Technology Today!

 A few days ago I posted in the blog about my participation in a roundtable discussion with Teddy Robb and the VFW Unmet Needs Program.  When I release a new blog item, I also post it on my Facebook page to get maximum coverage.

When I last visited Florida for a VFW event, I was introduced to a man who does a lot for his local post.  We had a nice conversation and later I wrote him a note, thanking him for all he does.  He reached out and friended me on Facebook and has been reading the blog through it.  When he read the Teddy Robb post, he made the following comment:  “This is the first time, both because of the internet and paying attention, that I have followed the National VFW. Every day I am more pleased to belong to the VFW.”  Let that sink in!

By using the simplest of technologies available to us, social media, I’m able to reach a huge audience to let them know what I get to do as a National officer.  I’m just one person but I have an impact on so many.  That’s why I’m pushing the use of technology and social media for what I hope to be my year as the Commander in Chief.  [I’m not elected yet!].  Leveraging tech is a force multiplier for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Still, there are some who believe they aren’t tech savvy or don’t have easy access to the internet and social media.  We need to reach out and help those folks so they can spread the word.

Just a few days ago on Mars, almost 184 million miles away, the United States remotely controlled a small helicopter and made the first flight on a distant planet.  The craft, named Ingenuity, didn’t fly high or for a long time, but it flew.  That’s a Can Do spirit.  If we can remotely fly machines on a distant planet, just over a hundred years from when we first conquered heavier than air flight on our own planet, we can find a way to reach out to our neighbors in our communities with a social media message about the wonderful things we continue to do.  How will anyone know that “Nobody Does More For Veterans” if we don’t tell them!

Teddy Robb and Unmet Needs

 This week at HQ I was pleased to be part of a roundtable discussion with up and coming country music personality, Teddy Robb.  Teddy and his team from Sony Music reached out to VFW to partner with us and get the word out on our Unmet Needs Program.  The video shoot revolved around Teddy talking about why this is important to him and then in an open discussion format we all talked about how we got involved with the VFW, what it means to us, how we help veterans, and other things.  Nothing was scripted and at the end we all agreed this was an amazing few hours!

This "conversation with Teddy" is part of a lead in to the premier of his new video, "Heaven on Dirt", which is now in circulation.  After the shoot, Teddy played this song for us, and a few others.  He's a genuinely friendly and approachable young man.  I know we are going to have a great partnership going forward!

A candid shot during the video shoot in the VFW Museum.  Left to Right, Commander in Chief Hal Roesch, Quartermaster General Debra Anderson, Teddy Robb, Director of Programs Lynn Rolf, Yours Truly, and Mama Cass]

Teddy serenading Mama with his new song, "Heaven on Dirt"

Senior Vice Commander Training!

Over the last two [very full!] days over 120 members from all over the VFW zoomed in for virtual training.  The Senior Vice training also includes key personnel from each state who are in support roles for these incoming Commanders.  While it would have been nice to have everyone in KC, COVID-19 restrictions keep us from doing that.  Nonetheless, the same training was given.  I feel we were more engaged as everyone was focused on the information and sharing ideas rather than the usual distractions we've encountered.

The briefing topics included things like legal pitfalls, the National Home, Administrative Operations and a slew of other topics that most people don't think about as they become State Commanders.  It's all geared to make us well rounded and knowledgeable about the issues we may be facing.  Of course, probably the most important thing is that we know the important points of contact at the National Headquarters.  It's not critical that a person know all the answers; the key is to know how to contact the person who DOES know the answers!

The most anticipated sessions were of course the requirements to be considered an All American Post/District/Department.  We're doing things differently this year and the focus isn't solely on membership numbers.  We've decided to get back to our roots and make Veterans issues and Community Engagement primary functions.  Coming out of COVID-19 shutdowns, it's imperative that we come back roaring and let everyone know that the VFW is still a vibrant, valuable entity in their communities. That engagement will include partnering with other groups in our communities, creating a positive social media presence, getting involved in our legislative activities and so much more. If we get out and make a difference, eligible veterans will WANT to become members.  I sincerely believe this focus today will increase our membership in the coming years.  Everyone wants to be part of a winning team, right?

Many thanks to all of the national staff who briefed over two days and kept the flow of the meeting going.  Most of all, thank you to the Seniors and others who participated.  Your hard work will be rewarded when you receive the title of All American Commander, 2021-2022!

My desk at Headquarters.  Yes, three screens to keep track of everything as the zoom sessions were presented!

Meeting Night at Jack Ray Post 5789 in Lee's Summit, MO

 I made it to Kansas City yesterday and was able to attend the Post meeting in Lee's Summit.  The State Senior Vice Commander is a member of that Post and along with the Post Commander they asked me if I could show up,  I'm really glad I did!

This is a great Post.  Not only is the Post Home a nice place to hang out, but they had a packed meeting room and that means the members are engaged.  They even had members attending virtually by Zoom.  As an added bonus, in addition to having the State Senior Vice Commander, the current State Commander and a past State Commander are also members here.  This place knows how to grow leaders!

Along with the usual reports, voting in SIX new members, and having their Post elections, they also gave the Oath of Obligation to new recruits who showed up.  After the obligation, the new members received a VFW Cross of Malta lapel pin.  It wasn't just given to them, they were "pinned" by members of the Post.  They take the obligation seriously and it warmed my heart to see the pride being passed on to our newest members.  It made me think back to when I was initially sworn in and the feelings I had knowing I was really a part of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!

Keep your eyes on the members of Jack Ray Post 5789.  They know what the VFW is all about and they are spreading the word!

Post Commander Youngblood administering the Oath.  What a great evening!  After the meeting, I handed my Senior Vice coin to these new members and thanked them for joining.  When asked why they joined, they both said they wanted to serve again and be part of something big.  That pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

A Virtual Meeting with US Senator Tammy Duckworth

 Technology really is grand my friends!  I was driving to Kansas City VFW Headquarters today and I safely pulled off the road and had a virtual visit with my Illinois United States Senator Tammy Duckworth.  Also on the Zoom was Jay Hoffman, our Illinois Legislative Director who is also the National Vice Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the VFW.

Jay set up the meeting and it was great to hear of Senator Duckworth's full support for veterans issues and pending legislation.  Jay handled the visit well and was completely up to speed on the VFW Priority Goals for this legislative year.  It certainly steered the discussion and we both made it clear where the VFW stands.  I'm happy to say it was a cordial meeting and very positive.

During the discussion, Sen. Duckworth told us about a new initiative she's working on, that hasn't been released yet.  It's a great idea to get employment for veterans and I can't wait to see the VFW work with her to make it a reality.  Stay tuned!

It's a little difficult to get a screen capture when using a mobile phone.  Sorry about that!  And yes, that's Jay's newest family addition listening in!