Often, the mention of a local VFW post conjures images of a smoky pub, filled with salty soldiers retelling sad stories, but this one is different. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Arrant-Smith Post 4127 is more of an uptempo gathering place for people with shared experience.
For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life can be a challenging journey, often leaving a void once filled by camaraderie and a shared mission. In Homestead, the VFW works to fill that gap, providing a vital hub of support, community, and continued service for those who have served on foreign soil.
The organization actively helps veterans navigate the complexities of life after service by offering free assistance with VA disability claims, providing academic scholarships for military children, and extending emergency aid to veterans in crisis. "We might not be serving in uniform, picking up weapons, and defending our country, but we're defending our military," says Matt Ochmanski, an Army veteran and the current commander of the post. "We're defending our veterans. We're helping." For Ochmanski, the motivation is deeply personal. When asked why he dedicates his time to the VFW, he stated, "Because I'm okay, but there's somebody that isn't and needs the help."
Established in May 1945, the post honors two local heroes, Navy sailors John Anderson Arrant and Earl Walter Smith, who were killed aboard the USS Arizona during the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, their legacy lives on through the post's dedication to the local veteran community.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 549558 |
| Location: | HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Homestead VFW - Not Your Grandpa's Post, by TSgt Benjamin Hayes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
