Re-Imagining the VFW: A Day of Soil Science and Community at Post 4443
What Comes to Mind When You Think of a VFW Post?
When you think of a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, what do you picture? If you’re like me, and maybe this is unfair, you might imagine a dimly lit bar, the lingering scent of cigarette smoke, and a place filled with old war stories. Before visiting VFW Post 4443, I had never stepped foot in one—but what I’ve found at this post in Oak Hill is something completely different. Under the leadership of Post Commander Keegan Davis, Quartermaster Kris Vandenberg, and Jr. Vice Commander & Community Garden Co-Manager Jake Pendleton, this VFW post is transforming into a true community hub.
This morning was a perfect example of that transformation. Despite the cold, wet, and dreary weather, Post 4443 was buzzing with activity. A soil science class for kids was followed by a community volunteer event to prepare the Cpt. Paul Pena Community Garden beds. And in March, the post will host the Oak Hill Plant Fest, further solidifying its role as a gathering place for gardeners, environmentalists, and local residents.
Engaging Kids with Soil Science
The day started with a soil science class for kids, led by local Instagrammer Brooke Morgan (@whatbrookegrows). She introduced the children to the three types of soil: sand, clay, and loam. Using a creative, hands-on demonstration, Brooke had the kids form a circle and act as soil particles, showing how water moves through different soil types. When they stood far apart, like sand particles, water moved through easily. When they stood close together, like loam, they absorbed and held the water better.
The kids then combined all three soil types to create a better soil mix and planted their own seeds to take home—giving them not just knowledge, but a tangible way to connect with the soil they had just learned about.
Community Volunteers Show Up in the Rain
Later in the morning, Kris Vandenberg, Quartermaster of the post and Chapter President of The Mission Continues Austin, led a volunteer effort to prepare the Cpt. Paul Pena Community Garden beds. Despite the dreary weather, nearly 30 volunteers showed up—a testament to the strength of this growing community.
The volunteers came from a variety of backgrounds, including the Church of Latter-day Saints, CarMax (a national partner with The Mission Continues), Gary Work Core, the USDA, Keep Austin Beautiful, Student Veterans of America UT chapter and Texas Master Gardeners. Seeing people from different walks of life come together to support veterans and build a stronger community was nothing short of inspiring.
Looking Ahead: The Oak Hill Plant Fest
The revitalization of VFW Post 4443 isn't stopping with today’s event. On March 29, the post will host the Oak Hill Plant Fest, a community celebration featuring a plant swap, vendor booths, food, and educational resources. This event will be another opportunity to bring together local gardeners, sustainability advocates, and community members who are passionate about growing and giving back.
With initiatives like these, Post 4443 is re-imagining what a VFW post can be—not just a space for veterans, but a vibrant, inclusive place where the entire community can gather, learn, and grow together. Vandenberg adds, “We are trying to make it a sanctuary for veterans, their families, and the community we serve!”
If you're looking to get involved in the Austin gardening scene, check out Growing Scene for upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. And mark your calendar for the Oak Hill Plant Fest at VFW Post 4443 on March 29—you won’t want to miss it!
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