West Virginia 100th Anniversary and Convention

We had the pleasure of attending the West Virginia Convention, held at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, WV.  What a location!  Golf, archery, tennis, boating….of course I was working the whole time so I didn’t get to do any of that, but still….what a location!

Outgoing State Commander David Moske did an amazing job this year, finishing well over 100% in membership and completion of all the other requirements.  At the young age of 32, he’s already been an All American Post and District Commander and now, an All American State Commander.  I expect great things from this very dedicated, caring comrade in the future.

I was able to present many awards to deserving VFW members and that’s always a thrill. Recognition for a job well done is critical to maintaining high morale.  Our people are doing the work and need to be held up as examples of what we should be doing.  I’m very proud of the accomplishments the members of the West Virginia Contingent made this year.  And they didn’t stop either.  At the convention, they held a “shaved head” event.  Volunteers came forward, men and women, and yes, they did get their heads shaved!  The result?  Over $10,000 in donations that went to the Wounded Warriors of Potomac Highlands to fund their annual disabled veteran hunts.  This state really cares for its veterans.

I know under the leadership of the new state commander, Jeff Elkins, West Virginia will repeat it’s success of this past year.  The teamwork is clear and so is their mission:  Helping Veterans!

There was a great golf tournament one day.  Mama and I don't golf, but we were invited to take a cart and enjoy the day.  Here, Mama is wondering why State Adjutant Quartermaster Kevin [L] and outgoing State Commander David [R] are standing in the sun.

You'd think she was watching the guys on the green, but she's actually checking out the deer we saw as we drove up!

What a fantastic turnout for the 100th Anniversary banquet!

The teamwork across state lines for the VFW is amazing.  Here, on the left, is Virginia State Commander Butch.  He drove up so he could see the newly minted West Virginia Commander, Jeff Elkins, get sworn in.  These two are very close and will work well together!