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From its honor guard to providing scholarships for local teens, the Hollister VFW Post 9242 has a major impact in San Benito County and neighboring communities.
On the eve of Veterans Day, BenitoLink takes an up close look at the local Post and its members.
The honor guard attends more than 100 funerals every year, mostly traveling to Fort Ord. This usually entails providing funeral services two to three times a week, with a handful of veterans driving wherever they are needed.
“That was my reason for getting into the honor guard,” Post 9242 member Adam Mendolla said. “It’s my honor to do it, to present their flag and be there to thank them because their loved one spent time in the service. It didn’t matter whether they were combat veterans or stateside veterans. They all deserve the same honors.”
The group was recently singled out by the United Veterans Council of Monterey County as Nonprofit of the Year, specifically because of their service in the honor guard.
According to Post Commander Bernie Ramirez, the veterans council even changed its bylaws to include Post 9242 since it’s based outside of Monterey County.
Additionally, the post is involved in local schools and events, presenting the colors and demonstrating the folding of the flag to students. The VFW also recently started a carnival for special needs kids, inviting children from across the county to enjoy games and crafts.
This year, the organization’s golf tournament fundraiser raised $32,000, which will be reinvested back into the community through the scholarship fund, care packages for veterans, and providing help to local veterans in crisis, be it for rental assistance, temporary housing or other basic needs.
“It just felt like home. It felt comfortable being around other veterans because when I retired, I went into the civilian world and nobody got me. You know what I mean? Like even answering to my first name took a while to do.”
Ellen Herrera
There are more than 100 members in Post 9242 and roughly 15 of those are consistently involved in the organization, according to Ramirez, who added that if it wasn’t for the veterans, their spouses and the community, none of the programs would be possible.
“I do enjoy the programs because they not only benefit our young soldiers and our high school kids… It makes a difference,” Ramirez said. “It’s nice to be in a position where you’re able to give back to the community.”
After several years with the VFW, Ramirez said he’ll be stepping down at the end of his term next spring, and hopes to pass on the torch to the next generation.
“They’re always finding opportunities to do stuff. And if they do something and I’m available, I jump on it because it’s really meaningful for me.”
Marieta Delacruz
Post Quartermaster Ellen Herrera said the camaraderie among the members and the understanding of their shared experiences is part of what drew her to the organization.
Post Junior Vice Commander David Lopez said people find being around fellow service members comforting, specifically with managing PTSD.
“It’s something that’s not really talked about very often, but you have your days, you have your times, you have your triggers,” Lopez said. “It’s just nice to have people that you can get it off your chest that understand.”
“A lot of veterans, including myself, get this, you know, (the) left behind or forgotten feeling, or things like that, and then you find this organization where it’s people that are like you. And it kind of gives you a purpose.”
Ryan Grimes
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