Hot Springs VFW Post 2278

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Hot Springs VFW Post 2278 Meeting dates are the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM! Next regularly scheduled meeting is Saturday May 20,2023 !
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It is with much regret that I am to report to you the loss of a fallen Veteran. Charles “Chuck” William Thornton 93 yea...
10/14/2026


It is with much regret that I am to report to you the loss of a fallen Veteran. Charles “Chuck” William Thornton 93 years of age has received a greater calling from a much higher command. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran who received a Bronze Star with Valor while serving in the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of both the Elks Lodge and VFW Post 2278. We thank Charles for his dedication to duty and love for his country. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him and loved him. Rest in Peace Charles “Chuck” William Thornton.

These are the activities of the week!
10/13/2026


These are the activities of the week!

⚓Navy Birthday, observed every October 13, recognizes the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our...
10/13/2026


⚓
Navy Birthday, observed every October 13, recognizes the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. From its Revolutionary War origins to its modern global presence, the U.S. Navy protects our nation’s interests. Join us in saluting their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom.

Honor a veteran in your life this Veterans Day.The Sentinel-Record is accepting photos for a special digital section rec...
10/12/2026


Honor a veteran in your life this Veterans Day.
The Sentinel-Record is accepting photos for a special digital section recognizing those who have served or are currently serving. Submissions are free, and you may submit as many veterans as you like, each individually.

Please submit an unaltered photo in uniform, along with the veteran’s full name, branch of service, years of service and hometown.

The deadline is noon Saturday, Oct. 24. Scan the QR code, click the link in our comments, or stop by 300 Spring Street for help.

YES WE ARE OPEN ON COLUMBUS DAY! The Post is open under Normal working hours and we have both of the Major League Baseb...
10/12/2026


YES WE ARE OPEN ON COLUMBUS DAY! The Post is open under Normal working hours and we have both of the Major League Baseball playoff games going on and we have the NFL Monday night game with the Buffalo Bills playing the Los Angeles Rams!!!

History of Columbus DayThough Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492, the earliest documentation of any unofficial cel...
10/12/2026


History of Columbus Day

Though Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492, the earliest documentation of any unofficial celebration of Columbus Day wasn’t until 1792. By the 400th anniversary, following a lynching in New Orleans where a mob had murdered 11 Italian immigrants, President Benjamin Harrison declared Columbus Day as a one-time national celebration. This was part of a larger effort after the lynching incident to placate Italian Americans and ease diplomatic tensions with Italy. During this celebration, politicians, poets, teachers, and preachers began to spin the web of patriotism under the veil of Columbus. These rituals took themes such as citizenship boundaries and the importance of loyalty to the nation. Many Italian-Americans took this as an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. It wasn’t until 1966, when Mariano A. Lucca, from Buffalo, NY, founded the National Columbus Day Committee, which lobbied to make Columbus Day a federal holiday. These efforts were successful and Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1968.

Over the years, the celebration of Christopher Columbus Day has become more and more controversial due to the atrocities he committed against Native Americans. To many, Christopher Columbus is not a celebrated hero, but a violent tyrant who wasn’t very good at navigating, considering he thought he’d landed in India when reaching the Americas. He also was responsible for the enslavement, mutilation, and mass genocide of thousands of Native Americans and indigenous people.

Because of this fact, the celebration of Columbus Day has become less and less of a day of pride and more of a painful reminder to a dark past in American history. Since the early 70s, many states have petitioned to have the name changed to National Indigenous People’s Day to honor Native Americans and commemorate their stories and culture. Recently, it has taken effect as an official state holiday in various places.

History of General Pulaski Memorial DayIn 1929, Congress passed a resolution recognizing October 11 as General Pulaski M...
10/11/2026


History of General Pulaski Memorial Day

In 1929, Congress passed a resolution recognizing October 11 as General Pulaski Memorial Day. Each year, a presidential proclamation is issued to renew the resolution. And this has continued every year, except in 1930, since its inception.

The day is commemorated in the United States to recognize Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant and the father of the American Cavalry. Over two centuries ago, Pulaski joined the Continental Army and quickly climbed ranks to Brigadier General. Alongside General George Washington, Pulaski carved a legacy for himself that included building a colonial military as yet undeveloped — the cavalry. His contribution in building the cavalry from the ground up made him the ‘father of the American Cavalry’.

While only 15 years old, Pulaski gained some knowledge of warfare when his homeland of Poland and Russia went to war. He decided to immigrate to the British Colonies after his encounter with Benjamin Franklin in Paris. It was Pulaski’s experience on the battlefield and his courage that made him a favorite of General Washington. Pulaski would not, however, live to celebrate the victory of the war. He was injured in the battle of Savannah on October 9, 1779. General Pulaski died a few days later on October 11. The day also honors Polish immigrants and their descendants who have made important contributions to American society. Generations of Polish have contributed to the growth of the nation in various fields. One can witness Polish excellence in the Armed Forces, skilled labor, innovation, and the arts and culture.
Why is this day important to us here in Arkansas? Because Pulaski County is named after General Casimir Pulaski!

"Sgt. Alvin Cullum York has stood as a symbol of American courage and sacrifice for almost half a century. His valor ab...
10/08/2026

"Sgt. Alvin Cullum York has stood as a symbol of American courage and sacrifice for almost half a century. His valor above and beyond the call of duty, in World War I, was recognized with the nation's highest award, the Medal of Honor."
- President Johnson

A conscientious objector turned war hero, York’s incredible story is one of faith, bravery, and patriotism. In the heat of battle during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, he was credited with single-handedly capturing over 100 German soldiers. He had over 20 recorded kills personally and pleaded with enemy soldiers to surrender so he didn't have to kill any more. After the war, he struggled with PTSD.
Perhaps most telling about his character is what he did after the war. He was scarred by his war experience and wanted to put it behind him.

He was honored with a promotion, given a parade in New York, a standing ovation in Congress, and of course, the Medal of Honor. They even made a Hollywood movie celebrating his accomplishments.
When he passed in 1964, thousands traveled from all over our nation to pay their respects at his funeral.

He got his life back on track by finding a new purpose... improving the infrastructure in his area by advocating for a government funded highway and seeking to have a school built to serve the youth of his community. Schooling was a luxury that ended for him at 3rd grade, so building a school became a driving motivation in his life. He used his war hero fame to help that goal along.
On the fundraising trail multiple audiences wanted him to retell his war stories, and at some point he said "I'm trying to forget the war in the interest of the mountain boys and girls that I grew up among."

He was so committed to creating a school that spent his own money, fundraised for more, and even mortgaged his farm twice to keep it running during teh depression. It took ~10 yrs of his life, but the York Institute still stands today, on a 400 acre campus.

Tennessee continued to honor his memory with a state park, bridge and VA hospital.

PLEASE RESHARE!!!Our VFW post 2278 is happy to host some of our candidates for our upcoming local elections!Join us to h...
10/07/2026

PLEASE RESHARE!!!

Our VFW post 2278 is happy to host some of our candidates for our upcoming local elections!

Join us to hear them share their platform and present questions or concerns of your own.

Beverages, donuts & pastries will be available

* The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates or parties, though it is active in political and legislative advocacy for veteran benefits and policies. *

The War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) was a 20-year armed conflict that began on October 7, 2001, w...
10/07/2026

The War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) was a 20-year armed conflict that began on October 7, 2001, when a United States-led coalition launched Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Overview and Key Dates

• Start: October 7, 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, after the Taliban refused to surrender al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
• Core Goals: Destroy al-Qaeda, oust the Taliban regime, and build a stable, democratic Afghan state.
• End of NATO Combat: December 2014, after which a smaller allied support and training mission remained.
• Taliban Resurgence & Withdrawal: The U.S. and its allies fully withdrew by August 30, 2021, leading to the immediate collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul.

Phases of the Conflict

• Toppling the Taliban (2001): A rapid initial campaign by U.S. special forces, intelligence operatives, and the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance that removed the ruling regime from major cities.
• Insurgency and Nation-Building (2002–2008): Focused on military stabilization, reconstruction, and establishing a new Afghan constitution and government under President Hamid Karzai, while the Taliban regrouped in rural areas and along the Pakistani border.
• Counterinsurgency and Troop Surge (2008–2014): A major escalation under U.S. strategy aimed at breaking the Taliban's momentum before transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan national forces.
• Stalemate and Final Withdrawal (2015–2021): Years of grinding local conflict and peace negotiations (including the 2020 U.S.-Taliban Doha agreement) culminating in the final foreign military exit.

Casualties and Impact

• Coalition Forces: Over 3,300 military personnel killed, including more than 2,200 Americans.
• Afghan Security and Civilians: Tens of thousands of Afghan national security personnel and at least 46,000 to 47,000 civilians lost their lives in the 20-year conflict, with millions more displaced.
• Cost: Estimated at roughly $2.3 trillion by U.S. accounting.

Address

660 East Grand Avenue
Hot Springs, AR
71901

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 9pm
Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 9pm
Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 9pm

Telephone

+15014424796

Website

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