Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Saltworks Camp No. 2353 joined the Charles “Choc” Gillen VFW Post No. 8539 and its supporters on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the post’s hall in Lampasas for an 80th anniversary celebration. Special guest Texas State Senator Pete Flores presented a formal resolution honoring the post’s long record of service to veterans and the Lampasas community.
The post was chartered on October 15, 1946, as the Lampasas Memorial VFW. In 2013 it was renamed in honor of its first commander and founding member, the late Charles James Gillen, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as an aerial engineer and aircraft mechanic stationed in India.After the war, Gillen became a business and civic leader in Lampasas, serving on the Lampasas City Council in the 1950s and helping establish the local Kiwanis Club.
Over eight decades the post has earned a reputation for assisting veterans and supporting community projects. In 1979, members installed the “We Gave Our Life for Our Country” memorial in Bend. Two years later the post and its ladies auxiliary installed a veterans memorial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas. The post and auxiliary also assisted with the Korean and Vietnam War Memorial dedicated in 1989. In recognition of its charitable work, the organization was named an Outstanding Community Service Post of the Year for 2022-2023 by the VFW.
Senator Flores’s resolution noted that Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have taken up arms in defense of freedom, and that members of Post No. 8539 may take pride in their contributions to country and community. It resolved that the 80th anniversary be commemorated and that current commander Maria D. Gonzalez and all associated with the post be extended best wishes for the future.
Following the reading of the proclamation, members of Saltworks Camp fired their artillery. The guns continued to fire on the hour throughout the celebration. Participants described the day as a fine occasion to celebrate camaraderie, honor founding commander Charles “Choc” Gillen, and express thanks for the continued existence and service Post No. 8539 has provided to the community.
The Saltworks Camp’s next expected event will be in Dallas at the Texas Stock Exchange on November 9th . More details TBA.