VFW Day is Sept. 29, but Highland Lakes celebrates veterans year-round

The hashtag for National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day on Sept. 29 is exactly what the Marble Falls and Burnet VFW posts do: #CelebrateEveryDay. Neither have events planned for that particular day (well, Marble Falls is serving cake), but both work every day of the year to support veterans and their communities.

Commander Jim Meyer of Highland Lakes Post 6974, 1402 W. Buchanan Drive (Texas 29) in Burnet, calls it a home away from home for veterans.

“It’s someplace we can come and be around people who understand what went on, who get your mindset,” he said. “When you come in here, you get a calm feeling, even if you’re stressed out.” 

Marble Falls VFW Post 10376 Commander Jeff Zak pointed to the importance of a VFW post in linking veterans and community. The post is located at 1001 Veterans Drive off of RR 1431.

“The VFW is a focal point where the community can show their appreciation to men and women who have given a portion of their lives to defend our country and our freedoms,” he said. “In turn, it’s a place for the people who have served to continue to give to the community and continue to give civil service.”

Meyer served in the first Gulf War in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was an Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy when he retired after 12 years of service. He and wife Deedra sold the family ranch in South Dakota and moved to the Burnet area eight years ago. They immediately sought out the VFW and became involved in the community. 

“Burnet VFW members volunteer at LACare (food pantry), we help with veterans in the nursing homes, and maintain a Poppy Fund for veterans in crisis,” Meyer said. “We’re here for any veteran who needs help. We can help or we can find out where to go get help.” 

The Marble Falls post also maintains a fund to help veterans in trouble, whether they live in the area or are passing through. Zak and wife Robbin, who is currently president of the Marble Falls VFW’s auxiliary, rolled up to the post three years ago. Zak was transitioning from military to civilian life after 30 years, ending as a Command Sergeant Major E9 in the U.S. Army veterinary corps. (The Army is the only branch of the military with a veterinary unit.) His last job was as Command Sergeant Major of the wounded troops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

“I was in transition and went to see what help I could get with the process,” Zak said of his first visit to Post 10376. “There were military members in there who I could talk to. We started going regularly and became members.” 

Now in his second year as commander, Zak’s goal is to erase the stigma he says has plagued VFW posts for decades. 

“People think it’s a smoky hangout for just veterans,” he said. “Our post is non-smoking. We want people to come into the canteen and have a good time.”

The public is invited to any and all VFW events.

In Marble Falls, that includes Friday night karaoke, regular live music (on Sept. 2, come dance to the Jody Proctor Band for a $10 cover), and dinner specials ($2 Taco Tuesdays). They serve a free dinner to veterans, first responders, and their families every first Friday of the month (the Sept. 1 meal is Mexican lasagna, rice, and salad). 

In Burnet, the commitment to community is just as crucial. The post hosts a free potluck dinner every Friday night. Members volunteer at the local food pantry and visit and provide assistance to veterans in nursing homes. They also maintain a Poppy Fund to help veterans in crisis. 

“We get involved in our community,” Meyer said. “We show support for our community. Everybody here has served. That’s still in their DNA. They still want to serve and help.”

A specialty in Burnet for fun, fellowship, and fundraising is the twice-a-week bingo nights. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays with warm-up play at 6 p.m. and regular play at 7 p.m.

Both posts sponsor scholarship contests for local students. Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy, which are written and oral essay contests respectively, are sponsored by the VFW. The auxiliary sponsors the National Singing Contest and the Illustrating American Art Contest. (The Burnet auxiliary recently disbanded and will not be holding the singing and art contests this year.)

In the spirit of reaching out to the community, the Marble Falls VFW post began presenting award winners with their scholarships at their schools, rather than making them come to the post. 

“It gives them recognition in front of their peers,” Zak said. “It helps get the word out to others that we are doing this. The schools have been very receptive.” 

Both VFW halls are available to rent to the public for events such as wedding receptions, reunions, or parties. The Burnet post is currently undergoing renovations and an expansion to open up a larger banquet hall and update its lighting and wiring. 

The Marble Falls post also will be sprucing up as members plan for next September when the 10376 celebrates its 50th anniversary. Zak sees it as a great opportunity to remind the community that the VFW post is not just for veterans. 

“It’s open and welcoming to everyone,” he said.

POST EVENTS

HIGHLAND LAKES VFW POST 6974 (BURNET)

• Every Friday, 5 p.m. — Free potluck dinners open to any veteran or veteran’s family
• Every Monday and Thursday — Bingo; doors open at 5 p.m., warm-ups at 6 p.m., and regular play at 7 p.m.
• Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 5 p.m.  — Canteen open with beer, wine, setups, and pizza
• 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.  — Hamburgers made to order in the bingo kitchen
• Every day — Open to the public based on members’ availability at this time; smoke-free

MARBLE FALLS VFW POST 10376

• Friday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. — National VFW Day (stop by for cake)
• Every Tuesday — $2 tacos from 4 p.m. until gone
• Every Wednesday and Thursday — Crawford’s House of BBQ serves from 5 p.m. until gone
• Every Friday, 7 p.m. to close — Karaoke 
• Every day, noon to close — Open to the public; smoke-free

suzanne@thepicayune.com