South Hackensack VFW Post 8005

08/30/2026

After the completion of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedoms Sentinel began. From January 1, 2015 to August 30, 2021, American and other NATO forces remained in Afghanistan for counter terrorism, and support the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. However, on August 15, 2021, the Republic fell to Taliban forces. American citizens, Afghanistan citizens at risk, and all American forces would leave Afghanistan. On August 30, 2021, the last Americans would leave Afghanistan, ending a 20 year stint.

08/26/2026

Today, we remember the 13 service members who were killed at Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal. May they all rest in peace.

08/25/2026

OTD in 1944, Allied Forces liberated Paris. Just 80 days after D Day, the French Capital was free from Nazi's.

08/17/2026

08/09/2026

August 9, 1945, the second and hopefully last ever nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Days after the Hiroshima bomb, US Forces decided to drop the second of 2 atomic bombs since Japan had not yet indicated that they would surrender. The target was originally Kokura. However the city was obscured by clouds and smoke from fire bombings that had occurred in Yahata. So the B-29 "Bockscar" made its way to Nagasaki. It dropped the bomb at 11:02 AM JST. It is estimated that 35,000 to 40,000 people were killed instantly. Another 20,000 to 40,000 would die days, weeks and months later from complications. A total of 60,000 to 80,000 people total would be killed and countless others would suffer health problems for the rest of their lives.

On August 10, 1945, Japan announced its intent to surrender.

08/07/2026

The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration presented to service members wounded or killed by enemy action, while serving in the U.S. military. It is a solemn distinction and indicates that a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves or made the ultimate sacrifice, while in the line of duty.

According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782. Today, please join us in remembering and honoring all Purple Heart recipients.

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08/06/2026

August 6, 1945, at 08:15 AM, the atomic bomb "Little Boy" was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. It fell for 44.4 seconds before detonating at 1,968 ft. A total of 66,000 people would be killed, including 40,000 Japanese soldiers.

07/27/2026

OTD in 1953, the Korean War came to an end with an armistice. After three years of bloody conflict, 36,515 Americans were killed. We will never forget all those who fought bravely to preserve freedom for South Korea.

07/12/2026

We send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Senator Lindsey Graham. From 1982 to 1989, he served Active Duty with the US Air Force JAG Corps. He would then serve in the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995. From 1995 to 2015, Graham would serve in the Air Force Reserve. He'd be awarded a Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal during his years of service.

Thank you Senator for your years of selfless service, and may he rest in peace.

06/28/2026

Twenty-one years ago today, on June 28, 2005, four Navy SEALs were inserted high into the Hindu Kush of eastern Afghanistan on a reconnaissance mission, and walked into one of the most harrowing days in the history of Naval Special Warfare. Lt. Michael Murphy, Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell. Compromised by goat herders and choosing not to harm civilians, the four were soon surrounded by a large enemy force and fought a desperate running gun battle down the side of a mountain against impossible odds.

By the end of that day, the cost was staggering. Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were killed on the mountain. Murphy moved into the open under fire to make the call for help that would save Luttrell's life, an act that earned him the Medal of Honor. Then the rescue came, and the tragedy deepened. An MH-47 Chinook carrying a relief force was struck by an RPG and crashed, killing all sixteen aboard, eight Night Stalkers of the 160th SOAR and eight more SEALs. Nineteen Americans died that day, the worst single loss in the history of the SEAL teams.

Marcus Luttrell alone survived, broken and bleeding, saved by Afghan villagers who refused to surrender him to the Taliban. He carried the story home so the rest of us would know their names. Twenty-one years on, we say them again. Murphy. Dietz. Axelson. Kristensen. And the fifteen who fell beside them trying to bring their brothers home. Time moves on, but the debt does not fade. Never forgotten.