VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

OF THE UNITED STATES

James B Sprague Memorial Post 8541
2222 Austin Highway
San Antonio, Texas 78218
Post Phone: (210) 655-2944
Email: commander@vfwpost8541.org

Statement in Response to Governor’s Press Conference:

Listening to the Governor’s press conference today frustrated me beyond belief and I believe
that sentiment resonates with most all VFW Members in the state of Texas.
That sunken feeling of having the air knocked out of you washed over me when we were told
again we cannot open to serve those that depend on us.
We have plead our case for weeks now to have the Governor recognize Veterans organizations
as being more than just a bar.

If we were just a bar would we help cover the cost of funerals for our members?
If we were just a bar would we fight in DC for veteran rights and benefits?
If we were just a bar would we donate millions of dollars to our local communities?
And if we were just a bar would we have risked our lives to protect this great nation?

We have canteens to assist us in paying our bills and to take care of our Veterans as well as our
community. Expecting each VFW to jump through hoops by suspending their liquor license, or
purchasing a resteraunt license, or paying for a food truck to park outside is just salt in the
wound. Our VFWs have fought for years to erase the idea of just being a smoke filled bar, but
here we have our Governor casting us back to an older image.

My question to the Governor is; Why do we, Veterans, mean so little as to not address our
issues or respond to our requests for explanation? Are you beyond having a conversation with
the very people that you govern?

If you're not going to look out for our veterans, then please let us open our doors so that we can
return to taking care of our own. We have been caring for our Veterans in Texas for 100 years.

William E. Smith
William E. Smith
Commander