With an abundance of new treatments for PTSD these days, members of VFW Post 2811 in Gainesville, Florida, planted their own with help from a local gardening group this year.

Though gardening therapy has cast ripples in the treatment for PTSD, Post 2811 Surgeon General Avery Owen and former Post 2811 Quartermaster Paul Deis faced a predicament when they first set out to get members of the Post involved in January.

“We were sitting in Deis’ office and discussing gardening therapy and how community gardens were not necessarily a good fit for veterans who carry the burden of PTSD,” said Owen, who retired from the Florida Army National guard after more than 30 years in the service.

Owen, who served 24 years on active duty and retired as a master sergeant with the 3rd Bn, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard, preferred a tailor-made garden for veterans, welcoming of all the aspects a Post provides to those seeking camaraderie.

“The idea of a teaching garden was what we wanted,” Owen said. “It demonstrated various methods, and it served as a living static display that could be used as a focal point for veterans to meet and share more than just gardening tips.”

Through word of mouth, Owen and Deis received a phone call later in the month that provided the opportunity they had been looking forward to seizing.

“It was Judith [Bellaire] from a local homesteading group called Grow Gainesville,” Owen said. “She was looking for a place for their monthly meetings as they had lost a past meeting place due to COVID.”

In a quid pro quo, Owen and Deis agreed to host Grow Gainesville, a local group of avid gardeners dedicated to food production, in return for their help in creating a teaching garden for veterans.

Members of Post 2811 and Grow Gainesville have since worked in symbiosis.

Following the construction of the teaching garden at Post 2811 in early February, the eight-month collaboration has led to veterans learning an array of methods for growing vegetables. Some of these methods include lessons in foot gardening, herb spiral, a keyhole garden, as well as several types of container gardening techniques.

“Our mission is to reacquaint ourselves with the skills involved in growing some of your own food,” said Tom Wootton of Grow Gainesville.

With most of the supplies and equipment also being donated by VFW and Grow Gainesville members, the group’s work at what is called a “victory garden” also is a longstanding tradition rooted in the unity between civilians and military soldiers.

The “victory gardens,” or home vegetable gardens, sprouted out of necessity during World War I and II, an effort by the National War Garden Commission to promote growing one’s own crops to free up crops for troops fighting in a foreign land.

At the Post 2811 teaching garden, veterans and Grow Gainesville members also have installed large insect and pollinator beds at each end of the garden, as well as began planting a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.

Though the results are still growing from their roots, the therapeutic effects of gardening and a safe space for camaraderie amongst both factions is exactly what Owen and Deis had planned.

“Gainesville is a college town and sometimes the military is not viewed in a positive light,” Owen said. “The meetings have had the positive effect of us meeting on common ground, finding those shared interests, and breaking down stereotypes on both sides. This is also a goal of the teaching garden, that integration back into society.”

Owen also added that the teaching garden’s positive impact has stirred others into action. Since being created, the Post has had several guests appear to take in the environment and help add to it.

“The teaching garden is newly constructed, but interest is quickly building,” Owen said. “Local recreational therapists from the Department of Veteran Affairs are interested and have even helped in the construction. The potential of this project is fantastic and hopefully will serve as a template for other VFW Posts.”

John Wayne Troxell’s devotion to veterans did not end in retirement after a 38-year Army career culminating with the role of senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) from 2015 to 2019.

The 58-year-old followed such distinction with a familiar second act, flocking to active-duty troops, wounded warriors and veterans across the world as the newly appointed VFW National Ambassador in January 2022.

Far from a traditional retirement with extended periods hunkering down in his residence in Lakewood, Washington, Troxell spends about 20 days on the road each month in support of veterans.

“I didn’t want to retire and become an agitator that complained about the state of things,” said Troxell, a life member of VFW Post 10281 in Vine Grove, Kentucky. “I wanted to be an enabler, giving back to an institution that gave so much to me. I wanted to help other veterans and their families.”

A commodity in high demand, Troxell’s infectious personality, wisdom and motivational skills keep him on the go – barring how fast the plane or car can keep up with his relentless motor.

Troxell spends most days visiting active-duty units, military installations and veteran-based organizations for events in which he serves as the guest of honor. At each destination, he bestows tailored speeches focused on leadership, readiness and his obsession with health and fitness.

“If you love what you do, the travel doesn’t matter,” Troxell said. “When you’re driven by purpose and giving back, I look at it as a compliment that people want me to come out and help our fellow veterans.”

FINDING MOTIVATION
In deciphering what endless fuel goes into the tank of a man like Troxell, the cap comes off to reveal remnants of his hometown, the impact older veterans had on him growing up, as well as the VFW.

A native of Davenport, Iowa, Troxell did not have much drive growing up in a middle-class home. Then, he began to notice his peers going off on active duty and coming back changed men.

“I didn’t feel like I had a lot of purpose and motivation throughout my high school years. I wasn’t the smartest kid or excelled in athletics,” Troxell said. “I was just getting by until I noticed guys like me going off to the military and coming back with their chests puffed out, wiser, sharper and with an air of purpose.”

Troxell enlisted in the Army in 1982 as an armored reconnaissance specialist, graduating from One Station Unit training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He would excel in the Army, eventually serving in most leadership roles within the non-commissioned officer corps. That included command senior enlisted leader at the battalion, brigade, regimental, corps, major command, sub-unified command and combatant command levels.

During his 38 years on active-duty, Troxell also deployed in support of Operation Just Cause in Panama, as well as Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

For almost four decades of excellence, the once unmotivated kid from Iowa became the top enlisted service member within the Department of Defense in December 2015.

Troxell would serve as the SEAC to the 19th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, now retired Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., until 2019.

Following his retirement in April 2020, Troxell had no trouble finding an array of post-retirement options to continue using his skill set as a world-class motivator and speaker.

He created his brand, PME Hard Consulting, a family affair he runs alongside his wife, Sandra, and son, Bryan, to provide leadership and human performance solutions for organizational excellence.

Through his consulting brand, Troxell has served as an advisor and brand ambassador for many veteran-based nonprofits, such as Hiring Our Heroes, Allied Forces Foundation and Our Community Salutes.

HELP FROM THE VFW
But it was the opportunity to don the VFW’s brand that most resonated with Troxell after being asked to join as national ambassador in January.

“It was a real honor to be named national ambassador by one of the truly great organizations for veterans in the world,” Troxell said. “I tell transitioning service members all the time about the VFW service officer that took care of me as I retired. Now to officially represent an organization that helped me to carry the message that truly ‘No One Does More For Veterans’ is such a privilege.”

Though it has been less than a year since being appointed to the position, Troxell, again, moves with haste.

He has since been a presence across training conferences for upcoming VFW commanders, a recurrent guest speaker on VFW’s #StillServing Podcast, as well as a guest speaker at several events held by local Posts across the country.

“My number one purpose is to continue to inspire and encourage our veterans,” Troxell said. “I want to recruit, but I also want our current and older VFW members to get healthier, get our comrades to get busy living and get after wellness and health.”

Troxell’s message resonated during his most recent event in Knoxville, Iowa, in July, where he joined VFW Post 3519 in co-hosting a ‘UFC Fight Night’ event alongside former UFC welterweight and Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.

The event was a sold-out affair that proved a successful recruiting event for the younger veterans as well as a different approach to a weekend event for the older VFW members.

“I’m just getting started,” Troxell said. “Now that we’re getting the boulder rolling, it’ll pick up steam. I’m very excited for the future.”

This article is featured in the 2022 September issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.

VFW Post 6753 life members Gerald Gaye and his wife, Helen, in Knoxville, Pennsylvania, started an annual benefit for shelter animals in 2014 that each October brings together a community of veterans and civilians for a noble cause.

The Gayes host dozens of local animal lovers each year, relying on volunteerism from Post members and Auxiliary to help manage an event that is free to the public and often headlined by local country and blues music bands. Donations and money raised often derive from the event’s auctions, yard sales and raffles.

“I’m trying to do what I can to help dogs and cats that need homes and are in shelters in Tioga County,” said Gaye, who serves Post 6753 as its junior vice commander and a service officer. “Each year, the benefit has become more popular with more people attending.”

The origins of the benefit began at the beginning of 2014, when the Gayes first heard the story of Charlie, a local dog found dead in a locked plastic pet carrier in the woods that January. In a bout of rage and sadness prompted by the solemn story, the Gayes acted by hosting the first annual benefit in October of that year at Willie’s Bar and Grill in Osceola Township, Pennsylvania, about six miles east of Knoxville.

With the size of the event gradually growing from year to year, the Gayes eventually transitioned from Willie’s to Post 6753 to accommodate a larger crowd. Between 2014 and 216, the event’s proceeds went toward Animal Care Sanctuary in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, an animal shelter about 21 miles south of Knoxville.

Starting 2017 benefit, however, the proceeds have instead gone to Heading Home Center, which is operated by Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries Inc., a volunteer organization that was founded in 2001 in Tioga County.

“We went with Second Chance because they use the money to provide medical treatment for the animals in their shelter,” Gaye added. “The Heading Home Center has guaranteed that 100 percent of the funds we provide will benefit the animals.”

Through the Gayes’ benefit, the Heading Home Center often receives donations in cash, as well as in the form of cleaning supplies, pet foods and blankets for the animals. At the center, animals eat 200 pounds of dog and cat food a month, according to Gaye.

“That’s why people who attend the benefit can now donate money to help Second Chance, or they can just bring a bag of dog or cat food or cleaning supplies,” Gaye said. “One hundred percent of the funds we raise will be used to benefit the animals.”

The 2022 benefit event is scheduled for noon on Oct. 8 at Post 6753 in Knoxville.

“We are hoping this year’s benefit will be even bigger than last year’s,” Gaye said. “As more people are getting into it, it will continue to bring in more monetary donations and food or supplies for Second Chance to keep helping these animals.”

Read more about Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries.

When Navy veteran Madison Fletcher became the first female commander of VFW Post 5444 in Dover Plains, New York, last year, a door of opportunity opened for her closest ally.

In navigating a male-dominated world for many years alone, Fletcher now stands head-and-shoulders with her mother, Melanie Ryder, who became Auxiliary president this year to serve her daughter as an additional voice of reason.

“My mom has always had my back, and she’s someone I can call and is always there for me,” said Fletcher, who served aboard the USS Wasp and HSC-26 out of Norfolk, Virginia, from 2004-2008. “I think her being in this new role will be beneficial for the both of us.”

Though both now work diligently as commander and Auxiliary president to enhance Post 5444’s image and reach in and around the community of Dover Plains, Ryder added that she will always be a mother first.

“As a mom, I’m very proud of her becoming the first female Post commander [of 5444] because I know it’s a big responsibility,” Ryder said. “It’s a man’s world, and I think she’s taking the position and handled it very well.”

Since being sworn in as Post commander in 2021, Fletcher’s ambitious nature has already helped her increase membership at the Post, as well as implemented new innovative ways to reach a larger veterans’ audience through apps and local events. For her efforts, Fletcher also has been elected as District senior vice commander and as a chairman for the Department of New York.

But Fletcher’s well-to-do attitude and early success has received a boost following her mother’s appointing as Auxiliary president this year.

Together thus far, the couple has united the Post and Auxiliary to host car shows, poker runs, silent auctions, dances and breakfasts to help raise more than $4,000.

“There’s a difference between mom and daughter, and president and commander,” Fletcher said. “The dynamic between us is for the good of the Post, having them both work closely together for a common goal.”

Despite an already organic relationship to support one another, Ryder added that a benefit of their unique situation is that any disagreements over VFW matters always end amicably at the dinner table.

“We always support each other during events, always trying to get new members and push the Post forward,” Ryder said. “I think some of the advantages is that we have that relationship already, and we can get mad, but we’re family and it doesn’t last.”

Fletcher believes together with her mother, they can continue to turn ripples in waves.

“I think we make a good team, and I am excited to see how far we can take the Post,” Fletcher said. “We have talked about what we can do for a while now, and we are certain this is certainly something that can benefit our membership and community.”

Members of VFW Post 10380 in Green Township, Ohio, once again headed out to the Harvest Home Fair earlier this month to spread the good news about VFW. Held in Cheviot, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb, the fair took place Sept. 8-11.

According to member Bob Abrams, “hundreds of people” stopped at the VFW booth. He said that number is greater than in past years.

“We handed out more than 500 U.S. flags to children and their parents who came to thank us for our service,” Abrams said. “There were many veterans inquiring about VFW membership, too.”

Member Ed Murphy said it is too soon to say how many members were recruited without first checking eligibility.

“We did have at least three veterans join our VFW,” Murphy said. “We have several more considering membership.”

Murphy said the success of the VFW booth this year was due, in part, to its location at the fair.

“Location made a huge difference,” he said. “Last year they had us by the rides and very loud music. It made it hard to communicate. This year, we were located by the main gate.”

Nearly 20 VFW members throughout the weekend manned the booth. They worked in shifts answering questions about membership, but also about what the VFW does in the community.

Murphy said that Post 10380 does not have a bar or restaurant which allows the Post to give the majority of its money to veterans and their families.

“Many people at the fair were surprised to hear that our color guard does nearly 100 military funerals each year,” Murphy said. “We also do about 8-10 missing man ceremonies as well as act as the color guard at other activities when requested.”

Abrams and Murphy agree that while recruiting new members is great, they are pleased that more people know about the work of the VFW.

“We know how to get things done,” Murphy said. “People attending the ‘Biggest Little Fair in Ohio’ are definitely getting to know more about Green Township VFW Post 10380.”

The ring of a bell at VFW Post 10087 in Beverly Hills, Florida, by an elderly veteran in May led to a grand-scale, 119-hour volunteer mission by six Post members to improve his living conditions.

When the 74-year-old veteran sought help from the Post in finding a local handyman for minor domestic repairs around his trailer, its members assessed the situation and realized this was a subdued plea for more than a routine repair.

“We learned that he suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a heart condition and was living alone in a mobile home he owned,” Post 10087 Commander Bill Merryman said. “We realized there were major safety issues involved and, as a result, his living in these conditions were causing him to become severely depressed.”

The Post members also learned that more than 50 percent of the interior flooring had deteriorated, his overgrown yard had become unsafe to walk about, and the front steps to the home were a safety hazard and needed replacement.

Led by Brooks Herrold, fellow Post members Bob Myal, Paul Bianchi, Tim Walter, Charles Adler and Merryman devoted 119 hours of labor at the veteran’s home, accumulating more than 920 miles on their vehicles and providing all tools needed to complete the project.

“We went in and replaced the front stairs, all of the rotten subflooring and cleared the property around his home,” Merryman said. “We completed the first phase at the end of July, and even though we are not yet done, most of the current repairs have already improved the veteran’s living conditions and mental status.”

The project relied on Post 10087’s veterans relief fund and the Veterans Foundation to cover the materials needed for replacement, while Herrold covered the project’s liability insurance through his Beverly Hills-based construction company, KCH Construction.

“Additional funds have been raised to cover the subflooring with tile and that phase will be completed in September,” Merryman said. “The veteran has expressed his gratitude to Post 10087 and all those who volunteered their time and expertise to work on this project.”

Through their house committee, Merryman added that Post 10087 is often reviewing new projects in support of veterans needing a hand up. They are also in the process of taking on a female veteran’s need of a roof repair, a request that was forwarded to them by the local United Way.

“Wherever and whenever we can, we assist,” Merryman said. “We hope this inspires others to continue helping veterans whenever possible.”

Last May, VFW Post 3619 in Deridder, Louisiana, joined others around the country for the first-ever VFW National Day of Service. But Post members were stepping up for their community long before that.

For National Day of Service, the Post hosted a Youth Summer Safety Fair where kids received ID kits and personal first aid kits. Young attendees also enjoyed crafts, story time and snacks. The event was a bright spot for a community that continues to rebuild following the pandemic and Hurricane Laura.

Since the onset of COVID-19, members have provided essential supplies to senior and disabled veterans. The Post also welcomed school-aged children into its hall to use its internet for distance learning, which is critical in its rural area.

When Hurricane Laura hit in late 2020, the Post sustained major water, wind and structural damage. Yet, its focus was on helping others. For several weeks, members worked to clear power lines and debris to allow access for emergency personnel. But that was only the beginning.

Since the hurricane, the Post has been supporting the community however it can, explained Post Quartermaster Shane Fowler. Members have removed trees and tarped roofs, fixed generators, made fuel runs for those in need, organized and distributed essentials and handed out thousands of pounds of food.

The Post fed more than 2,000 people in the first week following the hurricane and collected and distributed more than 200,000 tons of supplies to families in need around the state of Louisiana.

For its truly remarkable efforts, VFW Post 3619 received the 2021 VFW Fred C. Hall Memorial Outstanding Post Special Project Award – an honor well deserved.

In addition to its ongoing hurricane-relief efforts, the Post carries on with fun programs and beloved traditions like Blankets for Warm Vets and a Memorial Day Flag Posting.

The VFW has named VFW Post 3619 as it’s 2022 September #StillServing Post of the Month, and is proud to recognize the tireless and selfless work of the members of VFW Post 3619 who are #StillServing in so many important ways.

Members of VFW Post 4938 in Edmond, Oklahoma, are always available to help fellow veterans – and anyone else in need – no matter the task at hand.

“Our dedicated veterans continue to support a variety of VFW programs and their local community,” said Junior Vice Commander Bradly Blume.

For the inaugural VFW National Day of Service, the Post organized a food drive, benefitting the Hope Center of Edmond to help individuals facing hardship.

More recently, after learning about a local Iraq veteran who needed a space for his new service dog, the Post stepped up.

“Members jumped into action and quickly organized volunteers and supplies to make sure the veteran and his canine companion had what they needed,” said Blume. “Our Post believes that opportunities like this one are amazing ways to build, strengthen and preserve comradeship among members, local veterans and the community.”

In addition to these acts of service, VFW Post 4938 stands up for veterans’ rights and American values. For instance, members led a flag retirement ceremony as part of the Fourth of July Liberty Fest. And before the Senate voted on the historic PACT Act, the Post encouraged people to contact local politicians to ensure the bill passed.

Reflecting on recent efforts, Blume said, “this Post truly proves that no one does more for veterans than the VFW!”

The VFW is proud to honor Post 4938 and its members who are #StillServing.

Unraveling with the gospel of those touched by its power, a ranch hidden amidst the rolling pastures of Seguin in southern Texas has become a sanctuary for veterans.

Though few outside of the local veterans’ community in and around San Antonio have heard of it, Lazy U Ranch has become a safe haven for legions of active-duty troops, chaplains and wounded warriors over the years.

Named after the cattle brand registered by Henry Ulbrich in 1914, the 101-acre Lazy U Ranch moves many who have graced its pastures to recite its therapeutic effects, which often begin as the electric ironclad gate closes behind them.

Putting the clamor and speed behind, veterans proceed down a dirt road surrounded by swaths of greenery lined with oak and cedar elm trees that harbor longhorns munching on grass before arriving at the heart of the ranch.

Without the noise of contemporary life, veterans reach the ranch’s homestead to the tune of birds and insects buzzing and humming like pleasant memories, an old home built beside the slithering Guadalupe River.

As is customary, they are welcomed by the ranch’s owner, a hulking Cold War veteran sporting an ivory handlebar mustache and a cowboy hat that take a peripheral view to the piercing blue eyes
and warm smile of Craig Russell.

‘UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY’
Russell, who purchased the ranch alongside his wife, Nancy, whose family goes back several generations at Lazy U, has devoted his own home to the wellbeing of veterans. It is an oasis built on
the ethos – “God, Family and Country,” that Russell imparts to visitors.

“And no one gets to enjoy the amenities and activities we provide without having seen the short presentation we’ve created to tell the history of this place,” said Russell, a Life member of VFW Post 8456 in Geronimo, Texas. “They all need to learn and understand the history before becoming part of it. I’ve probably shown this presentation over a thousand times to more than 17,000 soldiers since.”

Russell indoctrinates newcomers by bringing them into the SS American Memorial, a hand-made building beside the family’s homestead. The building, started in 1984 by Nancy’s father, WWII veteran Jim Ulbrich, was dedicated in 2014 through more than $110,000 in donations to include air conditioning and a finished wine cellar in the basement.

Once inside, visitors sit to a backdrop adorned with timeless military memorabilia along massive commissioned paintings depicting American history hung on the wooden tapestry that makes up the ceiling and walls.

In this atmosphere, Russell plays the presentation on a screen, an emotional video compilation of photographs and quotes of sacrifice and duty to God, family and country that tell the history and evolution of the place.

“This gives a powerful visual history lesson on the Cold War and the founding of our country,” Russell said. “And it closes with a tribute to the sacrifice of our warriors.” By the time the credits roll, the veterans above their heads, separated by two factions – the dead and the living – become part of the viewers’ experience, a kind of distant family whose sacrifice is now bore by the new generation of veterans.

“It’s pretty powerful stuff,” said Timothy Voss, an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran who was first introduced to the ranch in 2012. “The education and message it provides let you begin to feel like you belong to something special.”

Voss, a Life member of VFW Post 8111 in San Antonio, was introduced to Lazy U in 2012 while looking for a good fishing destination around San Antonio, about 36 miles west of Seguin.

The Army veteran, who was medically retired in 2007 following an IED explosion while deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division in 2005-06, met Russell, learned about the place and has since become a regular.

“I come for the sense of peace the grounds provide,” Voss said. “As a veteran, it’s a struggle to find your clan amongst the general populace. The ranch provides the warrior clan a home amongst kinfolk of the same calling.”

‘LET THEM DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES’
In hearing much iteration of Voss’ sentiments about the ranch from thousands of veterans, Russell and his shipmates in 2016 decided to create the SS American Memorial Foundation. Through this nonprofit, Russell seeks to bring military and civilian families together by relieving the burdens of separation and hardship through direct assistance for basic needs, historical education and patriotic avenues.

“It has been a slow process because many veterans, especially wounded warriors, are skeptical when we tell them everything is free of charge,” Russell said. “That’s why we try hard just to get them to this place, let them take it in and decide for themselves.”

Russell’s confidence in the ranch’s power dates back to a fateful Fourth of July reunion with his shipmates in 2000. In many ways, the seeds for the SS American Memorial Foundation and the Russell family’s continued refuge for veterans at the ranch were planted that day.

After more than 15 years since they served aboard the USS Tunny (SSN682), which patrolled an area around the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, Russell and his submarine crew had a reunion at the request of their beloved Chief of the Boat (COB), Master Chief Torpedoman’s Mate David Follo.

What began as a small get-together for 30-40 shipmates morphed into an annual event later dubbed “The Lazy U Ranch 4th of July Shindig.”

“Each year the event grew in numbers of shipmates, family and friends in attendance,” Russell said. “It included a BBQ cook-off contest, live music and an attendance of more than 500 guests from 17 states, which included Hawaii and the country of Ireland.”

By 2005, the event morphed yet again to include the raising of a 20-by-30-foot U.S. garrison flag. This led to a different dimension – having children in the audience read the history of the Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance, Star-Spangled Banner, 21 Gun Salute and TAPS.

“The event became an education in the traditions of this great country,” Russell said. “It went from a gathering of old shipmates to an educational event intended to offer a sense of history to renew patriotism in the hearts of guests.”

‘A CHURCH IN A SENSE’
In wanting to both share the ranch’s fertile grounds for respite and outdoor therapy, as well as reminding veterans of their storied past laden in sacrifice and patriotism, Russell reached out to a new wave of soldiers in 2010.

“We reached out to the Warrior Transition Battalion located at the BAMC Intrepid Center [at Fort Sam Houston] so that they may use and enjoy the ranch as a place of quiet rehabilitation,” Russell said. “They understood that one of the most powerful tools for healing was outdoor activities like kayak fishing.”

Since then, groups of active-duty troops as small as 10 and as large as 400 have visited Lazy U Ranch regularly, where they are greeted by local volunteers who provide meals for the day with donations from churches and local companies.

Someone most keen on the idea of outdoor therapy is retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Camacho, whom after 19 years as an Army combat medic was selected to run the Warrior Transition Battalion, now known as the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

“I met Craig and Nancy back in September 2019,” said Camacho, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “Our meeting was in support of my unit’s mission of taking care of our most critically wounded, injured and ill. It was quite obvious that they were doing truly good things for others. They essentially took the ranch and used it to continue providing nurturance and sustainment of life in a bigger way, well beyond producing consumables.”

Camacho, a Life member of VFW Post 8315 in Schertz, Texas, went on to conduct three “Organizational Days” at the ranch following his initial visit, introducing his unit members to the ranch’s charm.

“It proved to be the right environment to get after the unit’s relaxation, resiliency and unit cohesion enhancement,” Camacho said. “I personally view it as a church in a sense, a building where a community of believers congregates. Veterans can come to any event that’s held at the ranch and be around relatable people. This in turn allows for conversation, which drives the ability to help and inspire each other.”

‘A BIGGER IMPACT BY WORKING TOGETHER’
Camacho’s unit, along with numerous nonprofit organizations centered around the well-being of veterans, remain active attendees of the ranch, which through the creation of the SS American Memorial Foundation has allowed Russell to offer more.

Lauded as one of the few places that remained open to veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Russell’s efforts have turned toward expanding the ranch. He wants to add a 65-acre park devoted to active-duty troops, veterans and first responders. The SS American Memorial Park, according to Russell, also will include a church for chaplains, walking trails and primitive camping.

The location is in its development phase, which will include a lofty goal of Russell’s to build the largest freestanding flagpole in North America at more than 400 feet.

“I have found that there’s often a lack of communication between organizations that do good work for veterans,” Russell said. “So the ranch has become a place, like a central command, where these organizations can come in and coordinate assistance and make a bigger impact by working together.”

This article is featured in the 2022 August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.

While it is hard to gauge the extent family relationships are intertwined with VFW memberships, it is clear, after talking with members of VFW Posts from New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, California and as far away as American Samoa, that VFW “family ties” often become VFW “force multipliers.” Here is a look at some of those families.

CARLO AND LEE ANN DAVIS
VFW POST 9191, KILLEEN,TEXAS
In October 2019, when Lee Ann Davis – a retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer – took the Post 9191 commander’s gavel from her husband, Carlo Davis – an active-duty Army chief warrant officer – she described the opportunity as “very overwhelming and … humbling.”

Three years later, Lee Ann, an Iraq War vet, reflected on that initial assessment: “I’ve got to be honest with you, only after I started doing the job did I fully realize just what [it] truly requires,” she said. “That’s when the light bulb came on. I was expecting others to come help me until I realized I had to do it on my own. I was elected and Carlo was deployed.”

Lee Ann said that when she was in need of guidance or information, Carlo was there for her.

“You know,” Carlo said, “because Lee Ann is a combat veteran like me, [this transition] fit like a glove. Not only can she and I do stuff that we’re passionate about, but it also brings us closer together.”

From a broader perspective, the Davises emphasized the importance of family support. It is especially important, they said, for veterans facing PTSD and mental health challenges.

“For veterans who feel they are on an island all by themselves, the VFW is a secondary family that can deliver the support chain,” Carlo said.

For the marital tag team, leading Post 9191 represents both prestige and challenges for the couple. Not chartered until May 1959, when it was officially named for Benjamin O. Davis, the first African American general officer in the U.S. armed forces, the facility was originally called “The Colored Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.”

“One thing we’re trying to do right now is get our Post to be an historical landmark in the city of Killeen,” said Carlo, a veteran of both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “At the same time, I believe the VFW should also better recognize our history. Because of racial division, it was not always a good history. But it’s part of our heritage, so let’s not hide that.”

SONNY FATU VA’A, MARIA VA’AIGAFO, WANDA VA’A BAINES, SONNY VA’A JR., CHRISTY VA’A FIELDING, CHRISTOPHER FIELDING, MARY VA’A
VFW POST 3391, PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA
If the VFW set out to determine the biggest family cohort in a single Post, the Va’a family would make strong contenders for the title.

Maria Brown Va’a-Igafo, the 61-yearold Va’a matriarch, counts a next-generation flock of five: a son, two daughters, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law. Four are on active duty in the Air Force or Army. Maria earned her VFW eligibility in Korea.

As Maria’s daughter, Wanda Va’a Baines, an Army major, said, it was the death of patriarch Sonny Fatu Va’a, also a member of VFW Post 3391, that convinced the younger generation to consider entering the VFW fold.

“My mom first introduced the VFW to us when she planned to attend the 2015 VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh,” said Wanda, an Iraq and Afghanistan War vet. “I remember very clearly how she informed us of VFW benefits and resources.”

Wanda said the VFW really left a “lasting impression” on the family when it helped the Va’a’s navigate the VA after Sonny’s death in 2013.

“She was very passionate [for] us to become members, so we all attended the 2015 convention to learn more,” Wanda said.

Not only did this sojourn spur new Post 3391 memberships, but it also became family tradition.

“Most of us are on the East Coast [in Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, with one in-law deployed to Poland] while my mom and non-military siblings are out west.” Wanda said. “We don’t get to see each other 11 months of the year. So we use the annual national conventions as opportunities to have a family reunion, as well as show our patriotic support of VFW.”

NORMAN WIENER, BRIAN WIENER AND COLIN WIENER
VFW POST 8098, BRIGANTINE, NEW JERSEY
In June 2020, Brian Wiener – a six-year Navy veteran and now an Atlantic City, New Jersey, firefighter – became commander of the VFW Department of New Jersey.

One of his first acts was appointing his father, Norman Wiener, a Korean War vet, as his chief of staff.

“Not many people get to do that,” said Brian, a Persian Gulf War vet. “We became much, much closer [and] genuinely wanted the best for each other. I would do it all over again if I could.”

A National Guard veteran, Norman took charge of Brian’s daily schedule.

“Sometimes he missed a date,” Norman said.

And, even though Brian was the boss, Norman occasionally stepped in as father.

“But I did it tactfully,” Norman said. “Sometimes he didn’t know it. All in all, we worked together pretty [well].”

Not surprisingly, the Wieners’ inter-generational VFW affiliation – Brian’s son, Colin, an Army officer, also is a member of Post 8098 – entail different perspectives on the VFW.

Brian, 51, understands that Norman, 86, and Colin, 27, have different age and lifestyle agendas.

“My father,” Brian said, “is of a completely different generation than my children. (Brian’s daughter, Breana, serves in the Marine Corps band.) His beliefs and his service are just different than ours. I have a vested interest, not only with my children’s and father’s VFW future, but also my own.”

Brian added that he has a special interest in the legislative end of veterans’ affairs, which complements the interests of the rest of his family.

“We would all like to be taken care of as veterans,” he said. “That remains the same [even though] the work that we put into it differs.”

BOBBI SHEETS, DAVE SHEETS AND BILL SANDERS
VFW POST 6365, LOCUST, NORTH CAROLINA
For Bobbi Sheets, North Carolina VFW District 12 commander, family connections have made Post 6365 a recruiting and financial juggernaut.

When Bobbi first joined the VFW in 1990 – three years into a 13-year Air Force career as an airdrop loadmaster and instructor – she assumed the Post was a bar outside the base gate.

“When I got here to North Carolina [after discharge], I transferred my membership right away [but] it took me 13 years to walk into the Post,” said Bobbi, who earned her VFW eligibility in Panama.

One day, though, Bobbi received a phone call inviting her to a meeting.

“What time does the bar open?” she asked, only to learn there was no bar because the Post was in a dry county.

Intrigued, Bobbi attended the meeting, only to find herself elected Post chaplain.

“I thought, ‘Oh Lord, I am the least likely person to ever be a chaplain,'” she said.

It was not until she attended the 2016 VFW National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, that Bobbi finally got “the big picture of what the VFW actually did.”

Once Bobbi moved up to Post 6365’s top leadership role – unexpectedly when her predecessor stepped down – she marshalled her untapped strength and began recruiting.

“If I filled the need that veterans have, they would join,” she said. “We even started Zoom communications to reach our shut-ins, deployed reservists and even people who left the area but still wanted to be involved.”

Post 6365 also benefits from the work of Bobbi’s spouse, Dave Sheets, an Air Force retiree who earned his eligibility on Grenada.

“My husband is the Post quartermaster,” Bobbi said. “He takes care of all the financials and keeps me focused on the numbers. He’s also the adjutant. He’ll give me a list [telling me] to ‘text these people, they need to pay.'”

Bobbi’s brother, Bill Sanders, another Air Force retiree who meets via Zoom from Ohio, chips in. Bill’s membership eligibility came from his time in Bosnia.

“He has really honed [my] writing skills,” said Bobbi, who often emails Bill drafts of VFW communications for his review and comment.

According to the figures, the Sheets and Sanders families have made a positive impact on the Post.

“We started my tenure with 19 [members],” Bobbi said. “We’re [now] at 95 people. We didn’t originally have a big bank account. Now we have five figures. We’ve done a lot.”

DAWN AND JACK NAPIER
POST 9561, HOOPA, CALIFORNIA;
KEVIN DALGLEISH
VFW POST 1872, LOWER LAKE, CALIFORNIA
For Dawn “Dusty” Napier, a Native American and member of the Kurak Tribe, leaving home for a Navy career meant leaving behind her family and indigenous heritage.

Returning 30 years later – retired as a senior chief in radio communications – Dusty found herself disconnected from two extended families – military comradeship and the Kurak Tribe.

“Had I not gone off to serve,” said Dusty, a Persian Gulf War vet, “I likely would have been active in restoration of tribal ceremonies and language. Since being back home, I’ve attended Kurak ceremonies, but reintegration has been slow.”

In Dusty’s view, VFW efforts to connect with “native veteran brothers and sisters” face daunting hurdles. To some tribal members, for example, VA and even veteran service organizations represent a government they do not trust.

Dusty said that for the most part, Native American veterans prefer having their health care provided by the Indian Health Service instead of VA.

As VFW Department of California commander, Dusty encourages VFW Posts to partner with their tribes.

Meanwhile, Dusty and her husband, Jack – a Navy retiree and Desert Storm vet – relish their reconnection with military camaraderie. Her brother, Kevin Dalgleish, is a member of a different VFW Post.

“I’m putting my energies into the VFW, a tight-knit association that bonds my husband and me together as family,” Dusty said.

If you have multiple family members who are veterans within the VFW ranks, send us a photo. We may use it on VFW magazine’s Facebook page.

This article is featured in the 2022 August issue of VFW magazine and was written by David Sears is a Vietnam War veteran and VFW member in New Jersey.

Picture captions:

Top row, left: Brian Wiener (far right) appointed his father, Norman (far left) as his chief of staff when Brian became the Department of New Jersey commander in 2020. Father and son are members of VFW Post 8098 in Brigantine, New Jersey, as is Brian’s son, Colin, also pictured. Brian’s daughter, Breana, is also pictured in her Marine Corps band uniform.
Top row, middle: Carlo and Lee Ann Davis of VFW Post 9191 in Killeen, Texas, believe that the VFW is a secondary family that delivers an important support chain.
Top row, right: Husband and wife duo Jack and Dawn “Dusty” Napier of VFW Post 9561 in Hoopa, California, said they cherish the VFW as it keeps them connected with a sense of military camaraderie. Bottom row, left: Bobbi and Dave Sheets work together as husband and wife at VFW Post 6365 in Locust, North Carolina.
Bottom row, right: The Va’a family of VFW Post 3391 in Pago Pago, American Samoa, counts multiple family members involved in the VFW.