Vicente Gonzales Breaks Ground on New Veterans Facility in Texas

U.S. Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) joined local veterans, community leaders, and construction partners for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2410 facility in Harlingen, marking a major investment in services and support for South Texas veterans and their families.

The new 10,000-square-foot VWF post recieved $850,000 in federal community project funding secured by Rep. Gonzalez through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package.

The total project is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million, with additional support coming from a $150,000 pledge from Cameron County and roughly $1.5 million in donated services and materials.

During the ceremony, Gonzalez emphasized the importance of supporting veterans as they transition back into civilian life and access the benefits they earned through military service.

"When a South Texas veteran comes back from war, we owe it to them to provide the best possible support," said 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."

The current VFW Post 2410 building has served Harlingen veterans for more than 80 years and remains the city's only public veteran-friendly gathering and support center. However, the facility has suffered significant deterioration over time due to flood damage, winter freezes, and aging infrastructure.

Noble Texas Builders President and CEO Rene Capistran said the project demonstrates what can be accomplished through cooperation between government, businesses, and the local community.

"We are honored to be part of the VFW Project and proud to stand alongside those who support our veterans," said Capistran. "This project is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when public leadership, local businesses, and the community unite behind a shared purpose."

The new facility is expected to provide expanded resources, meeting areas, and support for veterans across the Rio Grande Valley while preserving the longstanding role VFW Post 2410 has played in the Harlingen community.