VFW members assisting veterans who are residents at Deer Creek. This is one of the many ways Wimberley VFW Post 6441 uses funds raised at the rodeo to give back to the community. SUBMITTED PHOTO
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Rodeo a helping hand for veterans and community
The annual Wimberley Independence Day rodeo is the major fundraising event for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6441.
Where does the money from the rodeo go? The short answer is, to help veterans and their families and to serve the Wimberley community.
The VFW has always been about veterans helping veterans. That is the top priority, and they have programs in place such as the newly organized John Thompson’s Veteran Mental Health Initiative. The initiative honors the dream of the post’s late commander John Thompson for a source of immediate help for veterans while waiting for the Veterans Administration process to run its course.
The work also extends beyond veterans into helping the community. The VFW provides assistance in the form of grants and scholarships to local youth groups and individuals along with assistance programs for the elderly and charities such as the Barnabas Connection, Fire and EMS departments and the Wimberley Village Library.
This year’s 76th VFW Independence Day rodeo is July 1, 2 and 3 with gates opening at 5:30, mutton busting at 7:30 and the rodeo starting at 8. Advance tickets are available online at www. vfw6441.com.