Voices of the VFW: How Paso Robles Veterans are serving those who served
By Paso Robles Press · Fri Jan 30 2026
By Leo Castillo
VFW Post 10965 Commander
As we kick off the new year, we not only look at the typical New Year’s resolutions that we all try to adhere to, but we also recognize the importance of choosing goals that are sustainable. For many of us, remaining consistent with resolutions can be challenging. For veterans, routine is ingrained in us; however, helping ourselves — or asking for support — isn’t always our strongest suit. All that said, we still try to look ahead, remain consistent, focus on sustainability in our emotions and mental well-being, and stay grateful for another day on this earth.
When it comes to routine and consistency, the VFW focuses its efforts on our standard poppy drives twice a year, our veteran and memorial services held at the Paso Robles Cemetery, our monthly meetings, and, of course, our infamous Taco Takeovers. Our Taco Takeovers are monthly events where we partner with a local veteran-owned business and serve free street tacos to veterans and active-duty service members. Civilians are welcome to indulge in some tasty carnitas street tacos as well, as long as they make a donation of $1–$100 (we let you decide what the tacos are worth) and support the veteran-owned business hosting us. These monthly events have taken place at locations like Volatus Winery, Cal Coast Beer Company, Virtus Jiu-Jitsu Gym, and many more. All proceeds go directly back to supporting our local veteran population and programs. We hope to see you at our next Taco Takeover — just follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the next location.
Now that the hunger has set in from all the taco talk, let’s shift to our Adopt-A-Unit program, because we do love to feed our service members. The VFW is expected to adopt local military units when possible to show support for those who serve. Our post has adopted three units: the United States Army Signal Activity (USASA), the Regional Training Site–Maintenance (RTSM), and the Garrison Training Center (GTC), all located at Camp Roberts. We have hosted holiday parties, coordinated Thanksgiving meals for lower-enlisted service members and their families, and provided monetary support on a case-by-case basis. We continue this mission throughout the year, and you may have seen some of these active members in the Pioneer Day Parade or providing military honors at local veterans’ funerals. These members of our adopted units are integral to the VFW’s success, and we are grateful to have them.
Lastly, as we look ahead to 2026, we are focusing our efforts on feeding the homeless through ECHO in Paso Robles. One of our own members, Paul Hill, wanted to do something to support the homeless community, knowing that many veterans are among them. It began with a spaghetti dinner and has grown into something we plan to continue. After our December meeting, VFW members voted to carry on this effort and established a standing date where the VFW covers the cost of food and serves meals at the ECHO shelter in Paso Robles.
All these efforts, events, and community connections help us veterans “keep busy” — as my wife likes to remind me that I do a bit too much. The reality is that staying busy is therapeutic for many of us and helps us work through the emotional challenges we may face. Maintaining routine, keeping busy, and pursuing a sustainable, healthy way of living are the only New Year’s resolutions I’m personally focusing on, and I hope my brothers and sisters in the veteran community will do the same.
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