About VFW Post 8905 Thompson-Patton-Zahn

VFW Post 8905 was chartered in the summer of 1944 by 16 veterans and named in honor of World War II veteran Lt. Arthur Thompson.

Over the years, Post 8905 welcomed members from other Houston-area Posts, including the Patton Post and Chas. Zhan Jr. Post. The official name, VFW Post 8905 Thompson-Patton-Zhan, honors the history and members of all three Posts.

With the support of veterans, their families and community members, Post 8905 has grown into a gathering place dedicated to veteran advocacy, fellowship, community service, patriotic education and support for those who served.

Our Canteen is open to the public, with smoke-free indoor seating and a patio where smoking is permitted. The patio includes televisions and fans. We welcome eligible veterans interested in membership and community members who want to attend events, volunteer, support local veterans or rent our hall.

History of the Veterans of Foreign Wars

The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War formed local organizations to secure the rights and benefits they had earned through their service. Many returned home wounded or sick at a time when adequate medical care and veterans’ pensions were not readily available.

These veterans banded together to advocate for one another and formed organizations that would eventually become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

After chapters were established in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership had grown to approximately 5,000; by 1936, it had reached nearly 200,000.

Throughout its history, the VFW has played an instrumental role in advancing legislation and programs for America’s veterans. Its advocacy contributed to:

• The establishment of the Veterans Administration
• The development of the national cemetery system
• The creation of the GI Bill
• Compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange
• Recognition of illnesses affecting Gulf War veterans
• Improved health care and services for women veterans

The VFW also helped fund the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Military Women’s Memorial and American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

Recent VFW Legislative Victories

In recent decades, the VFW has helped secure major legislative victories for veterans, service members, military families, caregivers and survivors, including:

• 2008 — Post-9/11 GI Bill: Significantly expanded educational benefits for service members and veterans.
• 2014 — Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act: Expanded access to health care for eligible veterans and strengthened accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• 2017 — Forever GI Bill: Expanded and improved veterans’ education benefits while removing the 15-year expiration period for many eligible veterans.
• 2018 — VA MISSION Act: Improved veterans’ access to VA health care, community care and caregiver support.
• 2019 — Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act: Extended disability-benefit eligibility to qualifying veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving offshore during the Vietnam War.
• 2019 — Elimination of the Widow’s Tax: Ended the offset that reduced survivor benefits for many military spouses and families.
• 2020 — Deborah Sampson Act: Expanded and improved VA health care and services for women veterans.
• 2022 — Honoring Our PACT Act: Delivered one of the largest expansions of health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances and hazardous environments.
• 2024 — Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act: Expanded caregiver support, home-based care and other health care and benefit programs for veterans.
• 2025 — Continued Legislative Victories: Advanced protections related to military aircrew cancer risks, VA home-loan foreclosure assistance and education benefits for Selected Reserve members.

Today, the VFW and VFW Auxiliary represent more than 1.4 million members. Together, they continue serving local communities, supporting youth and scholarship programs and advocating before Congress for veterans, service members, military families, caregivers and survivors.

The VFW’s mission continues wherever veterans need assistance, communities need leadership and America’s promises to those who served must be defended.