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Video by Tech. Sgt. Duane Ramos

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129th Rescue Wing Supports VFW Post 4103 at San Francisco Zoo

129th Rescue Wing

Sept. 3, 2025 | 1:31

U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing participate in a volunteer event to assist and escort military veterans at the San Francisco Zoo, Calif., Sep. 3, 2025. The annual event is hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4103, South San Francisco, who is responsible for coordinating with various veteran groups in the Bay Area to provide lunch and a free day at the zoo.

This year marks Post 4103’s 13th Annual Zoo event. A dedicated team of 20 Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing contributed to the volunteer effort, focusing their energy on providing direct services to veterans and local military families. The day’s primary mission was to honor and serve over 250 disabled and elderly veterans and their caregivers. These attendees traveled from the San Francisco and Palo Alto VA Healthcare Systems, as well as the California Yountville Veterans Home, to enjoy a day of camaraderie and nature.

Building on the work of Post 4103, the event was bolstered by a coalition of over 30 additional community volunteers and several local organizations, including:
• Military & Veteran Support: US Army Reserve 63rd Readiness Division, San Francisco USO, and the Bay Area Military Network.
• Civic & Community Groups: South San Francisco Elks Lodge 2091 and the Knights of Columbus South San Francisco.
• Local Commercial Sponsors: Generous contributions from Santa Teresa Grocery Outlet and Pacifica Upper Crust Deli.

The bond between VFW Post 4103 and the 129th Rescue Wing is more than just a partnership; it is a long-standing family connection built on mutual support. This year, the two organizations celebrated a major milestone: their 14th year of partnership under the VFW’s Adopt-a-Unit, via the Military Assistance Program (MAP). Since formally adopting the entire wing in 2012, Post 4103 has been a steadfast advocate for Airmen and their families, providing approximately $75,000 in support for homecomings, care packages, emergency relief, and essential resources.

This year also marked a new chapter for the program by extending support to military families from Moffett Field military housing complex and those associated with the Bay Area Military Network. By including these families, VFW Post 4103 and the 129th Rescue Wing continue to strengthen the fabric of the local military community, ensuring that support reaches those who serve today as well as those who served in the past.

(U.S. Air National Guard video by Technical Sgt. Duane Ramos)