On March 8, 11 members of VFW Post 3892 in Harker Heights, Texas, participated in the ‘art of cigar rolling’ to help fundraise and learn a new skill.
The class, conducted by master cigar rollers James Sims and his wife, owners of Red’s Smoke Shop in Liberty Hill, Texas, taught participants how to roll two Cuban cigars each to help raise money for Post 3892’s scholarship fund.
Army veteran and VFW life member James Sims, left, and his wife teach members of VFW Post 3892 how to roll Cuban cigars on March 8 at Post 3892 in Harker Heights, Texas. Photo courtesy of James Sims.For Sims, who provided all the tools, the event allowed him to share his knowledge of a skill that he believes is both self-satisfying and therapeutic.
“As a veteran myself, I enjoy giving back to the community, and I find that rolling cigars has a therapeutic effect,” said Sims, an Army veteran and Life member of VFW Post 10427 in Leander, Texas. “I believe it’s valuable to help our veterans learn to roll cigars and experience the relaxing benefits that come with it.”
Post 3892 member James Haynes, owner of Rib Tips BBQ in Harker Heights, organized the event. Haynes booked Sims’ mobile cigar rolling class to help the Post raise funds for its scholarship fund.
“I was honored to get the call and partner with James,” Sims said. “We are always looking for ways to spread and teach the art of rolling cigars, especially with fellow veterans.”
This article is featured in the 2025 March issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.