The organization provides resources and comradeship for veterans who can unite over shared experiences, and serves the local community through education and events, VFW Post 10427 Commander Chris King said.
The background
The VFW—a national nonprofit serving more than 1.4 million members—was founded in 1899 to advance rights and benefits for veterans following the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection, according to VFW information.
Veterans in the Leander area established VFW Post 10427 in 1975. Today, the post serves more than 440 members, King said. Members participate in monthly meetings, elect officers and vote on how to spend funding, among other decisions.
The organization helps connect veterans to counseling, medical services through the Veterans Affairs program, and financial aid for various needs such as rent, car repairs, hotel stays and gas.
Some members advocate on behalf of veterans at the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Capitol, King said. VFW advocated for the passage of the U.S. Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act in 2022, he said, which expanded VA coverage for several presumptive conditions linked to toxic substance exposure.
The impact
The VFW aims to raise awareness of veterans and promote patriotism in the community, King said.
Leander members visit local schools and city council meetings to recognize commemorative dates by sharing how these wars impacted communities and families. King, who served in the military for 24 years, said one of the most difficult parts of his time in Iraq was the impact it had on his son.
“It’s not just something that happened over there,” King said about foreign wars. “It happened over there but it impacted here as well, and it impacted not just the veteran; it impacts the family.”
Get involved
VFW Post 10427 reaches the community through annual events, holiday celebrations, monthly steak nights and other fundraising events. The post held a fundraiser for PTSD awareness in April and is renting its land to host the Texas Pumpkin Fest this October.
Throughout the week, community members can participate in pool tournaments, shuffleboard events and karaoke nights at the post, which features a canteen with a bar. The organization’s Yetter Hall is also available for local businesses and organizations to rent.
Community members can donate financially and volunteer at events by contacting the post through its website, King said. Fundraising allows the organization to continue hosting events that benefit the community, including collecting clothes for homeless veterans and school supplies for students, he said.
“We want to be a functional part of our community and give to our community as well,” King said.
Upcoming events include:
- Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat from 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 10427
- Nov. 8: Veterans Day live music event at VFW Post 10427
- Nov. 14: Darryl Worley concert with doors opening at 5 p.m. at Haute Spot
