‘It’s a shame’: Oldest VFW post in Texas vandalized

SAN ANTONIO — The oldest Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Texas was recently vandalized, leaving leaders of the nonprofit frustrated.

Only visible from Avenue B just north of downtown, members first noticed the graffiti on Monday. Several words have been spray painted on the roof of VFW Post 76 – Sam Houston.

“My initial reaction was, ‘How could someone do this? We are a nonprofit veteran-supportive organization that tries to do a lot for the community,’” said Post 76 Commander Mike Toreno. “We are all volunteers, so it’s just one more thing we need to fix.”

Toreno believes the vandal climbed up a fire escape to access the roof.

“In the winter months, we generally do have homeless individuals who break into the attic area,” he said. “It’s just a shame that this happened again.”

Tens of thousands of veterans have participated in events and received services from Post 76, according to Toreno.

“The building is about 130 years old,” he continued. “The VFW Post 76 has been the primary occupant since 1947.”

Toreno says the graffiti is not a simple fix.

“We have to go through the historical society to see if we can paint over it,” he said.

This comes as Post 76 prepares for a massive restoration project. According to Toreno, the building has been neglected for decades, which has led to roofing issues, a balcony in desperate need of repair, chipped siding, and an aging air conditioning system.

We’re told money is already tight.

“Due to limited funds, we are going to tackle [this project] in sections,” Toreno said.

Now, VFW Post 76 is turning to the community for help.

“As a nonprofit, we want to give back to the city,” said Toreno. “We are not trying to make a gold mine here, but just survive and help veterans in the community.”

To donate to the building fund, call VFW Post 76 at 210-451-0111 or stop by their location 10 10th Street, San Antonio.

For project updates, click HERE.