Sharing a shoreline with Oklahoma to the north and Texas to the south, the aptly named Lake Texoma is home to members of VFW Post 7873, who gladly share their serene outdoor space with other veterans and the public.

Offering five RV spaces with full hookups (including water, sewer and electricity access) and access to Lake Texoma via a boat ramp, the Post hosts hundreds of campers each summer.

The Preston, Texas, Post is near scenic Sunset Point – a picturesque location right along the lake’s edge, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

“It means everything to us to be able to share this beauty with others,” said Post Quartermaster Cressenda Sittner. “We also take the time to inform tourists about VFW and our mission.”

Each October, the Post hosts “Operation Welcome Home,” or “Take a Soldier Fishing Weekend.” Founded by Post member Jerry Dorsey, veterans are invited to the Post for a weekend
where they are taken out on Lake Texoma for fishing, provided meals and given the chance to relax and connect with each other.

“J.D. coordinates with Georgetown Baptist Church and other service organizations, including the American Legion, to help feed guests during their stay,” Sittner said.

For this year’s VFW Day of Service, the Post planned to gather 20-30 volunteers to clean up Preston Bend Cemetery and erect a new pavilion there.

POLAR-PLUNGING FOR VETERANS
For almost a decade, Post 7873 has hosted an annual “polar plunge” fundraiser at Lake Texoma. According to a report from local news station KX12, Post Auxiliary President Janis Vogelsang got the idea to begin hosting annual polar plunges from a close friend from the Northeast.

“We had a friend here from Rochester, New York, and she participated in a polar plunge in New York,” Vogelsang said. “She suggested it to us, and everyone thought it was a good idea.”

As host and organizer of the polar plunge, Vogelsang creates the pledge forms each January. On Feb. 21, 20 plungers donned their swimming suits in preparation to jump into the frigid Lake Texoma waters.

According to Sittner, each year, four plungers in particular tally up the most donations: E.J. McManaman, Jeff Demerchant, Brad Sisemore and Carrie Sisemore.

“After the plunge, we count up the donations and announce the top three donors,” Sittner said. “Winners get bragging rights. The proceeds go to support our Post and our continued mission of supporting our veterans.”

Participants from the local community join in to help support the continued presence of VFW on Lake Texoma. Last year, the Post raised more than $7,000.

This article is featured in the 2026 September/October issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Danny Cook, senior writer for VFW magazine.

May 2 marked the kickoff to VFW’s 5th Annual Day of Service. Taking place across the nation and around the world, VFW Day of Service showcases veterans banding together to make a difference in their communities. By combining resources, gaining media support and dedicating the entire month to service, VFW spotlights the ongoing commitment of veterans who continue to lead lives of service.

As of May 29, 2,662 Posts around the world had completed Day of Service projects. That number will grow as more Posts submit reports for activities completed.

In North Kingstown, Rhode Island, members of VFW Post 152 and community volunteers took the Day of Service to a new level with multiple events taking place. To get things going, Post 152 member Patrick Murray presented a proposal to the North Kingstown Town Council to formally make the first Saturday in May the town’s Day of Service.

Once the Council passed a resolution to that effect, Murray visited with other civic organizations to discuss the possibilities. From there, the Day of Service became about park clean-ups, beautifying sections of streets, donating blood and collecting food for an area pantry.

“We tried to make this more than just the VFW doing it,” Murray said. “The point of Day of Service is to be visible to the public. For next year, we will continue to get more people involved and grow the effort.”

One of the groups participating was the Plum Beach Garden Club, whose members worked the flower beds in historic Wickford Village. North Koffee provided a good location and coffee for the blood drive donors. Allies Donuts provided donuts to keep the volunteers fueled.

Murray said he is grateful to the North Kingstown Town Council and town employees who helped make this event the official Town Day of Service. Others such as Histwick, Wickford Village Association, North Kingstown Chamber, St. Paul’s, St. Bernard’s and St. Francis de Sales all heavily promoted the event, Murray added.

“We were appreciative of the Rhode Island Blood Center for being supportive and flexible as the logistics of the day evolved,” he said. “We had 31 donors and hit 150 percent of our goal.”

Murray said that involving the entire community it made the Day of Service more successful and collaborative. He said all Posts could do the same by going to the city council or town council several months in advance of May. (See Day of Service list of Posts on p. 54.)

“Any Post can do exactly what we did in North Kingstown,” Murray said. “What we experienced was solid community teamwork. Most importantly, everyone involved showed they care about our town.”

This article is featured in the September/October issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.

One North Carolina VFW Post found a creative way to aid active-duty military personnel before deployment.

Post 1142 and its Auxiliary in North Wilkesboro recently partnered with the United Service Organizations (USO), a non-profit dedicated to supporting military personnel and their families throughout the entirety of their service. The Post and Auxiliary members made it their goal to fill and donate more than 600 bags of snacks and personal hygiene items to be delivered to Marines.

Hope Raney, wife of Post 1142 Commander Brian Raney, and Maebelle Nance, wife of Post 1142 member Tim Nance, volunteered to lead the project, which involved reaching out to nearby USO centers in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

A total of 66 hours was spent packing each of the 618 bags, which included food items such as Slim Jims, powdered drink mixes, ramen, trail mix, gum, granola bars and instant soup. Personal hygiene items, which were packed in separate bags, included disposable razors, wet wipes, foot powder, toothbrushes, toothpaste, zip lock bags and hand sanitizer.

According to Raney, along with the bagged donations, the Post also donated 400 containers of sunscreen.

Raney and Maebelle saw both monetary support and volunteerism from Post members and the local North Wilkesboro community.

“This is an important way for the VFW and Auxiliary to support those serving in the military,” Raney said. “It boosts the service members’ morale and lets them know that there are people who care about them and are praying for them.”

After the bags were filled, Raney and Maebelle delivered 300 donations to the Raleigh USO Center at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Sept. 1, just before the Marines departed. The Post delivered the remaining 318 bags to the Charlotte USO Center on Sept. 15.

Raney plans to turn this donation event into a quarterly affair, with plans to make another delivery to the USO centers in December.

“Post 1142 and its Auxiliary hope the partnership with USO is an ongoing endeavor,” Raney said. “We would like to be able to continue to work with the community and possibly other Posts to donate even more in the future.”

This article is featured in the 2026 September issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Members of VFW Post 10131 and its Auxiliary in Cape Canaveral, Florida, hosted a luncheon on June 7 to recognize nine Purple Heart recipients from the Brevard County community.

The Purple Heart recipients were recognized individually and given a certificate and a Purple Heart Challenge coin, along with a meal for them and their friends and families. The event also honored three Purple Heart recipients posthumously.

Among the honorees was Medal of Honor Recipient and Post 10131 Life member Melvin Morris, who served with the Army’s 5th Special Forces Group during the Vietnam War.

Morris received the Medal of Honor for his heroics while serving as commander of a strike force drawn from Co. D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy near Chi Lang on Sept. 17, 1969.

That afternoon, Staff Sergeant Morris’ companies encountered a large enemy minefield and were engaged by hostiles. He received radio reports that a fellow team commander was killed near an enemy bunker. Morris quickly reorganized his men into an effective assault formation, advanced forward and split off with two men to recover the fallen commander’s body.

Morris charged into enemy fire with only his men’s suppressive fire for cover. Despite continuous strafing from enemy machine guns, he destroyed four bunkers with hand grenades and pressed on. Reaching the bunker near the fallen team commander, he repelled the enemy, retrieved his comrade and began the difficult trek back to friendly lines. He was wounded three times as he struggled forward, but ultimately succeeded in returning his fallen comrade to a friendly position.

Morris was honored at the luncheon, held in conjunction with Post 10131’s First Responders luncheon.

Post 10131 hosts this drop-in luncheon once a month, and it is open to all Law Enforcement, firefighters and EMTs. First responders are provided a free lunch and an opportunity for camaraderie in the post dining room.

This article is featured in the 2026 September issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Earl Jackson, 48, reflected back on his work. The veterans he’s helped. The stories he’s heard. Plenty of clients came to mind for the VFW Accredited Service Officer. But one stood out.

“I was helping a transitioning member overseas who thought he’d waited too long to start his claim,” Jackson said. “Months after we submitted it, he reached out. He received a favorable rating and said it gave his family peace of mind during a difficult time. Moments like that remind me why this work matters.”

Once you get to know more about Jackson, who served in the Marine Corps for 21 years, it’s easy to understand why this experience stuck with him.

“My family – my partner, Sonia, and my five children – is one of the driving forces behind my service to others,” he explained.

The well-being of his fellow veterans and service members also drives Jackson. It always has.

“I began helping veterans shortly before retiring from active duty and became more involved over time as fellow service members reached out for guidance,” he said. “I saw too many people struggle with the complexity of the VA system.”

Jackson realized what was largely missing: someone willing to take the time to listen, explain and advocate for veterans. He wanted to “ensure they were treated fairly.”

Working in Okinawa, Japan, Jackson is honored to fill that role for veterans and military families throughout the Pacific region.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a veteran finally receive a favorable decision after years of frustration, helping a service member complete a benefits delivery at discharge claim before separation or knowing that families will have stability, access to health care and financial relief because of the work we do,” Jackson said.

“Those outcomes make the effort worthwhile.”

Every day is different, explained Jackson, because every client’s story and claim is unique. Despite the challenges, he cherishes the role.

“At the heart of it, the work comes down to personal connection, trust and advocacy,” Jackson said. “It gives me a continued sense of purpose. Even after retiring from the Marines, I’m still serving others.”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Members of VFW Post 6181 in Ashland City, Tennessee, celebrated America’s 250th birthday in July by launching its own golf tournament at nearby Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Held at the Cole Park Golf Course, an 18-hole championship facility in Fort Campbell, about 47 miles north of Ashland City, the tournament hosted more than 50 participants and raised $2,500 for programs for veterans at VFW Post 6181 and its American Legion counterpart.

“It was a great day for all that came out and enjoyed the tournament,” VFW Post 6181 Commander Michael Burke said. “We had great sponsors from the community as well as the Tennessee National Guard giving out goody bags to each player.”

At the end of the tournament, Post 6181 awarded prizes to members of the winning teams, which included a homemade knife for each player on the first-place team and gift bags from the Tennessee National Guard in Ashland City for the second-place team. The Post also hosted a raffle where participants could draw from a slew of $50 gift certificates from Home Depot, Golf Tech, Walmart and Hardee’s.

“We are planning on doing this tournament again next year, but it will be in late August or the first of September,” Burke added. “We will once again look to raise money and divide it between Post 6181 and Legion Post 40, as all the money we raise is always used to help a veteran in need.”

VFW Post 11999 in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, celebrated a successful Independence Day season, highlighted by the Post’s leadership role in the local July Fourth parade, continued support of visiting service members and the completion of its signature annual Mountain Assault retreat benefiting soldiers and their families from the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit.

While supporting Cloudcroft’s Christmas in July Jamboree, Post Commander Paul Benshoof recognized the many Post members, Scout Troop 958, community partners and volunteers who contributed to the success of the Independence Day parade.

“Events like this demonstrate what a small community can accomplish when people come together,” Benshoof said. “Our Post is proud to support Cloudcroft’s traditions and help create opportunities for residents, visitors, veterans and service members to celebrate together.”

This year’s parade also welcomed soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 172nd Mountain Infantry Regiment, who joined the parade formation while training at Fort Bliss in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Upon learning that two members of the battalion had recently married, members of VFW Post 11999 helped make the soldiers’ honeymoon visit to Cloudcroft a memorable experience by providing them an opportunity to relax and enjoy the Sacramento Mountains before their upcoming deployments.

“It was an honor to welcome these soldiers to our community and show them the appreciation they deserve,” Benshoof said.

Since 2011, Mountain Assault has provided soldiers an opportunity for rest, recreation, fellowship and strengthening family connections. This year on July 17, approximately 40 soldiers and family members from the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit participated in the weekend retreat into the Sacramento Mountains.

Despite periods of inclement weather, participants enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including horseback riding, ATV tours, weapons activities, and challenge courses while up in the mountains.

The event was also recognized by community and veteran leaders. VFW Department of New Mexico Commander Mack Dyer and New Mexico Representative John Henry from District 54 addressed participants and expressed their appreciation for the soldiers’ service.

Henry also presented VFW Post 11999 with a certificate of appreciation recognizing the Post’s dedication in organizing and hosting Mountain Assault.

“Our success is a direct reflection of the commitment and generosity of our members,” Benshoof said. “Every volunteer hour, every community event and every effort to support veterans and service members contributes to the impact our Post has on Cloudcroft and beyond.”

Edited for length and style, this article was written by Steve Blowsk. This article is featured in the 2026 August issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Sub-zero temperatures. Running up to 15 miles a day. Shouldering 100-pound rucksacks across unforgiving terrain. It was all part of the job for Stevie Wonder Houston, 52. But after six years, the job took its toll.

“Being in the Army, especially in Fairbanks, Alaska, is difficult on the body,” he explained.

Today, Houston grapples with several service-connected conditions, including degenerative disc disease, tinnitus and sleep apnea. Between the ringing in his ears, trouble sleeping and chronic pain, living the life he imagined can be difficult for Houston.

He made an appointment at his local VFW office to see about increasing his VA disability rating and was connected with VFW Accredited Service Officer Gabriel Leach.

“Unless one is trained on how to fill out the forms and how the claims process works, it can be daunting. Gabriel was professional and precise – his support meant a lot to me,” Houston said.

With Leach’s help, Houston secured a 100% disability rating. He hopes other veterans get the assistance they deserve, too.

“If you served in the military and the military broke something in you, physically or mentally, you earned benefits,” he said. “We signed a ‘blank check’ for our lives when we agreed to serve. The least our government can do is take care of us after our mission is complete.

“The VFW helped ensure I was taken care of, and it can help you, as well.”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

While working as a non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the Army, VFW Post 467 member Jose Flores came to a powerful realization: “Every soldier has a story.”

According to Flores, an integral duty of an NCO is to wholly care for soldiers. Throughout his 30-year career in the Army, he had a chance to connect with and listen to the personal journeys of hundreds of troops, which inspired him to pursue work in amplifying veterans’ voices through broadcasting.

To keep close proximity to veterans so that he could support them, Flores wanted to join an organization that echoed his values. In 2003, he officially became a member of VFW Post 476 in Westminster, Maryland.

“Joining VFW gave me another avenue to stay connected with the veteran community,” Flores said. “It’s more than an organization. It’s a network of support, camaraderie and advocacy for all of those who served.”

Flores received VFW eligibility by serving with the 4th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Dexheim, Germany, the 3rd Squadron, 6th “Heavy Cav” Regiment in Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and the United States Army Central Command in Saudi Arabia.

HELPING VETERANS FIND PURPOSE
When Flores “took off the uniform” in 2010, he says his service didn’t end – it evolved.

“I’ve seen the struggles many veterans face firsthand,” Flores said. “Transitioning, trying to find identity, dealing with mental health challenges and feeling like they’ve lost their mission. I know that feeling. And I know what it takes to fight through it.”

In 2017, Flores started his podcast, “Motivated Mindset with Jose Flores,” where veterans are invited to come and speak about their own experiences.

“The truth is that all of us have a story worth sharing,” Flores said. “Where we come from, what shaped us. Creating this podcast gave me a platform to amplify those voices, especially veterans. It allows them to share their journeys, their transitions, their challenges and their successes in a way that connects them with others.”

Flores also works closely with Military Broadcast Radio (MBR).

“Between my podcast and MBR, the mission remains the same: create space, build connections and tell real stories that matter,” Flores said.

The support for veterans does not end there. Flores also volunteers as an end-of-life doula, or hospice volunteer, at his local hospice to help support and be present for veterans and their families.

“We conduct ceremonies to recognize their service, where they’re presented with a certificate, a flag and a handmade quilt,” Flores added. “It’s not easy work and it can be emotionally heavy, but I truly feel that’s where I’m called to be.”

‘DON’T LOSE YOUR IDENTITY. REDEFINE IT’
Flores, like many veterans, struggled when transitioning back to civilian life and understands the inner conflict.

“I still remember what transition felt like,” he said. “It felt like I lost my identity and my sense of purpose. It was challenging. I missed my comrades and that sense of teamwork. That lifestyle becomes part of who you are.”

However, his advice for navigating transition is: “Don’t lose your identity – redefine it. You aren’t starting over; you’re evolving. Take the skills, discipline, leadership and resilience you gained in service and apply them to your next chapter, and remember this: Your service didn’t end, it just looks different now.”

This article is featured in the 2026 July/August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Danny Cook, senior writer for VFW magazine.

Across the country, VFW Posts are discovering that the most effective path to membership sustainability is not a single campaign or recruitment push. Rather, it is the steady work of building authentic relationships within the communities.

By meeting veterans where they already gather, Posts can create meaningful connections that translate into long-term engagement, renewed purpose and stronger organizations.

One such example comes from VFW Post 7356 in Parkville, Missouri, where an enduring partnership with the Kansas City Warriors hockey team demonstrates how collaboration with community-based veterans groups can create measurable results.

A NATURAL ALIGNMENT OF MISSION
The Kansas City Warriors are more than a hockey team. As a disabled-veteran hockey organization, their mission focuses on camaraderie, rehabilitation and continuing the bonds of service through sport.

That focus mirrors the VFW’s long-standing commitment to ensuring veterans remain connected, supported and engaged after military service.

Recognizing this alignment, leaders at Post 7356 approached the relationship not as a recruitment effort, but as a community partnership. Post members attended games, supported team events and took the time to understand the culture and needs of the Warriors team. The emphasis was simple: Build trust first.

For VFW Post 7356 Commander Joseph L. Wolfgeher Jr., supporting organizations such as the Warriors is important.

“The team serves as a valuable resource that positively impacts veterans by providing an outlet to build relationships, foster camaraderie and develop a support system,” Wolfgeher said. “Our support as a local Post has been equally reciprocated by members of the Warriors through their commitment to VFW membership and continued community service.”

FROM ENGAGEMENT TO MEMBERSHIP
As the relationship deepened, members of the Warriors began to see the Post not just as a veterans organization, but as an extension of their own community. Informal conversations at games and
social events led to invitations to visit the Post, participate in activities and learn more about the VFW’s advocacy and programs.

The result was organic and impactful. Several Kansas City Warriors chose to join the VFW, becoming active members of Post 7356. Today, they are not only participants but contributors, supporting
Post initiatives, attending meetings and helping shape outreach efforts to other veterans.

“After a couple of years out of the military, I missed a lot of the camaraderie and connection that I had in the military,” said Jeff Schmidt, Post 7356 member and Warriors hockey player. “I found my new tribe with the VFW and the Kansas City Warriors.”

BENEFITS BEYOND NUMBERS
While the increase in membership is significant, the broader impact on Post vitality is equally important. The partnership has:

• Expanded the Post’s visibility within the local veteran community.
• Brought in younger and recently separated veterans, strengthening generational continuity.
• Created joint events and service opportunities that benefit both organizations.
• Reinforced the VFW’s relevance as a hub for camaraderie and mission-driven activity.

For the Warriors, the relationship provides access to the VFW’s advocacy network, resources and a welcoming home base that supports their mission off the ice.

“I love the camaraderie I get from my VFW Post,” said Kevin Hutchison, Post 7356 member and Warriors team member. “We have a great mix of veterans from various wars, and I like how we come together to help in the community.”

A REPLICABLE MODEL FOR POSTS NATIONWIDE
The experience of Post 7356 offers a clear framework other Posts can follow:

1. Identify organizations with shared purposes such as veterans’ sports teams, service groups, nonprofits and community coalitions.
2. Invest time before asking for commitment; attend events, volunteer and listen.
3. Create joint opportunities that highlight mutual value.
4. Invite participation, not just membership, because engagement leads to membership sustainability.

This approach reflects a broader truth about today’s veteran landscape: Connection drives commitment. When Posts position themselves as collaborative partners rather than standalone institutions, they become more accessible, more relevant and more impactful.

STRENGTHENING THE FUTURE OF THE VFW
As the VFW continues to evolve, stories such as the partnership between Post 7356 and the Kansas City Warriors illustrate how tradition and innovation can work hand-in-hand. By honoring the organization’s legacy of camaraderie while embracing new pathways to engagement, Posts can ensure the VFW remains a vibrant force for generations of veterans to come.

In Parkville, that future is already taking shape – one relationship, one shared mission and, in this case, one game at a time.

This article is featured in the 2026 July/August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Johnny Neal, assistant director for VFW membership.