Bob BRUGGER

Greetings Comrades,

As we start to get deep in to Summer, I wanted to remind you that every year, on August 7th, our nation observes Purple Heart Day. It is a solemn time of reflection, forcing us to pause and consider the true, human cost of the freedoms we enjoy daily. Originally established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is our military’s oldest and most revered decoration. It holds a unique place among military honors: you aren't recommended for a Purple Heart by a commander, nor do you win it through a strategic achievement. It is earned solely through personal sacrifice.

For the combat veterans in our VFW community who wear this medal, it represents a definitive, life-altering moment of survival. It is a symbol of blood spilled, and resilience proven in the face of the enemy. But as those who have walked the path of service know all too well, the theater of war leaves many types of marks.

Some wounds are starkly visible, altering physical lives in a single, chaotic instant. Other wounds are invisible, carried quietly in the deep recesses of the heart and mind long after the uniform has been retired and the combat gear packed away. Both types of injuries require immense, daily courage to bear. Both deserve the exact same level of honor, respect, and dedicated care from our community.

As your Chaplain, I want to remind you of a fundamental truth: no one has to carry their burdens alone. The very bedrock of the VFW is camaraderie—that unbreakable, lifelong bond formed by shared service and mutual understanding. We are not just a social club; we are a sanctuary. We exist to look out for one another, to listen without judgment, and to lift each other up when the weight becomes too heavy.

This August, let us honor our Purple Heart recipients not just with words of gratitude, but by actively strengthening our commitment to one another. Check in on a fellow veteran you haven't seen in a while. Drop by the Post for a cup of coffee and some honest conversation. Reach out if you simply need someone to listen. My door is always open, and you never have to walk the perimeter alone.

As always you can reach out to me anytime by calling or texting me at (253) 617-8995 or emailing me at rbrugger001@hotmail.com

If you are experiencing a crisis, help is a phone call away:

Veterans Crisis Line DIAL 988 then PRESS 1