Where service never ends: Inside the Paso Robles VFW’s ongoing mission to support veterans
By Camille DeVaul · Sun Nov 23 2025
Each November, as the nation pauses to honor those who have served, the Paso Robles Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10965 [Post] reminds the community that Veterans Day is more than a single date — it’s a continuing commitment. Based in the Paso Robles Veterans Memorial Building on Scott Street, Post 10965 provides vital support to local veterans year-round.
The building, a long-standing cornerstone of Paso Robles, also houses representatives from San Luis Obispo County Veteran Services, available Tuesday through Thursday to help veterans navigate benefits, healthcare, and other essential resources. It’s a place where service doesn’t end with discharge. It evolves into advocacy, camaraderie, and community engagement.
For VFW Post Commander Leo Castillo, that mission is deeply personal.
“I was asked by [former commander] Sal Cota if I’d be interested in running for commander,” Castillo shared. “He felt that it would be a good fit for me and our vision for the future of our Post. My responsibility is to ensure that we follow our mission statement, continue recruitment, be part of our community, and carry on the traditions the VFW has upheld for the past 125 years.”
Founded in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is one of the nation’s oldest and most influential veteran service organizations. What began as a small coalition of veterans from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection has grown into a global network of 1.4 million members. The VFW has championed many landmark achievements, from helping establish the Veterans Administration to securing compensation for those exposed to Agent Orange and advocating for improved medical care.
The Paso Robles Post, established in 1990, continues that legacy on a local level.
“The mission of VFW Post 10965 is to serve those who have served and to continue serving the Paso Robles community we call home,” Castillo explained. “We uphold the pillars of the Veterans of Foreign Wars: Advocacy, Community, and Camaraderie.”
Advocacy, he said, means ensuring that no veteran is left behind. The Post provides guidance for navigating federal and state benefits, connects veterans to mental health and wellness programs, and steps in directly when someone needs help — offering everything from gift cards to referrals and hands-on assistance.
Community involvement, meanwhile, is woven into everything they do. Whether it’s handing out Buddy Poppies outside Albertson’s, leading the color guard during Pioneer Day, or hosting their popular monthly Taco Takeover, the VFW strives to remind Paso Robles residents that service members remain active contributors to local life.
And Camaraderie — the bond forged in shared service — continues long after the uniform is retired.
“Our service didn’t end when the uniform came off,” Castillo said. “We support one another through fellowship, teamwork, and shared purpose.”
Among the programs Castillo is most proud of are the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay competitions. Designed for middle and high school students, the contests encourage youth to reflect on themes of patriotism, democracy, and civic duty.
“These essays have the potential of winning at the post level up to $500. If they make it to district and state, it could be anywhere between $1,000-$5,000. If that student makes it to national, it’s $30,000,” Castillo said. “Which is a huge honor. All essays are focused on patriotism with a different topic revolving around that every year.”
Through these initiatives, Post 10965 not only supports young writers but also connects them with veterans who understand the cost and value of the freedoms they write about.
Like many veteran organizations, Post 10965 faced challenges in recent years. The COVID pandemic, along with the natural loss of older generations, led to a steep decline in membership.
“Membership was a huge issue the year I became commander,” Castillo said. “We focused our efforts that year on raising our membership. We went from 50 members to over 100 that year. We still continue to work on recruitment and informing the next generation of veterans the importance of continuing to support and be active in our close-knit group.”
Looking ahead, Post 10965 is taking on a major new project: creating an artistic monument to honor fallen service members at Paso Robles Veterans Park, located behind the Veterans Memorial Building.
“We started with petitioning the City of Paso Robles to change the name of Oak Creek Park to Veterans Park,” Castillo said. “We were successful with a unanimous vote from the parks and recreation committee as well as City Council.”
Now, the Post is in the early stages of fundraising for the memorial itself — an interactive, modern installation designed by local artist Max Rudolph. Castillo envisions it as a reflection of courage, loss, and sacrifice — a space for remembrance, but also for healing and community.
“We are looking for donors as well as future partners who would want to be a part of supporting our veterans,” Castillo said. “We encourage the public to assist and support any veteran they know, and if they know of a veteran in crisis, please reach out to us. A memorial is a wonderful thing to see and reflect on, but being able to be a space for veterans is the most important part.”
Castillo admits that even he once misunderstood what the VFW was all about.
“I myself always thought the VFW was just a bar for old-timey veterans, cheap drinks, and an interesting selection of music from the juke box,” he says. “Turns out not all VFWs have a bar or “canteen.” We aren’t just here for the drinks. We’re so much more than that.”
In fact, the VFW holds a seat at the table in Congress, advocating for legislation that directly affects veterans and their families. Castillo and fellow members from across California travel to Washington, D.C., annually to meet with lawmakers.
“That’s been the best part of the VFW for me,” he said, knowing that they have a voice that matters in the world of legislation.
For Commander Castillo and the members of Post 10965, Veterans Day isn’t just about ceremonies or parades. It’s about continuing the mission: serving veterans, strengthening the community, and honoring those who gave everything for their country.
The Paso Robles Veterans Memorial Building is located at 240 Scott St. For more information, visit vfwpost10965.org
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