I took the duties and responsibilities to heart and began the business of the VFW with an assignment the very next day! After that, it was a fast paced blur of succeeding assignments. In between however, came the real work of moving the VFW forward, continuing the eternal push for veterans service and legislation to make the lives of veterans and their families better. Many in the ranks of the VFW, and outside the ranks too, see only the visits to events. I can assure you this is part of the job, but only the tip of the iceberg to be sure.
COVID-19 came quickly and the traveling stopped, but the work didn't. We continued to meet electronically on almost a daily basis to continue the mission of the VFW as best we could. Our Washington office continued the mission of legislative affairs. Our Veterans Service branch increased output to meet the demands of veterans seeking assistance with the VA in both medical and compensation matters. While the world seemed to come to a standstill, the leadership of the VFW kept the engines stoked and kept the ship on its course. That's what we do, day in and day out.
We had to cancel our annual convention in Reno, Nevada, certainly a first, but the safest thing for our membership. Did this cause some concern over the future of our leadership going forward? Yes. Did we resolve it according to our By-laws, Ritual, and Congressional Charter? Yes. Did we affirm that nothing will stop the VFW from doing what we are here to do? YES!
This post ends Part One of my proposed three year blog of my adventures as a Chair officer. I thank all the 30,000 views and multiple countries that have been following. You can always go back and view some of your favorite blogs I wrote over the year. Maybe I'll highlight a few in the coming weeks and months for your reading pleasure. Tomorrow, I begin Part Two, as the Senior Vice Commander in Chief of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you support!
Looking good,sir! Give Mamma an ear scritch for me. 😁 Tom
ReplyDeleteSuch great leadership for all of our warriors! Thank you Fritz for taking this post on and continuing your selfless service!
ReplyDeleteIt was a strange year, for sure! But we will continue to move forward and serve our Veterans and their Families.
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