VFW Post 12223: Feeding The Troops in Eagle Pass

EAGLE PASS, TX -- The VFW mission of #StillServing was on full display in Eagle Pass, at Base Camp Charlie, across from the Maverick County Airport on Saturday, January 27th. Ten VFW Posts from across the State of Texas, including VFW Post 12223 in Montgomery, sent their Cook Teams to ’Feed the Troops’ of Task Force Eagle, in an event designed to provide BBQ and all the fixings to soldiers of Texas Army National Guard as well the Texas State Guard (unarmed soldiers), stationed on the US-Mexico border. It was the second year that the VFW had fed the troops in Eagle Pass.

VFW Cook Teams began arriving on Friday afternoon, to prepare for the event, with dozens of briskets started in the early evening, since they took the longest time to cook. Members from each team stayed on location overnight to attend to their smokers. VFW Post 12223, started 10 racks of ribs shortly after and treated all the teams to a late night evening snack, while other teams took on the breakfast responsibilities later in the morning. Chicken was started after the briskets were rested, then sausage was the last item to be smoked, taking the least amount of time to cook. Texas VFW State Commander Larry Sanders, and other state officials were on-hand at Base Camp Charlie, to welcome and salute the troops before the lunch service began.

’’The VFW is like a machine, Everyone operated well, and there were no problems,’’ said Sanders. ’’We never forget our troops on the border.’’

Besides feeding Base Camp Charlie, Sanders and his Cook Teams had enough leftover from their original tasks, that they sent food down to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. where TXARNG Troops, State Troopers from Texas and Florida, as well as personnel from the U.S. Border Patrol who operate from their boat launch were located. All were grateful for the meals provided. The VFW holds no animosity against the Border Patrol, nor their union, which are generally supportive of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to occupy the park.

’’For the VFW coming out here and taking time out of their week, I think it’s an amazing thing,’’ said Sergeant Sampson, who has been at Base Camp Charlie for nearly a year. ’’For someone who has been in the Texas National Guard for 12 years, I’m just as impressed as the newly arrived to camp. This is awesome.’’

Soldiers at Base Camp Charlie were appreciative of the BBQ Meal, and some newly arrived on base thought it was an everyday occurrence. But the Texas VFW team is looking for ways to provide meals to the other Texas Task Forces stationed along the border.

’’I think it’s a great gesture, ’’ said Specialist Celeste. ’’And I believe it is appreciated by all service members here.’’

The idea of feeding the troops is nothing new (by people other than military cooks dates back over 100 years). Returning Australian soldiers to the homeland were welcomed with hot meals at ANZAC buffets. Other organizations have done events at bases scattered around The Nation. It is done to encourage soldiers looking for a touch of home. In addition, the idea of something different than the daily cold lunches that are usually served at the Texas base camp; does indeed make the Texas VFW’s offering to the soldiers stationed at Base Camp Charlie a very welcomed deviation from the norm.

The VFW is not only committed to troops on the border, but they make efforts to help veterans to get the benefits they deserve. They are active in helping school children understand the United States Flag, and be Patriotic in coming to know Our Country's history, and its history in making The World a better and safer place. The VFW partners with Boy Scouts in retiring American flags, and recognizing First Responders and Police who tirelessly serve our communities. Not to mention, the VFW helps Veterans who need to be visited in home or at hospitals. If a veteran needs a wheelchair, walker or cane, they’ll find one.

There is no length that the VFW will not climb to achieve a mission. And if it takes driving hundreds of miles, dragging a large smoker in tow, all in a mission to satisfy TXARNG appetites on the Texas-Mexico border, then that’s what the VFW will do.

Thanks go out to all the VFW Posts that sent Cook Teams to Eagle Pass to Feed the Troops. They include Posts: 12160 - Sinton, 7110 - New Braunfels, 1480 - Kerrville, 12223 - Montgomery, 9761 - Crosby, 8539 - Lampassa, 12041 - Lytle, 6873 - Abilene. In addition, VFW Motorcycle Groups 7 and 20, were on hand to meet and greet the troops.

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