Guide to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented by Texas VFW

GUIDE TO THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Copyright 2019 The Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars All rights reserved

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CONTENTS The Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

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Mission Statement

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POW/MIA

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VFW Service to Veterans

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Patriot Day

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Youth Programs

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Operation Desert Storm

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Community Service

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Operation Iraqi Freedom

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VFW Birthday

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Operation Enuring Freedom

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Flag Day

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Women in Military Service

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Fourth of July

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Korean Armistice Day

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Loyalty Day

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Vietnam Peace Accord

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Pearl Harbor Remembrance

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USS Maine

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Victory over Japan Day

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Kosovo Day

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D-Day

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Somalia Day

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Victory in Europe Day

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Texas VFW Foundation

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Veterans Day

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The Auxiliary

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Memorial Day

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DID YOU KNOW? • Texas VFW has over 72,000 members in 306 Posts statewide and it is through the strength of our membership that we continue to provide the support and legislative measures that ensure our veterans are recognized and rewarded for their service.

• Texas VFW donates more than 2.1 million dollars annually in community service activities. Along with 195,000 hours of community service.

• Texas VFW provided $68,750 in scholarships for Texas youth last year alone.

• Texas VFW provides a no cost Service Officer Program for Texas Veterans to ensure all entitlements and benefits earned are awarded.

•T exas VFW conducts a teacher recognition program that honors teachers for excellence in teaching citizenship and patriotism to their students.

• Texas VFW works closely with the Texas Veterans Commission to ensure that every Texas Veteran is taken care of ranging from disability claims, job training and employment to education benefits.

• Texas VFW works just as closely with the Texas Veterans Land Board to ensure that every Texas Veteran receives low cost home and land loans, state of the art Veteran homes and burial benefits in Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

• Texas VFW supports all Scouting programs, youth athletic teams, JROTC and many other youth programs.

• Texas VFW Foundation has provided over $82,000.00 in financial grants to veterans severely affected by natural disasters in Texas.

• Texas VFW is a strong supporter of the active duty military at Ft. Hood, Ft. Bliss, Ft. Sam Houston, and other military installations across Texas.

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MISSION STATEMENT The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) mission is to support those who have sacrificed so much for this country — all veterans and their families.

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick.

There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

Since then, the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the more than 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president’s cabinet, the VFW is there.

VFW SERVICE TO VETERANS National Veterans Service (NVS) The NVS is responsible for accrediting and training VFW service officers. NVS provides annual training to VFW service officers. NVS staff represents veterans at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, DC. Each year NVS provides $1.4 million to VFW Departments in support of their veteran service programs.

DEPARTMENT & POST SERVICE OFFICERS VFW Service Officers advocate on behalf of veterans for free, in assisting earned benefits from the veterans administration. VFW Service Officers are located at over 325 Posts, 24 Districts, and one at each VA Regional Office.

TEXAS VFW HQ OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed on most major holidays PHONE (512) 834-8535 FAX (512) 834-9232 texasvfw.org info@texasvfw.org MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 14468

TACTICAL ASSESSMENT CENTER (TAC)

Austin, Texas 78761-4468

VFW’s TAC operates a 24-hour, toll-free hotline for veterans with questions or concerns about VA health care and benefits. The number is 1-800-VFW-1899.

8503 N. IH 35

HEALTH SCREENINGS VFW hosts a health fair at its national convention.

Attendees can receive health screenings, eye exams, cholesterol checks, respiratory function testing, blood pressure screening and blood glucose testing. Many lives have been saved thanks to these free screenings.

PACKAGES Austin, Texas 78753-5722

TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION PHONE (512) 291-6850 FAX (512) 834-9232 foundation@texasvfw.org

BENEFITS DELIVERY AT DISCHARGE (BDD) Introduced in 2001, VFW’s BDD provides claims assistance to separating military personnel on 19 military installations and military populated regions throughout the country. Education and elocation services also are available.

DID YOU KNOW? Texas VFW provides a no cost Service Officer Program for Texas Veterans to ensure all entitlements and benefits earned are awarded.

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NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE This office represents VFW on various issues before Congress, including testifying at committee hearings and interacting with congressional members.

ACTION CORPS This grassroots lobbying effort has tens of thousands of volunteers who write, call and visit lawmakers to discuss issues related to veterans. Also, Action Corps members receive the VFW Action Corps Weekly, an e-newsletter relating to current legislation and events.

Texas VFW members bi-annually attend legislative events held in Washington D.C. to speak with their elected officials about veteran issues.

NATIONAL SECURITY The welfare of active-duty, Guard and Reserve AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS personnel and their families is of a prime concern to VFW. POW/MIA VFW national officers visit Asian and European countries to meet with host-country officials to stress the importance of conducting MIA investigation and recovery operations, as well as gaining access to documents and archival research facilities.

Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — Members hold a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Elsa.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES VFW is a strong supporter of veterans’ preference in government positions. The Washington Office monitors veteran-specific employment legislation.

VETJOBS.COM VFW is the major sponsor of this online service, which allows veterans and their spouses to post resumes and search available jobs.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Washington D.C. office.

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DID YOU KNOW? Texas VFW provided $322,175.59 in scholarships for Texas youth last year alone.

Texas VFW supports all Scouting programs, youth athletic teams, JROTC and many other youth programs.

YOUTH

PROGRAMS

Every year thousands of Texas students participate in the VFW Youth Scholarship Programs at the Post, District and National Level competing for more than $3.4 million in scholarship money.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY The Voice of Democracy (VOD) Contest is an oral essay contest for students in the 9-12th grades or equivalent if home schooled. The Texas VFW first place winner is awarded $12,000.

PATRIOT’S PEN The Patriot’s Pen Contest is a writing essay contest for students in the 6-8th grades or equivalent if home schooled.

Besides the VFW’s outstanding scholarship programs, Posts and Auxiliaries across the nation work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of America’s young adults to strive for greater personal achievement.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Community involvment is the very foundation of every VFW program. Working for the good of all citizens, VFW members perform hundreds of programs every day in their local communies donating over 13 million volunteer hours last year alone. VFW Programs also include education on Patriotism aimed at stimulating love of country and a deeper appreciation of our national heritage. The VFW is a place where every member can make a difference in their community, making it a better place to live.

Homeless Veterans

Disaster assistance

The Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Initiative was created to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans. VA provides a range of services to homeless veterans , including healthcare, housing, job training and education. There is a variety of reasons why veterans are homeless and VA is committed to providing solutions to put an end to this problem.

Texas VFW provides relief efforts to veterans who become victims of natural disasters. In recent years, Texas VFW aided victims of the Bastrop fires, annual tornados, spring floods, and the West disaster/explosion.

Support Public Safety Outstanding police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders are recognized annually by VFW for their work in the community.

Teacher of the Year The Texas VFW every year recognizes an Outstanding Classroom Teacher for Grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. These teachers are selected from nominations received from Posts and Districts throughout Texas.

Photo caption: Texas VFW Post 6872, Crowley — The Post participated in a “Red Carpet Welcome Back” with the Crowley Independent School District. Post and Auxiliary members lined the red carpet welcoming back the students and staff to Bess Race Elementary School. Lots of high fives, words of encouragement and smiles were shared between everyone!

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DID YOU KNOW? Texas VFW is a strong suporter of the active duty military at Ft. Hood, Ft. Bliss, Ft. Sam Houston, and other military installations across Texas.

Texas VFW District 20, VFW Helotes Post 7108, VFW Lytle Post 12041 and Auxiliary participated in feeding Wounded Warriors and their families at Fort Sam Houston Warrior Family Support Center, San Antonio, Texas. Set up crew: (L-R) Rafael Portalatin/Post Surgeon (sitting), Rolando S. Webber/Texas VFW District 20 Sr Vice Commander (sitting), Larry Casillas/Post Sr Vice Commander, Beverly Duran/Post Auxiliary Treasurer, Sheila Casillas/ Post Auxiliary, Gladys Portalatin/Auxiliary President, Gloria Webber/Auxiliary Secretary, Jose Duran/Past District 20 Commander.

The Texas VFW ensures veterans get the recognition they deserve past, present, and future. An official of the state of Texas presents a Purple Heart medal to a widow of a WWII veteran.

Texas VFW donates more than 3 million dollars annually in community service activities. Along with 388,000 hours of community service.

Texas VFW Post 3406, Rusk — Post conducted a food drive to celebrate the VFW 119th birthday. The food was then donated to the Primary School who was participating in a food drive competition to help the Good Samaritan kitchen.

Commander Martinez and Quartermaster Trussell of Texas VFW Post 8564, Waco, Texas explain to 8th grade students of Caesar Chavez school the importance of remembering the first responders who lost their lives to protect others. 3,000 flags were handed out to students to remind them of the lives lost on Patriot’s Day. 9

VFW BIRTHDAY Each year on September 29th the VFW Birthday is celebrated at Posts and in communities around the world. It’s a day devoted to the organization and its dedicated members who are so deeply committed to serving those who bravely serve this nation.

Texas VFW Post 9191, killeen — Comrades celebrated the 119th birthday of the VFW with a dinner and cake in the Post home. The Senior Vice also conducted a re-obligation to the members which reaffirmed their commitment to the organization’s mission to care for those who serve our nation.

Texas VFW Post 12152, cleburne — Members set up a table and informed guests of the VFW’s Birthday, the reason behind its creation, and its continued efforts to support local veterans and the community.

Texas VFW Post 12176, whitney — State Commander Inge Conley, VFW Post 12176 Commander Daniel Booker, and other VFW Post 12176 Officers celebrated the VFW’s 119th birthday just moments after the Post’s Institution.

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The VFW was established this day in 1899, a small group of Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans.

For over a century the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living.” VFW and its Auxiliary members carry out this mission by promoting good will, patriotism and youth scholarship.

Their commitment is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours in their local communities each year.

Show your support by honoring all members and veterans in your community. Today everyone is invited to celebrate the tradition of continuous service and steadfast devotion that defines the VFW.

FLAG DAY Flag Day is June 14 and celebrates the official symbol for the United States: our Stars and Stripes. Flag Day was first recognized by Congress on June 14, 1777, which became known as Flag Day. Not only is the U.S. flag older than the Union Jack of Great Britain and the tri-color flag of France, but also is the only flag to have been flown on the moon. Congress first stated that there should be a star and stripe for every state. Our first flag had 13 stars and 7 red and 6 white stripes.

In 1794, two new states were added and we had a flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes. By 1818 there were 20 states, but our county was still using the flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes. Congress

Texas VFW District 2, Post 2775 Orange, Texas member Jr. Ed McIntyre and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 23 salute as the buglar plays taps during a Flag Day ceremony.

thought about having 20 stripes and agreed that it might become a problem because of its size so they passed a law that said there would be 13 stripes for the original 13 states, and they would add a star for each new state that joined the union. The U.S. flag is 13 stripes: seven red and six white. A blue field with 50 stars is located next to the staff in the upper left corner of the flag. It extends from the top to the lower edge of the fourth red stripe.

The stars are arranged in alternating rows of six and five representing the 50 states of the United States. The stars do not represent any given state.

The colors used in the flag give special

meaning to the flag: Red for valor and zeal; white for hope and cleanliness of life; and blue — the color of heaven — for reverence and loyalty. Our flag’s 50 stars represent each state as part of the nation, but also a separate level of government. Our federal government was not given the power to control, so that each state would be able to govern themselves in those things they could do better. When you are looking at the flag, you are looking at the magnificent history of all Americans who have lived before us, your own ancestors, the most enduring nation of free people that has ever existed.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY On July 4, 1776, the signers of the Declaration of Independence boldly asserted that all are “created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” With these words, our forefathers formed a new nation and put forth a vision of liberty and democracy that would forever alter history. Every Fourth of July, Americans celebrate this pivotal moment in our history, which set into motion the development of a land of freedom and opportunity unequalled in the world.

Texas VFW Post 4380, Plano, Texas —Post Commander Shana Summers, David Castaneda, Tony Morago, Jay Massey, Rick Bazan, Mickey Moore, Claude Fitzpatrick, Sean Willy, Auxiliary President Christy Barnhouse, Chuck Barnhouse, Rita Fitzpatrick, Angie Fisher, Greg Fisher, Cub Scout Pack 4380 participated in the Plano Lions Club Independence Day Parade.

Texas VFW Post 8562, Eagle Pass, Texas — Members participated in the 4th of July parade. Pictured here is Commander Cruz Montoya, Service Officer Barrios, Junior Vice Commander Chavarria, Asst. Chaplain Salas.

Texas VFW Post 9191, Killeen, Texas — The Commander and members assisted in the setup and observance of our fallen comrades who gave all in defense of our great nation. The boots with photos and dog tags were displayed at Fort Hood through July 4th.

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LOYALTY DAY Loyalty Day originally began as “Americanization Day” in 1921 as a counter to the Communists’ May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May 1, 1930, 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began in 1950 on April 28 and climaxed May 1 when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 people rallied for America.

In 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nation’s calendar.

Texas VFW Post 4443, Austin, Texas — Post members gave a presentation on Loyalty Day, at Camp Mabry Exchange, Austin, Texas. Post member distributed Loyalty Day information to active, Guard and dependents. The members also gave out information on Honor Flight and the VA Outpatient Clinic.

Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands, Texas — Post members celebrated Loyalty Day with children at the local Xplor Day Care. The members explained the reason and why it is so important.

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PEARL HARBOR DAY On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers staged a surprise attack on U.S. military and naval forces in Hawaii. In a devastating defeat, the United States suffered 3,435 casualties and loss of or severe damage to 188 planes, 8 battleships, 3 light cruisers, and 4 miscellaneous vessels. Japanese losses were less than 100 personnel, 29 planes, and 5 midget submarines. The day after the attack, before a joint session of Congress, President Roosevelt asked Congress for a declaration of war against Japan. President Roosevelt’s message conveyed the national outrage over the Pearl Harbor attack by pronouncing December 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy.” FDR expressed outrage at Japan and confidence in the “inevitable triumph” of the United States. On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war against Japan; on December 11 Germany and Italy declared war against the United States.

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Texas VFW Post 6010, Houston — Members and District 4 Commander Steve R. Benavides participated in a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony on the Battleship of Texas with Pearl Harbor Navy Veterans who were involved in this battle when the Japanese Air Force attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. JROTC Navy Cadets and other groups also attended.

Texas VFW Post 2676, Scotland-Windthorst — The Post, its Auxiliary, their Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year, Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy winners along with their families commemorated Pearl Harbor Day in conjunction with an awards ceremony.

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Texas VFW Post 1907, Normangee — Post Commander Dawson shared the exploits of Navy Vice Admiral Glynn R. Donaho, who grew up in their community, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Cross four times, the Silver Star twice, and the bronze star while serving as a submarine commander in the Pacific in WWII.

Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills — Before the Raising Old Glory at the Warren High School and the Huntington High School football game, both schools honored Comrade Earl Fleather for his service during World War II for serving in the Pacific Theater and for the Victory over Japan.

VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY

On August 15, 1945, news of the surrender was announced to the world. This sparked spontaneous celebrations over the final ending of World War II. On September 2, 1945, a formal surrender ceremony was held in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri. At the time, President Truman declared September 2 to be V-J Day.

Texas VFW Post 2772, Sherman — Post member Mo Coosky, Jr. Vice Commander Steve Batchelder, and Quartermaster Richard Poolaw, remember Victory over Japan Day on September 2nd.

Texas VFW Post 7835, Granbury — Members of the VFW and guests gathered and discussed the importance and cost to achieve Victory over Japan.

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D-DAY During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed “Operation Overlord,” the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target.

By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans.

The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.

Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine — Post Commander Roy James, along with Post comrades and guests, held a D-Day commemoration. He opened with a prayer followed by Senior Vice Commander Mike Leeper reading about the significance of June 6th 1944, the start of the Battle of Normandy. Afterwards guests were treated to lunch with all the trimmings.

Texas VFW Post 8560, Sulpher Springs — Post members Travis Estes, Troy Garrett, Joe Robinson, George Andrews and Bill Skelton visited the World War II Memorials at Celebration Square in Sulphur Springs Texas, honoring D-Day.

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Victory in Europe Day, generally known as V-E Day, VE Day or simply V Day was the public holiday celebrated on May 8, 1945 (May 7 in Commonwealth) to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It thus marked the end of World War II in Europe.

On 30 April, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader, committed suicide during the Battle. Germany’s surrender, therefore, was authorized by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg Government. The surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France and on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.

VICTORY IN EUROPE Texas VFW Post 8932, Flour Bluff — Post members recognized the observance of Germany’s surrender during Victory in Europe Day celebrated in England and the United States on May 8, 1945, 73 years ago. Pictured from left to right are Comrade Ronald Thoman, Post Quartermaster Jesse Navaira, Post Commander Henry Escobedo, Senior-Vice Commander Abel Garcia, Trustee Col. Howard Schauer, Comrade Mark Gentry and Comrade Kevin Havens. Photo taken by Trustee Gilbert D. Gallardo.

In the United States, the victory happened on President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday.

He dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor, Franklin, who had died of a cerebral hemorrhage less than a month earlier, on 12 April. Flags remained at half-mast for the remainder of the 30-day mourning period. Truman said of dedicating the victory to Roosevelt’s memory and keeping the flags at half-mast that his only wish was “that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day.” Later that day, Truman said that the victory made it his most enjoyable birthday.

Massive celebrations also took place in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and especially in New York’s Times Square.

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VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action.

If World War I had been “the war to end all wars,” November 11 might be still called Armistice Day. Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of World War II and Korea, Congress decided to make the day an occasion to honor all those who have served America. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. (Historically, the first Veterans Day parade was held in 1953 in Emporia, Kansas.)

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Texas VFW Post 1475, Amarillo — Members Ron Clark and Ben Lowrance spoke with the 4th grade class at Hamlet Elementary about the meaning of Veterans Day.

Texas VFW Post 9175, Roma — Roma ISD sponsored several Veterans Day events. Schools who participated were Veterans Memorial Elementary, Delia Garcia Elementary, RT Barrera Elementary, RC Saenz Elementary, Emma Vera Elementary, FJ Scott Elementary, and Roma HS. Outstanding involvement by the schools and community.

Texas VFW Post 1806, Beaumont — The Post visited several Korean War Veterans and one WWII Veteran at Pelican Bay Retirement Home. Commander Willie Beverly, member George Roy, and Quartermaster George Keller were in attendance. A presentation was given by Commander Beverly then everyone spoke individually about what Veterans Day means to them.

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Texas VFW Post 7523, Mineola — Members participated in the Mineola Veterans Day parade.

Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen — Members and guests joined together to attend the new brick dedication ceremony at the Allen Veterans Memorial in celebration of Memorial Day.

MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day, May 30 (traditional), is a sacred day to all war veterans.

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That’s why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.

By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.

They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve

monumental ends. We remember the loss of loved ones — a sense of loss that takes group form.

Means of paying tribute vary: from pausing for a few moments of personal silence to attending commemorative ceremonies such as placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies. Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts.

Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth. As America’s older war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance.

Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.

Texas VFW Post 8273, Frisco — Post members hosted their Annual Memorial Day Ceremony that honored Frisco’s fallen. This was a joint ceremony with the American Legion and the Boy Scouts.

Texas VFW Post 6441, Wimberley — Post members and Boy Scout Troop 127 placed flags at the graves of Veterans at seven different cemeteries in the Wimberley area.

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Texas VFW Post 12041, Lytle — Members conducted a presentation on the Signing of the Korean Armistice in 1953. The presentation was conducted at the City of Lytle Library with a display of items and Books.

POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by our nation’s Prisoners of War and those who are still Missing in Action. By custom, it is on the third Friday in September. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law on which the black POW/MIA flag shall be flown over federal facilities and cemeteries, post offices and military installations.

Texas VFW Post 1789, Borger — Members provided a remembrance table for POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — Members hold a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Elsa.

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Texas VFW Post 4746, Weatherford — On September 11, 2018 VFW Post 4746 Commander Pat Clark, Jr. Vice Commander Joel Wasson, District 21 Auxiliary President Cindy Graham and Post Auxiliary Sr. Vice Commander Amy Hazel participated in a Patriot Day and 9/11 Ceremony at NAS JRB Forth Worth.

Texas VFW Post 4692, Bryan — Post Commander Doris Carter, Past Post Commander John Velasquez, and members attended Brazos County Patriot Day celebration.

PATRIOT DAY

Those whom we lost September 11, 2001 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our nation. Through a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, (Public Law 107-89), Congress authorized the president to designate September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day” to honor the memory of those who perished in the attack on America, to pursue peace and justice in the world, and to promote security at home. Appropriate ceremonies and activities include a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. EDT, remembrance services, and candlelight vigils. Flags are flown at half-staff on Patriot Day.

Texas VFW Post 4818, Hereford — Members honored local first responders and enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs after wreath laying ceremony.

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A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft flies a patrol over the desert during the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces following Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on its wing pylons and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile beneath its fuselage.

OPERATION DESERT STORM The Gulf War (2 August 1990-28 February 1991), codenamed “Operation Desert Shield” (2 August 1990-17 January 1991) for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia; and “Operation Desert Storm” (17 January 199128 February 1991) in its combat phase, was a war waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait.

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1st Lt. Brendon McGann from the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment gives a piece of candy to a local Iraqi girl in Saydiyah, Al Rashid, Baghdad, Iraq. Photo by PO2 Greg Pierot.

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM The Iraq War was a protracted armed conflict that began with the 2003 invasion of Iraq led by the United States. The invasion toppled the government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict, however, continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the occupying forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government. An estimated 151,000 to 600,000 or more Iraqis were killed in the first 3-4 years of conflict. The United States officially withdrew from the country in 2011, but the insurgency and various dimensions of the civil armed conflict still continue.

(above) Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — Post Trustee and US Army Iraq Veteran Shane Fenley speaks on the signifigance of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(below) Texas VFW Post 8785, Mesquite — Post members, Auxiliary and the general public participated in an Iraqi Freedom ceremony and enjoyed a meal together afterwards.

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OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Texas VFW Post 8932, Corpus Christi — Members observed Operation Enduring Freedom Thursday, October 18, 2018 in Flour Bluff, Texas. Photo by: Gilbert D. Gallardo

Texas VFW Post 4709, Conroe — The Post held its annual observance of Operation Enduring Freedom with 35 members and guests in attendance. Post Commander Floyd Stewart spoke about the history leading up to the U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan. Post members who fought in Afghanistan then shared some of their personal experiences of fighting a war in difficult terrain and conditions.

In reply to the attacks of September 11, the initial combat maneuvers that took place on October 7, 2001 included a combination of strikes from land-based B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, carrier-based F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet fighters, and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from both U.S. and British ships and submarines beckoned the start of Operation Enduring Freedom — Afghanistan (OEF-A).

The early military intentions of OEF-A, as spoken by President George W. Bush in his September 20, 2001 speech to a Joint Session of Congress and his October 7, 2001 statement to the country, included the annihilation of terrorist training camps and organization within Afghanistan, the incarceration of al-Qaeda leaders, and the termination of terrorist actions in Afghanistan.

In January 2002, over 1,200 soldiers from the United States Special Operations Command Pacific were deployed to the Philippines to give provisions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their efforts to destroy terrorist forces in Basilan. Those groups included Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qaeda, and Jemaah Islamiyah. The task entailed training the AFP in 24

counter-terrorist procedures as well as aiding the resident people with humanitarian efforts in Operation Smiles.

In October 2002, the Combined Task Force 150 and United States military Special Forces established themselves in Djibouti at Camp Lemonnier. The specified objectives of the operation were to deliver humanitarian aid and guard the Horn of Africa to decrease the capabilities of terrorist groups in the area. Comparable to OEF-P, the goal of humanitarian aid was stressed, supposedly to stop combative organizations from being able to take hold among the populace as well as resurface after being disconnected.

The military feature includes alliance powers examining and embarking onto ships arriving in the region for prohibited shipment as well as delivering training and equipment to the armed forces in the province. The humanitarian feature includes constructing schools, clinics and water wells to implement the self-assurance of the local people.

Since 2001, the collective spending by the U.S. government on Operation Enduring Freedom has surpassed $150 billion.

Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Female members gathered in celebration of Recognition of Women in Military Service!

RECOGNTION OF

WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE

Women have aided as volunteers with the U.S. Armed Forces throughout American history on an unendorsed, impermanent or as-needed basis as soldiers and spies (occasionally concealed as men), as sustenance workers who fed and cared for the troops, and as nurses. They were called to operate with each national predicament, and then sent back to civilian life after each war.

Finally, in the outcome of the Spanish-American War, the nation acknowledged the necessity for the on-going company of women military nurses. The formation of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901 and the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908 shaped the first truly military women.

Women did not obtain stable military standing in the regular and reserve forces of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and then-newly formed Air Force until 1948 when President Truman contracted the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. Presently, about 350,000 women encompass almost 15 percent of the active duty, reserve and guard units of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Texas VFW Post 1922, Gainesville — The Post held a celebration and dinner for Women in the Military. Navy and Army was represented by its women veterans. Among the veterans is Alice Gordon — a 95-year-young, Navy female veteran — who served in WWII as a pharmacist (1st LT).

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KOREAN ARMISTICE DAY The Korean Armistice Agreement is the armistice which ended the Korean War. It was signed by U.S. Army General William representing the United Nations Command(UNC), North Korean General Nam Il representing the North Korean People’s Army, and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army. The armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, and was designed to “insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.” No “final peaceful settlement” has been achieved yet. The signed armistice established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (de facto a new border between the two nations), put into force a cease-fire, and finalized repatriation of prisoners of war. The Demilitarized Zone runs not far from the 38th par-allel, which separated North and South Korea before the war.

Texas VFW Post 8790, Houston — District 4 Commander, additional Posts of District 4, the Korean Consulate and members of the Korean community observed the Korean Armistice Anniversary.

Texas VFW Post 7523, Mineola —Members hold a Korean Armistice remembrance ceremony.

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SIGNING OF THE

VIETNAM PEACE ACCORD The Paris Peace Accord of 1973 intended to establish peace in Vietnam and to put an end to the Vietnam War. It ended direct U.S. military combat as well as temporarily stopping the fighting between North and South Vietnam. The governments of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), and the United States, as well as the Provisional Revolutionary Government (PRG) that represented indigenous South Vietnamese revolutionaries, signed the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam on January 27, 1973. The agreement was not ratified by the United States Senate.

Texas VFW Post 9022, Dumas — Service Officer, Jason Dennis, presented a program on the Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord. Each veteran who served in Vietnam was given a commemorative Challenge Coin. A flag was found at the post that had flown in Vietnam and that had been presented to the Commander in 2002 and will now be displayed at the post.

Texas VFW Post 3530, Richardson — Members discussed the Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord. Pictured here are William McGuire, Tim McGuire, Art Hawkins, Ralph Smith, Ralph Rizzo, Lucie Connally, Earl May, Roger Daily, Fred Siebolat. Photo by Pablo González.

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SINKING OF USS MAINE A massive explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship USS Maine in Cuba’s Havana harbor, killing 260 of the fewer than 400 American crew members aboard, February 15, 1898.

One of the first American battleships, the Maine weighed more than 6,000 tons and was built at a cost of more than $2 million. Ostensibly on a friendly visit, the Maine had been sent to Cuba to protect the interests of Americans there after a rebellion against Spanish rule broke out in Havana in January, 1898.

An official U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry ruled in March that the ship was blown up by a mine, without directly placing the blame on Spain. Much of Congress and a majority of the American public expressed little doubt that Spain was responsible and called for a declaration of war. Subsequent diplomatic failures to resolve the Maine matter, coupled with United States indignation over Spain’s brutal suppression of the Cuban rebellion and continued losses to American investment, led to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in April 1898.

Within three months, the United States had decisively defeated Spanish forces on land and sea, and in August an armistice halted the fighting. On December 12, 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed between the United States and Spain, officially ending the Spanish-American War and granting the United States its first overseas empire with the ceding of such former Spanish possessions as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

In 1976, a team of American naval investigators concluded that the Maine explosion was likely caused by a fire that ignited its ammunition stocks, not by Spanish mine or act of sabotage.

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Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Members held a ceremony on the Sinking of the USS Maine at River Road Park in Boerne, Texas.

KOSOVO CAMPAIGN

In 1997, a civil war amongst Kosovo and Serbia took place over Kosovo’s independence. The Serbs, commanded by Slobodan Milosevic, had decided on a campaign of ethnic purging — to clear Kosovo of all Albanian Muslims. By 1998, the U.S. and NATO moved in to halt the genocide. This might have been the first time any nation had interposed to impede ethnic cleansing and accomplished it. The U.S. involvement prohibited further killing, but ethnic strains still persisted between Kosovars and Serbs.

“Operation Allied Force” was the military operation on Yugoslavia that began on March 24, 1999. In this operation, the U.S. and Britain conceded the affliction of air war. The bombing demolished bridges, road, factories, as well as interrupting power and communications. The air strikes, enduring seventy-eight days, was started to discontinue ethnic cleansing, yet in fact, unsuccessful. Instead, Yugoslavia strengthened their war determinations and there were hundreds of thousands of refugees; more than 380,000 escaped to Albania and nearly 175,000 to Macedonia. Nevertheless, the bombings did ultimately put adequate pressure on the Serbs into signing what made the UN Resolution 1244.

Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — Members celebrated the Kosovo Campaign by inviting the community to dine with them at Alameda Restaurant.

Texas VFW Post 4443, Austin — Members commemorated the Kosovo Campaign at Camp Mabry by speaking with Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine personnel.

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SOMALIA 1995

United States-headed military operation in 1992-93 attached as part of a broader universal humanitarian and peacekeeping effort in Somalia that initiated in the summer of 1992 and concluded in the spring of 1995. The intervention climaxed in the professed Battle of Mogadishu on October 3-4, 1993, in which 18 U.S. soldiers and hundreds of Somali militia troops and civilians were killed.

The proceedings that led to the 1992 intervention in Somalia originated in 1991, when the Somali dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was defeated in a military takeover put on by a combination of resistance commanders. The two most influential warlords — Cali Mahdi Maxamed (Ali Mahdi Muhammad) and Muhammed Farah Aydid — soon started fighting amongst themselves.

The continuous struggle led to the devastation of the country’s agriculture and subsequently to countrywide famine. By the fall of 1991, the United Nations (UN) anticipated that 4.5 million Somalis were on the edge of starvation. Under international pressure, the combatant parties, including Aydid, contracted to a cease-fire, permitting UN spectators to enter the country and establish a humanitarian effort there.

In April 1992 the UN humanitarian effort, known as “Operation Provide Relief,” reached Somalia. Conversely, the enterprise proved to be very problematic, as numerous Somali militias ignored the cease-fire and engaged in widespread combat as well as in large-scale hijacking and raiding of international food convoys.

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of Mogadishu, oppressed the security operation. Displeased with the mission’s outcomes, the new U.S. president, Bill Clinton, ordered the number of U.S. troops to be reduced.

By June 1993, only 1,200 American combat soldiers stayed in Somalia, supported by troops from 28 other countries acting under the authority of the UN. The already unhinged situation took a turn for the worse when 24 Pakistani soldiers were ambushed and killed while examining a weaponsstorage facility. The UN unofficially accused Aydid’s militia and approved a decree calling for the apprehension of those answerable for the massacre.

On October 3, 1993, the U.S. forces performed a seventh effort to seize Aydid and his best lieutenants. The objective was the Olympic Hotel in Mogadishu, where the targets were supposed to be meeting. The mission, which called for a small assault team of commandos from the U.S. Army’s Delta Force to capture targets in the hotel while U.S. Army Rangers secured the area around the location, did not go as intended.

The trouble started when one of the Black Hawk helicopters used in the mission was shot down close to the hotel.

Hastening to the site of the crash to save the crew, other U.S. troops came under a heavy bombardment of fire. A second Black Hawk helicopter was shot down less than half an hour later. Hundreds of Somali combatants packed the streets, and the U.S. soldiers became surrounded.

U.S. President George H.W. Bush, in his last weeks in office, recommended to the United Nations that American combat troops be directed to Somalia to guard aid workers. The UN accepted Bush’s suggestion, and on December 9, 1992, a force of about 25,000 U.S. troops began to enter Somalia.

After 17 hours of incessant fighting, an international force finally rescued the surviving U.S. troops. The confrontation left 18 U.S soldiers dead and 84 wounded. On the Somali side, at least 300 people were wounded, several of them civilians caught in the crossfire. Although the mission was technically successful — several notable Aydid allies were captured — it was widely seen as a failure because of its high cost in human lives.

The military operation was overwhelmed with struggles from the start. The absence of a national Somali leadership, as well as the regular disorder in the streets of the capital city

Soon after the confrontation at Mogadishu, Clinton removed all U.S. troops from Somalia. A year later UN troops were also extracted, leaving the country submerged in clan warfare.

Many Veterans suffer physical and mental anguish from their war experiences for decades after the guns go silent. The Texas VFW Foundation has assisted thousands of Veterans with millions of dollars in assistance with basic life sustaining necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and shelter.

TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION The mission of the Texas VFW Foundation, a IRS 501 (c) (3) Public Charity, is to assist disabled and needy veterans and their families and to promote programs that raise awareness and educate the public about the sacrifices made by America’s veterans and the unique and special needs resulting from their service.

Assistance Applications

The Veterans Assistance Program is for Texas residents that are currently serving in the Armed Forces in any capacity or are a Veteran and have an Honorable Discharge regardless of time of service. Other qualifying conditions apply.

The Warrior Down Fund is for Texas residents who are a veteran or family

member of a veteran with honorable service who have served in any foreign war, insurrection, or expedition which service is recognized by the award of a campaign medal of the United States, or who served in Korea for either 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days or who earned Hostile Fire pay or Imminent Danger pay, or that are currently serving in the Armed Forces in any capacity.

VFW and Auxiliary Member Disaster Assistance is for members who have been affected by a man-made or natural disaster and are members in good standing at the time of the incident.

VFW Post Assistance is to assist Posts with building repairs. Other qualifying conditions apply.

VFW Post Homeless Veteran Grant is for VFW Posts/Districts that are working with a approved City, State or V.A. sanctioned Homeless Veteran Stand-down.

DONATE TODAY!

You can make a difference by donating to the Texas VFW Foundation. As someone who knows the value of giving, you can be assured that your generous donation will meet vital needs and improve the lives of thousands of Texas veterans and their families affected by the hardships of war.

We thank you for your support of Texas veterans as every penny counts.

For more information please visit: www.texasvfwfoundation.org

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T H E

D E PA R T M E N T

O F

T E X A S

VFW AUXILIARY

The VFW Auxiliary was founded in 1914 to help Veterans and their families.

In this new Millennium that is still the primary goal of the organization.

The organization has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the Veterans who belong to the VFW. Like the VFW, the Auxiliary interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.

The Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. The VFW Auxiliary is an integral part of the VFW and supports a host of programs which pursue issues of national importance to Veterans.

These programs are designed to

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preserve Veterans rights, advocate a strong national defense, promote patriotism and offer community service.

The VFW Auxiliary also has conceived and implemented hundreds of its own volunteer programs to help Veterans, their spouses, their children, schools, and local communities. Although these programs are run locally, they are part of a larger nationwide effort, administered through the VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters. So deeply ingrained are such programs that the subtle guiding hand of the VFW Auxiliary is often not seen or recognized.

While continuing to support the VFW and its causes, the VFW Auxiliary has developed a social conscience of its own. With the paramount goal of helping families in distress, its members perform community service, fund cancer research, fight drug abuse and illiteracy, advocate for the rights of the elderly, and support the VFW National Home, Special Olympics, and other worthy causes.

For more information please visit: www.texasvfwauxiliary.org