In May 2024, the VFW Magazine visited the VFW National Home, and what a remarkable experience it was! The day was filled with stories of hope, resilience, and transformation, showcasing the incredible work being done to support veterans and their families.
The article that was published in their January/February 2025 issue from this visit highlights how the mission of the VFW National Home has evolved over the past century. It all began in the early 1920s, stemming from a deep-seated passion for helping veterans and their families. With crucial support from the VFW, the Military Order of the Cootie, and a generous land donation by the cattleman Corey Spencer, the foundation of what we now know as the VFW National Home was laid. Originally established as a sanctuary for the widows and orphans of veterans, the mission has since expanded significantly.
Today, the VFW National Home plays a vital role in assisting veterans and their families with children. The focus is on providing a safety net of services and resources that empower families to set personal and collective goals, all in a nurturing and secure environment. It’s heartening to see how far this dream has come, evolving to meet the changing needs of those who have served.
Executive Director Mike Wilson emphasized the importance of goal-setting for veterans and their families during the visit. He poignantly stated, “Helping veterans get on the right path leads to life successes.” His commitment to prioritizing veterans’ needs has made a significant impact on the lives of many. Brian Daniels, an Iraq War veteran and former resident of the National Home, echoed this sentiment: “As vets, we are broken but not destroyed. veterans were not the priority before, but they are now, and Mike has changed that.”
One of the standout features highlighted during the visit was the VFW Auxiliary Child Care and Early Education Center. This state-licensed daycare provides free childcare services for military and veteran families living at the National Home, allowing parents to work or pursue education without the burden of childcare costs. It’s a small yet crucial detail that can make all the difference for those in transition.
For Wilson, the most touching aspect of the National Home is seeing the children thrive in an environment that fosters safety and joy. He shared a vivid memory of a young boy running barefoot in the rain and jumping into a sandbox. That moment symbolized safety and freedom, a reminder that “children shouldn’t have to struggle just because mom and dad do.”
In conclusion, the VFW National Home is not just a place; it’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community. As the tour concluded, it became evident that this is truly a remarkable place, one that can’t be fully appreciated unless experienced firsthand.
To read the full article on the VFW Magazine’s visit, click here: https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=836673&p=18&view=issueViewer
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work being done at the VFW National Home, where dreams take root, and families find the support they need to flourish!
