Saturday, September 7, 2024
Yolanda (Yogi) Jones has dedicated her life to supporting veterans. For the last three years, she has been president of the Riley Stephens Memorial Post 7835 VFW Auxiliary. Jones fosters community spirit by organizing fundraisers, community gatherings and support services for veterans and their families.
Steadfastly, Jones has worked her way up the chain over the past eight years, starting as a guard and eventually becoming junior vice president, senior vice president and president.
Originally from Hico, Jones has lived in Granbury since 2012. She has four children from a previous marriage and 10 grandchildren — nine of them boys.
Her involvement with the VFW Post 7835 Auxiliary began through her husband, Paul Liles, a native of Granbury and an auxiliary member. “With my family’s deep military roots, supporting veterans has become a personal mission,” Jones said. This mission is evident in her efforts to rejuvenate Burger Night, a weekly event that had waned due to volunteer fatigue.
BURGER NIGHT
Jones created a competition to revive Burger Night, attracting local teams and sparking community interest. “We now have groups like the Twisted Disciples Motorcycle Club participating, and we serve around 100 burgers every Wednesday,” she noted, adding, “Other volunteer teams are named after their lead cooks, like Team Dawn and Team Harley.”
Funding for Burger Night is managed through donations and volunteers, and members and non-members of the VFW play a crucial role.
“Our volunteers come from all over, including billiard and cornhole tournament participants,” Jones explained. The event, which runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays only, has become a staple; a burger and homemade fries meal is about $7-$7.50 with proceeds supporting the continuation of these community gatherings.”
VFW Post 7835’s facilities include the back hall, canteen and a beer garden, which can easily accommodate large gatherings of 100 people.
BLUE BRANCH HISTORIC RANCH
In addition to her VFW role, Jones is the detail manager and quality control inspector at Camping World in Fort Worth. She also serves as the property manager at Blue Branch Historic Ranch, a veterans’ and first responders’ retreat under the management of Kolton Krottinger.
Veterans can camp for free at the ranch, and there are ample provisions for cooking, relaxation, and recreational activities. “The ranch provides a supportive environment for veterans to unwind and connect,” Jones said.
NATIONAL HOME
One of Jones’ most passionate projects is organizing the annual luau, a fundraiser for the National Home, a nonprofit supporting veteran families. “We raised $10,000 one year for the National Home, which provides financial assistance, housing and education for up to four years after the loss of a service member,” she said.
The National Home, based in Eagle Rapids, Michigan, offers comprehensive support to veteran families, positively impacting their lives.
Despite the challenge of raising funds for a facility outside Texas, Jones’ efforts have been highly successful. “It’s hard to get people to donate to a place not in Texas, but the impact is immense,” she said. The funds support the Texas House within the National Home, benefiting numerous families yearly.
RUCK FORWARD
Jones’ dedication extends to hosting various VFW events, including musical performances, barbecue cook-offs, and the upcoming RUCK Forward event, organized by Cathy Castro and the Stephens family.
“RUCK Forward is scheduled for Sept. 28,” Jones explains, “It’s a 5K and a 22K walk through the city with participants carrying rucksacks and attracts around 300 people. We walk and remember our beloved veterans.”
ANTHONY PRICE
Riley Stephens VFW Post 7835 will also host Anthony Price, a rising star in the country music scene. His performance is scheduled for Oct. 12. At just 16 years old, Price has already secured a record deal with the Country Music Association and has appeared on major platforms like Good Morning America. The event is open to the public with no cover charge.
With an unwavering commitment to the VFW and veterans in general, Jones plans to continue serving as president. She emphasizes the importance of volunteer support for the VFW’s activities. “New people bring new ideas, and volunteer support is crucial for our busy post,” she states.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and she continues to find ways to engage the community and support veterans. “We give little incentives to keep volunteers coming back, and they have a lot of fun,” Jones said. She looks forward to future collaborations to promote events and initiatives, ensuring the VFW’s activities remain vibrant and impactful.
Jones’ initiatives provide essential resources and create a network of support and camaraderie. Her dedication ensures veterans and their families receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
For more information about the VFW’s events and how to get involved, visit its website at https://vfw7835.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp.
