Daly engages Soldiers for Life during VFW visit

AUSTIN, Texas -- The members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3377 in Manchaca, Texas, describe themselves as “yesterday’s defenders of freedom,” and in tribute, one of the Army’s most senior ranking officers visited the post to thank them in person.

Following an engagement at Army Futures Command, Gen. Ed Daly, commander of Army Materiel Command, visited VFW 3377 June 12 to meet with the members and express his gratitude for their legacy of service.

“Department of Defense leadership wants you to know that they are so proud and honored of your service and what you have done for our nation, and I am here to deliver that message on their behalf,” said Daly. “We have the best military the world has ever seen and it’s not by chance. Your legacy lives on in today’s service members; they are influenced by you.”

Daly said that today’s most senior military members were all mentored by veterans of the Korean and Vietnam War eras.

“Your courage, your sacrifices, your mentoring and coaching of the people around you, it still resonates with what we are doing today,” he said. “Our military is only as good as the people who serve in it, and it is you who contributed to that solid foundation.”

Post members, while retired, are still actively serving and mentoring those around them, said Daly. The VFW sponsors multiple activities to encourage patriotism, including Patriot’s Pen where students write patriotic themes competing for awards and prizes, and Voice of Democracy, a scholarship program. In addition, the VFW volunteers with local Boy Scout troops.

“You are still actively influencing the future of our military and our country,” Daly said. “I could talk about what you do for three hours, and it still wouldn’t do it justice.”

The veterans, meanwhile, said the visit from a four-star general emphasized the impact of their service and legacy to the nation.

“The visit by General Daly sends a strong message to the veterans of VFW Post 3377 that our service to this country had value and that we are remembered and not forgotten,” said Mike Pfannenstiel, VFW Post 3377 post commander.