Brooklyn veteran Jesse Figueroa was recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Monday as part of its national Still Serving campaign, an initiative that spotlights veterans who remain active in their communities long after leaving military service.
Figueroa, who serves as commander of VFW Brooklyn Post 546 in Windsor Terrace and District 1 within the Department of New York, has built a reputation for organizing community-focused efforts that bring veterans and local residents together. His work centers on improving quality of life across Brooklyn while strengthening connections between those who have served and the neighborhoods they call home.
As part of the upcoming VFW Day of Service, Figueroa is leading a large-scale accessibility and safety initiative expected to engage more than 50 veterans and volunteers. The effort will focus on assisting older adults with transportation, making public spaces safer and more accessible and connecting families to essential resources. The project reflects a broader commitment to hands-on service that extends beyond traditional veteran support.
“Service does not end when the uniform comes off,” Figueroa said in a statement. “Veterans have a responsibility to uplift their communities, foster unity and help build a better future.”
Under Figueroa’s leadership, local VFW members have taken on roles as mentors, organizers and advocates, demonstrating how veterans continue to serve as pillars in their communities. His approach emphasizes collaboration, encouraging veterans to work alongside neighbors to address everyday challenges and strengthen community ties.
The Still Serving campaign, launched by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in March 2020, was created to highlight veteran stories. What began as a recognition effort has since grown into a wider movement, showcasing how veterans across the country and around the world continue contributing through volunteerism, civic engagement and leadership.
In 2022, the campaign expanded with the introduction of the annual VFW Day of Service, a coordinated day of community projects led by veterans globally.
Veterans average nearly 30% more volunteer hours per year and outpace civilians by 15% in charitable donations. Additionally, nearly 40% more veterans belong to a group working on community issues, officials said.
