licensed sales agent, please call 1-888-624-7210 (TTY: 711) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Our Humana Veterans team has worked closely with the National Veteran Service (NVS) and local service officers to ensure that Veterans and their families receive reliable and current information to understand their Medicare options. Humana sales agents are well prepared to advise our Veterans and help them understand and identify the options available to them.

“The collaboration between VFW service officers and Humana to provide key outreach and training has proven invaluable to the shared population of Veterans we serve,” said Ryan Gallucci, director of VFW National Veterans Service. “When Veterans seek assistance with any benefit program, be it VA benefits or Medicare, our shared goal is to ensure Veterans have the right information to make informed decisions.”

Andrea Ortiz - Veteran Community Engagement Executive

Corpus Christi, TX – USS Lexington

A State Commander’s Reunion

The 2023 Mid-Winter Convention kicked off on a beautiful day in Corpus Christi, TX. So much excitement and comradeship between all the arrivals. We first find our 2022-2023 State Commander, Lynn Toomer, along side the last 3 Texas Past State Commanders

Meanwhile, Inge Conley stops by the Department’s office to catch up with staff members and discuss the United States Veterans Service Dogs agenda. Everyone was in great spirits to kick off the first day of the Mid-Winter Conference A special thank you to the Texas VFW Auxiliary for inviting the VFW to their opening mixer for food and beverages.

Standing L-R: Keith King (2019-2020 State Commander), Norman Macey (2021-2022 State Commander), Dick Shawver (2020-2021 State Commander), Lynn Toomer (2022-2023 State Commander)

Inge Conley, Texas National Council member with service dog, Lennox

Military & Veterans Career Expo

As part of the 2023 Mid-Winter Convention, the Texas VFW Foundation organized both a Veterans Resource Fair and Military & Veteran Career Expo There was a great turn out of comrades and their family members to find and learn about resources they may need Several veteran focused employers were on deck to discuss available job opportunities with participants. Some of which were conducting interviews on the spot.

Workforce Solutions

Coastal Bend and the Texas Workforce Commission were on-hand to discuss local and Texas regional with veterans from across the state. Several convention goers also popped outside to checkout the Coastal Bend Blood Center bus to help support the Mid-Winter Blood Drive

Contributing Expo Sponsors

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Texas VFW Foundation Staff Members (left to right): Tommye Juvrud, Miles Nelson and Executive Director, Beth West, were all on-hand to help educate the members and Posts about the benefits of the Foundation

Image Caption: Department of Texas VFW State Chaplain, Foy Day, leads Joint Memorial Service in prayer and sermon.

Image Caption: Officer of the Day Salutes

West continues to explain the historical nature of how these inspired men could have turned their back on a country that would have never formed. Quoting a segment from Thomas Paine’s words:

“These are the times that try men's souls The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

While these men went into battle and won, “there was a secret weapon on our side, and that’s called the Auxiliary”, states Dan West A statement resonating throughout the room and the importance of the survival of the VFW and the necessary support of the Auxiliary is crucial.

National Veterans of Foreign Wars Dan West Adjutant General

While Dan West jokes about Kansas vs Texas BBQ, there was a more important message attendees received on the perception of VFW membership to and for younger generations. Expanding into a story of the desire consequences troops were facing in the winter of 1775 and their enlistments coming to an end Adjutant General West reminds us of how General George Washington enlists the help of Thomas Pain to write an inspiring pamphlet called the American Crisis.

Texas VFW Auxiliary Jeanenne Lumpkin President

Image Caption: Texas VFW State Commander, Lynn Toomer, addresses members.

2023 Snapshot

The Texas VFW Foundation has served 49 veteran and 2 surviving spouse households, including 60 dependents, with $106,737 33 in direct financial assistance and $35, 500 in Post Assistance Grants so far this fiscal year

Districts Appreciation

The Texas VFW Foundation is so fortunate to have the support of the Texas VFW leadership Department of Texas State Commander, Lynn Toomer, challenged the staff to try to attend a District meeting in every District between Mid-Winter and the end of the year We appreciate the warm welcome and the wonderful hospitality the Districts, both VFW and Auxiliary, offered us. The opportunity to interacted with each member and to answer questions is much appreciated and can only build better collaboration for making sure all Texas Veterans have all we can offer them

Upcoming Events

2023 Texas VFW State Convention events (June 8-10) sponsored by the Texas VFW Foundation for attendees and the public:

Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, join us in playing cornhole, networking, and relaxing while we snack a little and have the beverage of your choice. The Gossip Bar has been reserved for us as well as some outdoor space.

Humana, the Texas VFW Foundation, and the Texas VFW bring you our very first Health Fair. The Fair will be open on Thursday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Stop by and thank them for joining us!

The Career Expo will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Up to 30 employers will be on site as well as veterans in search of a job Texas VFW Employment Chair, Bob Gear, and his team with the Texas Veterans Leadership Program, among other agencies, will be there, too. If you have a spare minute, please stop by and introduce yourself.

“This has helped me so much when I unexpectedly lost my job. I went through struggles for months and they helped me with rent and my electricity. I am completely grateful.”

Rodney M., USMC

Written by Mitch Fuller VFW National & State Legislative Chairman

In accordance with the Texas Constitution, the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature convened on January 10, 2023, for its biennial 140-day Session The Texas VFW was present from the beginning at the State Capitol and immediately began advocating for our state legislative priorities, many of which were contained in the Interim Charges the Texas Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Texas House of Representatives Defense and Veterans Affairs (DVA) Committee considered in 2022 leading up to the 88th Legislature. Our relationships with legislators and their staffs paid off on our top priorities We were invited to testify during the first hearing of the House DVA Committee in late February along with the heads of the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Veterans Land Board, and the American Legion

We achieved four major victories in the 88th Legislature First, we were successful in our top legislative priority: defending the legality of hemp derived consumables (e.g., Delta 8 or Delta 9 gummies). Senate Bill (SB) 264, which would have instituted an outright ban on hemp-derived consumables, never got a committee hearing due to our constant advocacy presence on this issue and others and our partnership and collaboration with Hometown Hero and their outstanding team of lobbyists Along with ensuring SB 264 never got a hearing and died in committee, we worked with our partners on defending House Bill (HB) 2818 and HB 4918, hemp related bills supported by Hometown Hero, their industry partners and us

HB 2818 and HB 4918 both passed the House of Representatives and went to the Senate where the focus during the final days of the Session was ensuring that hempban language from SB 264 was not used as an amendment to either HB 2818 or HB 4918 in committee hearings or on the Senate floor Our efforts prevented either bill from getting a hearing and we also fought hard to ensure that Senate rules were not suspended very late in the Session leading to SB 264 or other hemp-ban language going to straight to the floor without a committee hearing. Mission accomplished in a very difficult and time- consuming battle that will ensure Veterans have an alternative of their choosing to opioids that is effective.

Image Caption: Mitch Fuller testifies before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee

The second major victory was passage of HB 558, authored by State Rep. Richard Raymond of Laredo and sponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Angela Paxton of McKinney. The language in HB 558 was the exact legislation that was our top priority in the 2021 Legislative Session a law preventing our Posts from being closed due to Emergency Orders issued by the Governor, e g , Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 Our Posts with TABC licenses were unjustly treated as bars during the pandemic and we weren’t considered “essential” businesses. The Senate bills we fought so hard for in 2021 that contained the exact language from HB 558 during this Session got a committee hearing but no vote in committee to go the Senate floor in the 2021 Session Not this time Our Posts can never be closed again due to Emergency Orders The great work our Posts do in our communities and the relationships we have cemented the past few years in the State Capitol were noticed and paid dividends.

Victory number three was passage of HB 2248, the “Vanessa Guillen Day” bill, authored by State Rep Josey Garcia of San Antonio and sponsored by State Sen Carol Alvarado of Houston HB 2248 will honor and remember Specialist Vanessa Guillen, who was a victim of military sexual trauma and murdered by a fellow Soldier in Killeen. HB 2248 is a small but vital way to raise awareness of and ultimately eradicate military sexual trauma and hold those accountable who engage in this heinous behavior

Our fourth major victory was defending the Hazelwood Act. We ensured HB 3997 never got a committee hearing. This bill would have moved the operation and administration of the Hazelwood Act from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board A meeting we were invited to with staff for the Speaker of the House and top leaders of the TVC in early April was instrumental in killing HB 3997.

We achieved other important victories with bills related to service dogs; state agency hiring preference for Veterans and their spouses; easier path to teacher certification for Veterans; Disabled Veterans parking fines; bills supporting the Texas State Guard, who are engaged on the border on Operation Lone Star; and legislation making the TVC more efficient. Testimony was provided in four Senate Committees and seven House Committees, including being invited and asked to testify by Senators and Representatives on their particular bills

Image Caption: State Rep Richard Raymond of Laredo He is author of HB 558, which prohibits are Posts from being closed due to Emergency Orders of the Governor (e g Covid-19 pandemic lockdown)

Standing L-R: Steven Price, Veterans advocate from San Antonio ; State Rep Terry Wilson of Burnett, Chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs (DVA) Committee; State Rep Ray Lopez of San Antonio, Vice Chair of House DVA Committee; Mitch Fuller, National & State Legislative Chairman

Perfect for the historian, librarian, student of history, veterans and readers with an interest in military events. Smell the Gunpowder offers a unique firsthand account of our servicemen's difficulties and struggles.

books.

From author William R. Graser, SmelltheGunpowder:TheLandoftheMorning Calm , is inspired by true events and veterans' firsthand accounts of Americans who served in Korea. Because of these veterans, the Republic of Korea remains a free sovereign nation, and one of the strongest and wealthiest countries in Asia.

American military efforts in Korea began from the end of World War II through the Cold War to include two Korean Conflicts (1950-1953 and 1966-1969) and continued with the Singapore Summit 2018, the Hanoa Summit 2019, North Korea's hostile threat of nuclear conflict along with the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, North Korea continues to have a nuclear arsenal and the outcome of a peace agreement is uncertain.

About the Author

William R. Graser, U.S. Army (Ret.) was a Sergeant First Class recruited by the U.S. Army Security Agency in 1965, and during the Cold War era his assignments included South Korea. On November 2, 1966, the second Korean conflict began, and he was assigned to a U.S. Army camp on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This book includes the story of his time there, as well as how that experience carried his life forward through to present day.

Since 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has organized a national distribution of Buddy Poppies This time-honored tradition has flourished for generations to provide financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation, service programs, and partially supports the VFW National Home.

Recently, Wayne F East VFW Post 4820 member, Andrew Arnold, and his daughter participated in a distribution event in Winnie, Texas to hand out Buddy Poppies to local grocery shoppers Representing a sentiment of including family and youth is vital for each VFW member to instill in others to carry the legacy forward

Jay Smith recants spending much time as a child at the Edwin G. Hutchins VFW Post 856 with his parents, J.W. and Mary Jo Smith, and the many other family members that were also Post members Comrade J W Smith (featured in the 1959 image below) built the old brick BBQ grill on the east side of the Post

The legacy of the Buddy Poppy has been fermented forever within our generational VFW members and the continuing impact it has made nationwide

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you, from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders fields.

VFW Post 4820

Member Andrew Arnold

Standing L-R: Mary Jo Smith; J.W. Smith (VFW Post 856 member)

Comrade Jay Smith (1963) participating in Buddy Poppy distribution.

Bloomington Spring Day

Magazine

Submission by:

Ernie Pemberton

The Bloomington VFW Post 6074 thought it would be a great idea to give back to our local community by hosting a Community Spring Day. The event was opened to gather as many volunteers as possible that were like-minded and wanted to help with this initiative. Post members and volunteers picked up trash down the main streets and replaced flags as we saw that needed to be

Volunteers were served hotdogs and drinks the help of a few sponsors to include Terry Ellis of KEEP BLOOMINGTON BEAUTIFUL, Joseph Perez of TRASH B GONE, Laval Simons of SMOKIN GUN COFFEE and Ernie Pemberton of BLING N' BLITZ (which are mostly veteran owned). The impact of the event received so much positive feedback from the community, that more community members are going to volunteer in the upcoming year to help

Standing L-R: Jean Perez, Joseph Perez (Post 6074 Surgeon General), Jesus Enriquez (Post 6074 Quartermaster), Debbie Ellsworth, Anna DeLeon, Melanie White, Jazlynn Dodson.... not pictured is Laval Simons (Post 6074 Adjutant), Carl Frisch and Coach Rodriguez

2022-2023 Department Officers

2022-2023 District Commanders

2022-2023 Service Officers

Department of Texas Honor Guard

HQ Administrative Staff

Greetings Comrades,

First and foremost, congratulations to our incoming leadership. As we approach the upcoming year let us remember our vision and mission to our great fraternal organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

It is time we get back into our communities and show them that we continue to be relevant. It is time that we reach out to our members to get them back involved or even to simply catch up with them and make sure they are doing well. We need to make sure that we are always “relevant” with our Post members because our members are the lifeblood of this organization and always need to be a priority.

Looking forward into the 2023-2024 year coming up. I would like for the Post and Districts to think and start planning for our future.

(1) Where are we?

(2) How are we doing?

(3) What can we do to make things better?

(4) Are members involved with the post, district activities, and community?

(5) How do we execute post and district activities for the betterment of our great fraternal organization?

Seeyouatthetop!

Larry Sanders

State Commander 2023-2024

Department of Texas

We must focus on family-oriented activities to attract younger eligible veterans and change the mindset that the post is just a bar. We are adapting to innovative ways in conducting Post, District and Department meetings We need to strive to increase our membership. We have the power and leverage to provide even greater support to the veterans. Being on the front lines every day serving our veterans, their families, and our communities is what we are all about.

Our programs ensure “no one” is forgotten. We as VFW members care passionately about serving our fellow citizens Just as we pledged serving our time in uniform, we again vow to sustain a lifelong commitment to the Nation and our Communities and that is why we are Stronger by being united