Members of VFW Post 3834 in San Fernando, California, are celebrating their recent achievement of earning All-American status. They are celebrating for good reason. This is the first time in the Post’s 80-year history to have received the honor. A quick look at the Post’s community involvement makes clear the title is well deserved.
“Our Post provides opportunities to those veterans who want to continue their service or find connections with like-minded veterans,” said Post Commander Raul Barragan. “From providing opportunities for local families through our Cub Scout pack to offering vaccinations through a local health partnership, we are committed to continuing to be a pillar [for] our community.”
It is important to members of Post 3834 that that community includes everyone. They take extra care to ensure veterans from every era and background feel supported. Last spring, the Post hosted a Salute to Women Veterans event where women service members received a specially prepared meal, vocational resources, COVID supplies and more. In October, the Post held a ceremony to award a Korean War veteran with a special citation for his service.
No matter where they served or what they experienced, the Post provides resources to support the well-being of all veterans. Partnering recently with other local entities, it co-hosted a Veterans and Military Families Wellness Day. The event featured family fun activities and entertainment. Attendees received meals and groceries, vaccinations, wellness checks, employment assistance, haircuts and more.
For young people, too, the Post makes sure to lead and inspire by example. Working with Boy Scouts of America, the Post chartered a new chapter, Scout Pack 3834.
“Involvement with the Scouting program presented our Post with the ability to positively affect the lives of youth in our community while developing partnerships,” said Barragan.
“Both organizations share similar goals, primarily that of supporting the community. By working together, we can help develop the leaders of our future through teaching hard lessons learned by the leaders of today.”
In addition to these events and programs, Post members are working together to come back from the pandemic stronger than before. They remain focused on providing a place where every veteran feels welcome and equipped to fulfill their passion to serve.
“We strive to continue to lead by example,” said Barragan. “As they say, just because we are no longer in uniform doesn’t mean our commitment to serving our nation wanes.”
The VFW is proud to honor the members of Post 3834 who are #StillServing today, and celebrates them as the June 2022 VFW #StillServing Post of the Month.