Comrades, Auxiliary members, and friends of Post 8555,
Commander Johnathon Farrell (front, beside the flag) at the Post 8555 officer installation, May 11, 2026. (Post archive)
This month’s newsletter looks a little different. Alongside Post news, you will find pages meant to be useful to every veteran who picks it up: our history, the bills in Congress that affect your benefits, and plain-language guides to the PACT Act, VA disability claims, and your money. Read them, then pass this newsletter to a veteran who needs it.
Our youth programs come first. The Post has sent Floresville, Poth, and Stockdale ISDs the Scholar’s App entry links for Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen, and entries are due October 31. This year’s theme is “What a Veteran Taught Me About America,” so if a student asks to interview you, say yes. We are also taking nominations for the VFW Teacher of the Year award through October 31. If you know a teacher who brings veterans into the classroom and teaches respect for the flag, nominate them.
October carries history for us. The U.S. Navy turns 251 on October 13; to every sailor in this Post, happy birthday. On October 23 we remember the 241 Marines, sailors, and soldiers killed in the Beirut barracks bombing in 1983.
In Washington, the Major Richard Star Act now has enough signatures on a discharge petition to force a House vote, and the bill to apply next year’s COLA to VA compensation is moving through Congress. The legislative update explains both. If you have not checked whether the PACT Act covers you, or you have a claim you keep putting off, read the benefits pages. VFW service officers help free of charge, so never pay a claim shark for what the VFW does for free.
To our younger veterans: take a look at Combat Tested Gaming, the VFW’s gaming community. That dog tag on our cover is its emblem, and its flyer is on the last page of this issue. If you game, join the CTG Discord at discord.gg/combattestedgaming.
Food distribution continues the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 AM: October 7 and November 4. Volunteers are always welcome. Our hall is also available for your family events: the Large Hall is $1,200, the Small Hall $350, and the BBQ pit $50, with refundable deposits.
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11. Check the calendar pages for everything on the schedule, and see the event flyers and the District 20 events flyer at the back of this issue.
Thank you for all you do. Read this issue, share it, and bring a veteran with you the next time you come to the Post.
In comradeship and service,
Johnathon Farrell
Commander
VFW Post 8555 Wilson County Memorial Post