In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations ..."
Boerne Lifestyle thanks the men and women who have served our nation. We are fortunate to have several veteran organizations and veteran-owned businesses in Kendall County.
Angels All Around You is a prayer and support group for those serving in the armed forces, veterans and first responders and their families living around Boerne. Founder Colleen Campbell Voigt exclaims, “In 2021 we are celebrating our tenth year in service! When we started there was only the VFW Post. Now there is more support for veterans.” Her message continues: When the soldier goes to war the entire community goes to war! The special circumstances of military life can severely test faith and spiritual strength. The challenges of reassignments, lengthy separations from loved ones, deployments in harm’s way, dangerous and traumatic experiences, and financial issues lead to a special need for fellowship, love, mentoring and caring. @angelsallaroundyoumilitaryministry
Capt. Mark "Tyler" Voss Post 313 is one of the many American Legion posts originally chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. The Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. Commander Don Gray stated, “We conducted a ceremony at Veterans Plaza on September 11 and honor veterans on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Day. We participate in the parades and other community events.” https://www.boerneamlegion.org/
The Veterans of Foreign (VFW) Post 688 received its Charter in 1936. The Post is named in honor of Private Bruno Phillip, a Boerne native. At the age of 30, Phillip volunteered to serve as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army during the World War I. He was killed in action on September 3, 1918, during the Saint Mihiel Offensive in France. The post has over 250 members and participates in more than forty community events throughout the year to honor veterans, military and to educate the community about historical military actions. https://www.vfwpost688.org/
The Pink Berets is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting women of the US Armed Forces and Veterans afflicted with invisible injuries such as PTSD, MST, and CTS. The chapter is active in the San Antonio area. https://thepinkberets.org/
Andrew Camplen, who works with the US Veteran Service Dogs organization out of Louisiana explained, “We breed, raise, train and place Labradors for specific needs of individual Texas VFW members.” Those veterans have a chance to train with their dog prior to final placement to be sure they are compatible and the dog meets the needs of the veteran. https://www.usveteransservicedogs.org/
The TBI Warrior Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of veterans, civilians and children living with brain injury and their caregivers, through community integration, education, and advancement programs. TBI Foundation will recognize individuals on Veterans Day with a very special personalized gift box valued at $350. Because of the number of veterans that are nominated, Executive Director Victor Medina expects to give away from twenty-five to fifty gifts. https://www.tbiwarriorfoundation.org/
The Warrior Cry Music Project is helping wounded service members win their own personal battles through the use of music. It provides free musical instruments and lessons to military hospitals and injured service members around the country. "Music is a universal language. You don't need to know the language of the words being sing; the emotion is in the melody and the tone in which it is being sung. Music has healing power. It stands to reason that someone who has suffered indescribable tragedy and trauma can put into chords, words, and a melody what cannot be spoken in therapy or a to a loved one. Warrior Cry works to provide that safe space and avenue for healing to occur through music," explains Michelle Farley. https://www.warriorcry.org/