Funds Secured by Congressman Gonzalez Used to Break Ground on New VFW Post 2410
Contact: Alexis Torres
Harlingen, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Noble Texas Builders President and CEO Rene Capistran, and local officials for the groundbreaking of a new VFW Post 2410 in Harlingen. The 10,000-square-foot initiative, which will bolster resources for South Texas veterans and their families, received $850,000 in direct community project funding successfully secured by the Congressman in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. The full cost to construct the new VFW post is roughly $2.5 million; in addition to a federal investment, remaining costs are covered by a $150,000 pledge from Cameron County and $1.5 million in in-kind donations.
“When a South Texas veteran comes back from war, we owe it to them to provide the best possible support as they acclimate back to civilian life or need to obtain the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly worked alongside local leaders to get these funds passed into law, and I’m elated that we are one step closer to making this transformative new chapter in our community a reality.”
“We are honored to be part of the VFW Project and proud to stand alongside those who support our veterans. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’s efforts to secure federal funding played an important role in making this rebuild possible. This project is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when public leadership, local businesses, and the community unite behind a shared purpose. Together, we Inspire Hope, Improve Lives, and Strengthen the Communities We Live In,” said Rene Capistran, President / CEO of Noble Texas Builders.
Over the last 80-plus years of its existence, VFW Post 2410 serves as the only public and veteran friendly establishment in Harlingen that provides both a gathering space and a services and support center. However, the building has deteriorated significantly through flood and freeze damages as well as normal wear and tear.
Congressman Gonzalez has long been a champion for veterans of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. In Congress, he has fought to strengthen GI bill benefits and ensure greater access to higher education; improve mental health services and other resources for military families, caretakers, and injured or disabled veterans; and helped pass into law the Honoring Our PACT Act, the largest expansion to veteran benefits in decades that delivered health care to those exposed to burn pits and harmful toxins while on active-duty.