VFW At Work

1. Tee Time

   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."

   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.

2. 'I Saw Too Many People Struggle ...'

   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.

3. 'It Was an Honor to Welcome These Soldiers to our Community'

   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.

4. 'Broken' by the Military He Turned to the VFW

   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.

5. 'Every Soldier Has a Story'

   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.