Kyle veterans ask council to consider city-owned lot at 105 Veterans Drive for VFW expansion

Members of the Kyle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and allied veterans groups asked the Kyle City Council on Feb. 18 to consider donating or otherwise making available the city-owned property at 105 Veterans Drive so the VFW can expand its community services.

The request comes during the council’s citizen comments and a later agenda item (No. 27) that Councilmember Miguel Zuniga brought forward to raise awareness and “evaluate opportunities for VFW American Red Cross partnership at 105 Veterans to improve capacity for community closet and preparedness outreach.”

Why it matters: VFW leaders told the council their current building at 107 Veterans Drive is at capacity and the additional space would allow them to expand a free community closet, host larger readiness efforts with the American Red Cross, store scout gear and increase parking and event capacity. Those services, they said, support veterans and residents across Kyle during everyday needs and during local emergencies.

“Why this matters? Because no veteran should be left behind,” Steven Cook, quartermaster of the Kyle VFW, told council. He described the post’s food distribution, free community closet and a telethon that has funded service dogs for veterans.

Christopher Calkins, identified as commander of AMBITS, said the VFW’s work extends to emergency response and that a partnership with the American Red Cross and a larger facility would improve local response time compared with relying on resources from farther away. “They have big plans for the veterans,” Larry Stamps, representing the VFW, said of the Red Cross partnership, adding the VFW is pursuing grant funding for the expansion.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members acknowledged the VFW’s community role and discussed the property’s status: the city has not closed on the lot yet. Several councilmembers said they supported working with the veterans but emphasized process and due diligence.

Councilmember Tobias, who said he had earlier voted against purchasing the parcel because he wanted to be accountable for city funds, said the council should evaluate all options and look for the best location and financing. Mayor Pro Tem Heizer and others urged formal meetings between VFW leaders and staff to define needs and potential partners.

“No decision will be made on the property until all options between the city and the VFW have been exhausted, including identifying another similar or more suitable location,” Larry Stamps asked the council to do during his remarks.

Outcome: The council did not approve a property donation or a transfer at the Feb. 18 meeting. Instead, councilmembers committed to engage staff, the VFW and partner organizations in follow-up discussions and to include the topic in upcoming workshops and planning conversations about downtown and city properties. No formal vote or transfer of 105 Veterans Drive occurred that night.

Ending: VFW leaders said they will continue to meet with staff and return with more specific program needs and that veterans and community supporters will follow the council’s process as it develops.