SAN ANTONIO – As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom, one piece of that history is still alive inside Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 76 — the oldest VFW post in Texas.
For veterans in San Antonio, the post is more than just a historic building. It serves as a sanctuary where generations come together to remember, heal, and support one another. This commitment to community is particularly embodied by the post’s first female commander, Monica Morris.
Morris is not only a trailblazer in her role but also a survivor of the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. Reflecting on her experiences, she reveals the lasting impact of that day.
“It was just a really traumatic experience. I helped a couple of people get out of the Pentagon. It was just a really bad day,” Morris recounted. Such experiences highlight why VFW posts are vital for veterans.
“The VFW posts are a safe haven for our combat veterans… it’s a place where you can feel comfortable because you’re with people that have experienced similar events,” she noted.
This support system is particularly significant as it fosters connections among veterans from diverse backgrounds and generations. Ann Rebollar, a veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, emphasizes this point, saying, “There are people that look like me that come to places like this.”
“We also support each other as veteran communities,” Rebollar added, underscoring the importance of unity in shared experiences.
For retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Trujillo, VFW Post 76 represents a broader narrative about the American story. “Freedom isn’t free,” he remarked. “We lost a lot of veterans. We have a lot of veterans that are ill. We have a lot of aging veterans. We have young veterans. Everybody brings something to the plate, and we can’t forget.”
As America approaches its 250th birthday, veterans at VFW Post 76 affirm that places like this ensure the sacrifices behind that freedom are never forgotten. The legacy of service and camaraderie continues to thrive, reminding all of the shared responsibility to honor and support those who have served.
