Operation September Freedom!

 Dream Flights and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are teaming up to honor the Greatest Generation, our remaining World War II veterans!

Dream Flights is a non-profit organization that uses six Boeing Stearman biplanes and they have been offering FREE incentive rides to WWII veterans since 2011.  To date, they have flown 4,200 veterans in 41 states.  And now, with the help of the VFW, they have launched Operation September Freedom!

This ambitious project will see the Dream Flights biplanes flying in all FIFTY states between 1 August and 30 September 2021.  The plan is to fly as many WWII veterans as we can in this time period, which coincides with the official end of World War II, with the signing of the surrender document aboard the USS Missouri in September, 1945.  And did I mention, this is free to any World War II veteran?  The goal is to fly at least 1,000 veterans over 61 days using the six biplanes!

Right now, we are collecting names through an online application.  Between now and the end of May [the earlier the better of course], anyone can nominate a WWII veteran by visiting: www.dreamflights.org/honor and filling in the form. If you can't click the link, just cut and paste.  It's that easy.  In the highlights section of the application, it wouldn't hurt that you heard of it from the VFW either!  Check out this amazing video from Dream Flights founder Darryl Fisher:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=193455299248469

After all the applications are in, the planning, routing, and notifications will occur.  Then, on 1 August, Operation September Freedom Begins!  The Veterans of Foreign Wars will be at each location proudly cheering on those who came before us.  I urge you all to participate if you know a WWII veteran.  It will be the adventure of a lifetime!

VFW Auxiliary Senior Vice President Training

 I had the opportunity to spend several days in Kansas City with my counterpart on the Auxiliary side of the house, Jean Hamil.  Jean's from the great state of Florida and will be the National President when I am [hopefully!] going to be at the helm of the VFW as the National Commander in Chief.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only a small portion of the Senior Vice Presidents from around the country were able to attend in person, with the remainder joining on Zoom along with their State Secretaries.  Even though it was a split meeting, there was an enthusiasm that you could feel.  Everyone is ready to come out of the Covid fog and hit the ground running for the future.  As Jean's slogan proclaims, they are going to be Soaring Above and Beyond!

When I say Covid restrictions were in place, they were serious about it!  We sat individually at six foot tables, with at least 6 feet between each table.  It was a huge room and there was a lot of space in between. Masks were required even when sitting at the tables for the business sessions.  Meals were interesting too as you had to sit with the same people at every meal [six of us at an eight person table] for easier tracking purposes.  I was really pleased to see everyone taking this seriously, whether they had been vaccinated or not.

I'm looking forward to a great partnership with Jean and we are both hoping that's going to extend down to the  VFW and Auxiliary Departments, Districts, and Posts.  We are all in this together and we realize the time is now to show the world that together we can make great things come to fruition!

Jean Hamil and I are going to make a great team.  We think alike on so many areas and speak with one voice for veterans!

Lots of spacing, but the material was top notch whether you were in person or on Zoom

The Auxiliary members are always so nice to me at these events.  Even Mama got a great gift bag of treats!  They know she likes Greenies!

A pensive moment on the rooftop of the Inter-Continental hotel, while the rest of use were having official photographs done.  She's probably thinking about those treats waiting for her in the room!

Some spur of the moment after dinner magical entertainment!

Commander-in-Chief's Congressional Testimony

 Chief Hal and I have been in Washington this week in preparation for his testimony before the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.  Today is the big day!  The last few days have seen us immersed with our Washington DC staff going over the testimony itself along with all the preparation to get us smart on possible questions that will be posed by members of the Committee.

To be transparent, I'm not the one giving the testimony!  This is all about our Commander in Chief.  However, just in case he falls down the stairs and can't do it, I'm the stand in.  Being the understudy this week I need to have the same knowledge and awareness the Chief has.  I know he's going to do great so I'm not worried at all!

This year, for the first time, we are not live in front of the Committee with hundreds of VFW and Auxiliary members behind us.  We are broadcasting virtually from our DC Headquarters and live streaming to all of you.  Once again, we are leveraging technology to show we never slow down and always move the mission forward!

Intense preparation!  No matter what the Committee asks, we will be ready!

Practicing with the teleprompter last night, ensuring everything will work correctly when the hearing starts today.

80th Annual Daytona Bike Week

Bike Week-

According to reports, this was the largest crowd in ten years.  We received outstanding support from Jesse James Dupree and all of our Harley Davidson partners.  Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Dayton Harley Davidson took great care of us the entire time.  I was able to do some interviews and drive to several local dealerships to let them know how much we appreciate their support.  You can never thank a partner enough and when possible you should patronize their businesses.  It’s always a two way street. One man who always goes above and beyond when it comes to our corporate partners is Kevin Jamison, Deputy Director of the VFW Foundation.  I’ve never met someone more driven for the mission than Kevin.  He certainly is a driving force when it comes to our VFW relationship with Jesse James Dupree, Mighty Loud Entertainment, and all of the local Harley Davidson dealerships across the country. 

Post 3282, Port Orange Florida:

Post Commander Chris, his wife Debbie, and Post Senior Vice Mike were on point for the entire run of Bike Week.  They tirelessly spent many hours and days manning the recruiting booth, being a great VFW Face to the public, and showing us all what it means to be an engaged member of the VFW and the Auxiliary. That’s why they are All Americans! I had the opportunity to attend their Friday Fish Fry.  When you walk into the Post, you are met with a location that just shouts “America!”.  They’ve done a lot of work over the years re-building their image in the community and it shows.  Two highlights of the evening for me were meeting 100 year old World War II veteran Fred and 94 year old Marine Corps veteran Muriel.  They had more energy than I had!  It was a pleasure to hand them my coin and let them know that they paved the way for people like me to be part of the greatest combat veterans organization ever! 

Jackyl Concert

As always, Jesse and his band Jackyl knocked it out of the park! The venue at Rossmeyer’s was open air, more than standing room only, and was the main event closing out Bike Week.  Even though Mama Cass wasn’t with me, I was still able to get a backstage pass.  She is the real draw of course in any event and Jesse takes care of us!  Access is critical when engaging our corporate partners.  Kevin Jamison made fantastic introductions and I spent a great deal of quality time with current and potentially future partners.  It’s easy to sell the VFW when you have solid programs like Unmet Needs!  Did I mention that Jesse has personally raised over $100,000 for this great project!!  Watching the concert from the wings is always fun [even if it is a bit loud].  Jesse brought the VFW on stage and regaled the crowd with all the great things we do.  It’s quite humbling to be a leader and see all those patriotic bikers cheering for what we do. It was great being there while we all waited to see who was going to win the 2021 Harley Davidson Street Glide

When all is said and done, I can say this was a successful week.  We recruited new members, raised awareness and money for the Unmet Needs program, thanked our partners, and ensured that going forward our partnership with Jesse James Dupree and the Harley Davidson dealerships is going to skyrocket.  It’s up to all of us to get on board and support our supporters!

Kevin holding the signed Jesse James Dupree - VFW branded chainsaw!  We had a lot of people entering the drawing to win this iconic Jackyl symbol!

Radio interview with WILL Rock, one of our big supporters.  Jesse's personal bike, Devil's Devil, in foreground

Thanking our corporate HD sponsors in Gainesville!

Port Orange VFW Post 3282

 

94 year old Marine Corps veteran Muriel.  She was as sassy as any Marine I've ever met!

100 year old WWII Vet Fred and the gang at the Post

Onstage with Jesse waiting to see who will win a dream bike from Harley Davidson!

On the way to visit a a sponsor, we crossed a bridge in Palatka and saw this statue.  It's a replica of the "Spirit of the American Doughboy".  The bridge was dedicated on 11 Nov 1927!  The statue originally looked like the real statue, complete with a rifle in the soldier’s left hand.  On that day, kids were hanging from the rifle and broke it off!  The sculptor added in a not quite correctly sized .45 caliber pistol to fix the statue.  And now you know....the rest of the story!

Six Hundred Days!

 Wow, can’t believe it’s been 600 days since I was elected to serve (yes, SERVE) as the Junior Vice Commander in Chief!

Since that time we have had massive changes in our way of life. Truly, things will never be the same as a society. However, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting fantastic men and women in my tenure and their drive and dedication to serve veterans has always been top notch. 

Always remember that the VFW did not stop or hunker down in the darkest days of the Pandemic. Of all the major Veteran Service Organizations we moved forward. Standing still was not an option!  Even though we didn’t have a national convention we elected officers and stepped up our game by leveraging technology as we never had before. I proudly assumed the mantle of Senior Vice Commander and continued the work we are known for:  veteran service. 

We have another convention coming up and we will get the work of the organization done. I’m looking forward to the future and I can’t wait to keep serving all of you as part of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!

VFW Voice of Democracy Virtual Parade of Winners - Facebook Live 1 April!!

Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards.  The competitions culminate with the Parade of Winners event, designed to celebrate and recognize the contests’ top national winners.

This year, the VFW will be hosting its first-ever, virtual Parade of Winners on April 1 at 7 p.m. CDT, live on Facebook.  Join us as VFW and VFW Auxiliary state and national leadership, representatives from program sponsors Twisted X and Dell, and this year’s 52 Voice of Democracy Department (state) winners come together from all over the world as we crown the 2021 national Voice of Democracy first place winner.

Use either of these links [you may need to cut and paste] to get a front row seat from the comfort of your home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/542331846731848

https://fb.me/e/5jOAuSuPB

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. 

Patriot's Pen

Every year students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest.  Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!  The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. 

Monument Plaza - VFW Headquarters

In Kansas City at 34th and Broadway sits our National Headquarters building.  At the corner of the property are several monuments and I'd like to showcase them today.  I got up early so I could capture the sunrise as those golden rays lit up the sights.  I hope you enjoy!

The focal point is of course, the "Citizen-Soldier" Statue, dedicated on 5 October 2001.  On the occasion of the VFW 100th Anniversary [1999] the statue was commissioned to commemorate our first century of service to veterans, those currently serving, and the communities in which they live.  The three important aspects of our history are reflected in this statue:

    - First and foremost, the VFW member is helping the soldier, symbolizing the VFW's support for veterans.

    - Second, the documents in the member's hand symbolizes VFW's fight for veterans in the public and political arenas.

    - Finally, the entire design speaks to the metamorphosis from soldier to citizen to VFW member.

The next thing that catches your eye is the wall of marble panels leading to the flag poles.  These five panels have bronze inlays that capture the VFW from its origins to the future vision of what we stand for.  The shiny marble reflects back as you look into, perhaps a subliminal message that the viewer is part of the scene.

Last is the massive viewing area, backed by the flags of the United States, POW-MIA, the VFW, and the Auxiliary. Within the arc, as you can see where Mama is sitting, is a plaque along with a large circular Cross of Malta.  The plaque inscription reads:

    "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Headquarters Memorial, Dedicated 21 April 1986.  Old Glory proudly waves over the hallowed ground gathered from more than 200 battlefields in which the Armed Forces of our country have been engaged in combat from 1680 through 1973.  The soil was collected by Otto Osterburg, VFW Post 998, Freeport, Illinois and is entombed in the base of the flagpole."

When I read that, I was floored, for many reasons.  1680 to 1973?  Soil from more than 200 battlefields?  A guy from my HOME STATE did this?  Who knew!  History is fascinating and learning about our monuments brings us closer together.  The next time you visit our VFW Headquarters, take a few minutes to check out these memorials.  I know you will be glad you did!

    

   

Programs Department at the VFW National Headquarters

Working through a long week of meetings, in-person and virtual!  I did get to spend some time with the Programs Department Director, Lynn R.  He does some amazing work for all of us and this week he is up to his eyeballs getting things prepared for the upcoming virtual Voice of Democracy Program.  Don't forget to tune into FaceBook Live on 1 April when we will all wait in eager anticipation of learning which student is going to walk away with the top prize of $30,000 in scholarship money!  Programs is also responsible for the Buddy Poppy project and they have done great work getting millions of poppies produced and sent out to all the Posts and Auxiliaries for their upcoming distribution drives.  I can tell you that Lynn and all the people in his Department are working hard for us every day and I'm so proud of what they do!

This is a recently completed hand painted Poppy wall in the Programs Conference room. Just above Mama's head is the iconic poem, "In Flanders Fields".  This beautiful artwork was completed by Nick L., a USMC veteran and Youth Coordinator.  It really is stunning!

In addition to all of the scholarship money [each of the 52 finalists all get something!], they also get a goodie box.  Since the Program is virtual this year, Tammy B has 52 shipping boxes and is filling them with swag!  The students get Commander pins from all over the VFW, a custom personalized Spyder fleece, a lot of swag AND.... a brand new Dell laptop!

Since I drove to Kansas City, Mama made the trip with me.  The office I'm using is similar in layout to the one I had at the United States Transportation Command.  I laid out her blanket under the credenza and she plopped right in, just like she did for so many years while I worked for USTC.

Welcome Ukraine!

 Overnight we picked up some new followers from Ukraine. Welcome to the Blog!  We hope you enjoy our adventures as we continue our three year mission to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars ever forward and upward!

The flag of Ukraine is a banner of two equally sized horizontal bands of blue and yellow.  The top represents sky and the yellow represents wheat.  The combination of blue and yellow as a symbol of Ukrainian lands coes from the flag of the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia used in the 12th Century.

Ukraine is now the 41st country to join us!  Welcome!

A Visit to Post 5789

I'm in Kansas City this week at National Headquarters.  Lots of meetings and other things going on and I'll update you at the end of the session.  I got in Sunday evening and had an opportunity to visit the Jack Ray VFW Post 5789 in Lee's Summit.  It's a cozy, welcoming Post and if you're in the area I suggest you stop in and enjoy the warmth and hospitality!

This Post is really active in the community and even more so in the VFW world.  The current Department Commander calls it home.  The Current Department Senior Vice Commander calls it home.  And a recent Past Department Commander calls it home.  You can see the pattern.  These comrades are motivated to further the VFW mission by helping veterans and their families.  I can see great things for them in the future!

[L-R:  Missouri Senior Vice Jim Nail, Missouri Past Department Commander Chris Bell, Illinois Past Department Commander Matt Claussen, Yours Truly]