A year of service and reflection at Paso Robles VFW Post 10965

By Paso Robles Press · Sat Dec 13 2025

By Leo Castillo

VFW Post 10965 Commander

This past year, the VFW reflects on many accomplishments, struggles, and losses. As we close out the year, we would like to recognize those milestones, as well as the inevitable challenges along the way.

The Paso Robles VFW successfully requested that the city formally recognize the location of the Veterans Memorial Building with a proper name. Renaming Oak Creek Park to Veterans Park was a huge win for our post, its members, and veterans throughout the community. Having monuments, locations, and symbols that recognize service and sacrifice is incredibly important. The goal isn’t for veterans to be glorified, but rather to remind our community — especially our youth, visitors, and future citizens — how vital it is to show gratitude to the few who fight for their country.

As a child, I remember attending Fourth of July parades in my hometown and ceremonies honoring Memorial Day. I always wanted one of those funny hats — it seemed like the members of that group were close, kind to one another, and always helping others. All this while doing something cool, like driving go-carts in the parade or placing flags along the Embarcadero near the park for all to see.

You see, I always wanted the funny hat — and now I have it. However, I soon learned that the hat meant much more than just wearing it and riding in a parade. It meant being part of an organization that helps people, engages with the community, and offers support in any way possible. That alone is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

The VFW also graciously accepted a proclamation declaring November as Veterans Month in Paso Robles. To us, this was a major win and a meaningful sign of support from our city leaders. That encouragement keeps us motivated and allows us to remain deeply involved in the place we proudly call home.

On a national level, the VFW also celebrated significant milestones this past year. At this year’s convention, we elected our first female commander-in-chief, Carol Whitmore, who has taken the reins as our national leader.

Of course, with success comes struggle. The California Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislative Committee travels to Congress twice a year to advocate for the rights and benefits of all veterans. These trips are filled with meetings with members of Congress and their staff to encourage support for key legislation — whether to pass new bills, sponsor vital measures, or ensure accountability for laws already enacted. These efforts aren’t always met with immediate success, and some initiatives take years of persistence.

One example is the MAJ Richard Star Act, first introduced in the 118th Congress in 2023. This bipartisan bill aims to allow certain combat-disabled military retirees to receive both their full Department of Defense (DoD) retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation without a dollar-for-dollar reduction. Under current law, veterans must have at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of at least 50% to collect both; otherwise, their VA disability pay offsets their retirement pay. Although this bill has not yet passed, we continue to urge our representatives to do the right thing and make it law.

As 2025 comes to an end, we are left with memories — both fond and bittersweet. Sadly, some of us had to say goodbye to loved ones this year. Each loss carries its own weight, but when we lose a veteran who served their country and lived a full life, we can’t help but think of the stories we’ll miss hearing.

To the families in our community who lost a veteran this past year, our hearts are with you. We know you’ll miss their stories of the old days — the struggles they endured, the joy of their homecomings (or even the ones they never had), and their inevitable comments about how much more expensive everything has become.

This past year, we said goodbye to Carl Wynne, Charles Van Tassel, and Milton Black — all members of our post. Some served as post commanders, quartermasters, or legionnaires, but most importantly, they were cherished members of our community and family to many.

As we move into 2026, the VFW will continue its mission: to promote patriotism among our youth and community, support local veterans in need, serve as a guide to those seeking assistance, and — above all — do it all whilst wearing that little funny hat.

Paso Robles VFW Post 10965 is located at 240 Scott St. in Paso Robles. For more information, visit vfwpost10965.org

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