I have the highest respect for those who have served and sacrificed, both at home and overseas, to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country. As a veteran myself, it was my pleasure to visit with the many veterans of Texas County and their families at the Cabool VFW Post 473 as they celebrated the post’s 75th anniversary.

The many members of the VFW post put on an excellent event, with a hog roast fundraiser to feed the many guests and supplement the post at the same time. I was proud to present the historic post with a resolution from the Missouri Senate acknowledging and celebrating the glorious 75 years the members of this post have been organized and have helped others as the brotherhood of veterans of foreign wars. I was lucky enough to be able to attend this heart-warming event with State Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon, who presented the post with a matching House resolution.

The members of the Cabool VFW Post 473 were proud to display some of their various historical pieces throughout the post, presenting several aspects of the military past of the many local veterans. I had a wonderful time celebrating with Post Commander Rudy Blahnik, to whom I presented the resolution, as well as other elected officials, like Texas County Sheriff James Sigman and his family. I have to admit, now that I have visited, I understand why this community has no need for any fast food chain restaurants, like those recognizable arches. The food served at the VFW was too delicious to desecrate with silly comparisons to “brand-name burgers.”

After the VFW revelry, I took some time to visit another local event, Cabool Old Tymes Days on Main Street. It was a great event, held in conjunction with the Southern Cruisers Car Show. There were some incredible vehicles, all decked out, and even farm implements on display, clean and shiny. Local vendors sold crafts, food, handmade gifts and quilts. The whole day was one amazing moment after the next.

The chance to recognize and celebrate local veterans, the people who support them, and those who donate to the numerous veterans’ programs, and then take part in community events is always a welcome opportunity. I thank the veterans of the Cabool VFW Post 473 for allowing me to share in their day and wish them continued success and fellowship.