Utah Council of Administration – Moab

What a beautiful location to have a VFW meeting!  Nestled in the hills and mountains of Moab, we stayed and had our meetings at the Red Cliffs Lodge.  It was a thrill to enjoy the on-site museum showcasing all of the movies made here.  John Wayne, a personal favorite, made many of his movies on this very site.  After seeing the actual scenery, I’m looking forward to watching his movies again with a renewed interest in the surroundings.

But, the real purpose of being here was to assist with the business of the VFW.  State Commander Mark and Senior Vice Commander Dave were excellent hosts and I’ve never felt safer at a meeting—they served together on the same Special Forces team for many years while in the Army!  The meetings were well attended and the briefings presented by VFW members and state of Utah officials were top notch.  Even their congressional representative sent a recorded message thanking them all for their service as well as outlining many of the items in Congress he is working hard to get into law.  The briefings, both live and virtual, from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Utah Governor’s Office of Veterans Affairs were not only informative but I was very impressed at the dedication shown by these officials.  It’s clear that Utah takes veterans issues very seriously!

A personal highlight for me during this trip was being introduced to 90 year old Ewald Kuefner.  Born in Germany in 1930, Ewald was pressed into service in the Hitler Youth for most of World War II and was even present during the fall of Berlin at the end.  He presented me with a booklet he had written about his life, along with pictures and memories of that time.  He emigrated to the United States and was drafted to serve with the Army in the Korean War.  Even though he had become a citizen of our great Republic and was now fighting to defend democracy, he still encountered prejudice and bigotry from his fellow soldiers because of his past.  Nonetheless, Ewald persevered and has had a good life in America.  He has done great things for the VFW and is universally loved by all the comrades and auxiliary members in Utah. 

I recently created a VFW Membership Badge, based on an actual 1920’s era VFW Badge, to begin the process of re-instilling pride in our great organization.  Before leaving on this trip, and not really knowing why, I packed one of these Badges in my case.  It was my great honor and pleasure to pin that badge on Ewald’s lapel during our banquet dinner Saturday night.  I called out his name in my remarks and he marched up to the podium, standing at attention and standing so tall and proud.  When I pinned that badge on him, I saw in his eyes what this moment meant.  As he returned my salute, it hit me yet again why I love the VFW and all it stands for.  Comrade Ewald, thank you for all you have done!

On a side note, Megan traveled with me to photograph the natural beauty of Utah and its national parks.  I’ll leave you with one of her spectacular pictures, taken from our patio, with the Red Cliffs and Colorado River in the background, along with those beautiful stars.

A packed house listened and learned a lot through the Zoom platform

Meeting Ewald 

Ewald returning my salute at the banquet.  What a special moment for the two of us!

 

 

Back Up and Running!

 Hi everyone!  Yes, we’re back in business and going Around The World with Fritz again!

The Global Pandemic along with yet another back surgery has curtailed my physical travel but that hasn’t stopped the work I get to do for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Thanks to Zoom and other virtual platforms I’ve been able to attend meetings and events literally all over the world.  Perhaps the one good thing from all of this is the fact that we can continue to work on the mission for veterans!  From Post meetings to Awards banquets to every day staff meetings, I think it’s fair to say I’m actually getting more productive work done and reaching out to more venues than I ever thought possible.

I haven’t been blogging much, but that’s going to change as the country starts to loosen up on travel restrictions.  I see that we have also picked up readers from Portugal and Turkey---Welcome to the Blog!

Louisiana VFW Council of Administration Meeting

Over the weekend, I visited the members of the Louisiana VFW and Commander Bobby Lovergne’s theme of “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler for Veterans” is very accurate!  I had a bit of a time with the accent at first, thinking he was talking about bon bons and roulette, but I eventually got it!

The whole team here is on board with a great desire to do more for veterans.  They are well on their way to exceeding their membership goals and they have fun doing it.  As this was the first meeting they’ve been able to have in a long time because of COVID restrictions, an awards luncheon was appropriate, and did they have award winners!  Included in this was the presentation of certificates to SIX posts that were celebrating their Diamond 75 year Jubilees.  What history and staying power!

In keeping with his theme, Commander Bobby had a competition last month for his District Commanders to incease membership.  This brought in over 500 members in one short month.  The winners all received a steak dinner!  The losers?  Well, they had to make do with SPAM.  After they started eating however, Commander Bobby served them all steaks too because this is a team effort!

In the evening I was honored to be a judge in the Louisiana VFW Idol Karaoke contest. It was a fun evening and nice fund-raiser too.  As a judge, I can assure you I took every bribe offered and it all went to a great cause.  My congratulations to all of the contestants…there some really outstanding singers in this group.

Oh yes, there was also some fantastic training, important information relayed, and great dialogue concerning the future of the VFW.  I can assure you, this state knows what to do and how to do it!  Can’t wait to come back!

State Commander Bobby L:  Always smiling and leading the way!

Second Place SPAM!  Yum!

Great training made even better with a beginning photo of our National Commander in Chief, Hal Roesch

My counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Tim Sloan. He's going to be an outstanding State Commander next year!

A long layover in Atlanta Sunday evening so I got some soup.  Yes, it was VERY hot soup!

14 November: Dedication of Veterans Memorial Park of Jackson County, Alabama

It’s an honor to be asked to participate in the dedication of a Veterans Memorial and I’m so glad I was able to be part of this wonderful event!  Over six years in the making and with donations in excess of $650,000, this has been a labor of love for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6073 and the many supporters they have.

The driver behind this Park is current VFW National Council Member George Jones.  His tireless efforts in pushing forward and overcoming obstacles is a testament to will and desire!  The park itself is massive with current static displays of a tank, a ship’s anchor, cannons, and a Cobra helicopter gunship.  There are plans to install an airplane and a missile in the near future.  However, the centerpiece of the park is the 100 foot diameter concrete circle with an honor wall, multiple granite monuments celebrating the different military services, informational kiosks and other military displays.  Plans are in the works to build a military museum on-site!

Walking around this huge park before the crowds arrived allowed me the time to really enjoy the atmosphere…it exudes VETERAN!  Anyone coming here will not only see things but they will receive an education about America’s Veterans.

The Program was stirring and there were many people who spoke, including a local congressman, the Command Sergeant Major from Redstone Arsenal, and various veterans.  I was humbled to be allowed a few minutes to express the feelings of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and what it means to us to see veterans remembered not only now, but for generations to come.  All during the ceremony, two bald eagles, symbols of America, slowly circled overhead as if they were providing top cover and appreciation.  How fitting!

After the ceremony I was able to spend time with the Alabama VFW and Auxiliary leadership.  What a great team!  Working together hand in hand, they truly show that Alabama believes in One Team – One Fight when it comes to serving veterans and their communities.

The 100 foot circle centerpiece

A closer look

Overview of the entire park, with plenty of room for expansion!  I suggested instead of an Airplane on a stick for the Air Force they consider a mini-golf area, because, well, Air Force, right?

 

Granite wall commemorating the 227 Jackson County citizens killed in combat in all of America's wars

Close up of the Air Force Obelisk in the center piece.  Note the Space Force came out after these were installed so Space Force was added to the side of the AF monument

VFW National Council Member George Jones addressing the crowd.  Fitting he was able to do this!

A simple plaque in the center of the memorial.  Sand from around the world where Americans have fought for freedom was mixed together and placed here.

The Cobra Gunship.  Amazingly, the man in the Stetson hat is former Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Hamilton.  He was the pilot of this very helicopter and was on hand for the dedication!

Prior to dinner we were able to tour the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.  Another stunning nod to America's veterans

A stirring statue!

8 November: Florissant Missouri Veteran of the Year Event

Imagine my surprise when Post Commander Ron Scanlon of the Florissant Valley Memorial Post 4105 reached out and asked me to participate in their Veteran of the Year Event!  Florissant in near St Louis, Missouri and just a stone’s throw across the river from me.  Of course I said yes!  Each year Post 4105 holds a huge parade and ceremony in conjunction with their city but alas COVID-19 scaled things back.

Nonetheless, Commander Ron and the city put on a great, socially spaced and safe event to honor not only their Veteran of the Year but also awarding two Gold Life Legacy memberships to very deserving members of their Post.  Many of the town’s elected officials showed up, as well as their fire, police, and EMT departments.  This town LOVES their VFW and it shows.

It was an honor for me to present the award to retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Lucia Greer.  Having served in the military for 38 years, she now is an active part in her community and Post, and shows no signs of slowing down.  We also had a very nice POW-MIA ceremony during this beautiful day.  And, special thanks go out to Mann Meats for bringing in their food truck and providing free meals and refreshments to all who showed up.

Florissant Valley Memorial Post and its members have a unique bond with their community and they epitomize what it means to engage in veterans service and community service!

A very unique submarine deck gun...and a 500 pound eagle statue!

We had the event outside and it was so nice seeing all of the service flags fluttering in the breeze.  Nothing says VETERAN like this Post.

Post Commander Ron [L] and MO State Commander Eric [R]

Veteran of the Year--CMSgt [Ret] Lucia Greer

Truly outstanding!

Vote!

 No hyperbole. No dire predictions about the future.  Millions of people around the world wish they had the freedom we have to freely elect our leaders.  Don't take it for granted.  Every vote counts.

Florida VFW Council of Administration Meeting!

 I was able to actually fly to Orlando and be part of an in-person VFW meeting this weekend!  This was my first flight since COVID hit and I had my back surgery, but Southwest Airlines provided a great experience...as usual!

Florida's VFW and Auxiliary members were so gracious this weekend and it was nice to actually be able to mingle and share ideas throughout our time together.  You just don't get that on a Zoom.  You might get information passed along, but you miss the synergy meeting on a screen.  I can tell you honestly, there is just as much information sharing after the meetings than just when you are in them.

Some of the highlights included a very moving candlelight POW-MIA ceremony with all the attendees and a hotel-sponsored dyeing of their Grand Fountain a vivid pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The fountain will remain pink all month and they even had a pink fire truck show up!  During breaks I sat down with comrades and shared stories as we built Buddy Poppies together.  I participated in handing out multiple awards for All State and All American Commanders and they are all so proud of the work they are doing in their communities and for veterans.  Commander Glen Tilley has had his hands full with COVID and the effects it has had on the Posts in his state but his leadership has been second to none.  He is thought of so highly because of his dedication and it was a pleasure getting to know him.

On a more personal note, some of you may recall my blog post [exactly one year ago - 25 Oct 2019!] about Veteran Jason Casteel.  Feel free to look back at that post at:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1608356696084894001/5064287890277321455

Jason was at this meeting and we were able to talk diving.  He's now a fully certified instructor and has started his own dive business in Florida - Dive On In Scuba Diving!  His long term business plan is to own a dive boat and become a captain.  Way to go Jason!  I am so proud of you!  Can't wait to hit the water with you one of these days.

This was a fun trip and it reminds me once again how hard veterans work day in and day out to live up to the VFW slogan:  No One Does More For Veterans!

After all the dye cycled through the fountain.  I was worried about getting dye on my suit, shirt, tie, mask, hat....but nooooo, I got dye splashed on my face.  Go Figure!

My counterpart, National Senior Vice President of the Auxiliary, pouring her dye into the fountain.  I think it was her splashes that got me!

The fountain in all of its Awareness glory in the Sunday morning sun

A large turnout for the business meeting.  Way to go Florida VFW!

Building poppies and sharing fun stories.  That's camaraderie in the VFW!  [Note, we took our masks off to have the picture taken]

Been so long since I've seen this friendly sight.

Welcome Republic of Singapore!

 The National flag of Singapore consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. White symbolizes pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars depict Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Welcome to the Blog!

Post Visit to Des Moines, Iowa

 I really do enjoy zooming into local VFW Post meetings.  I get an opportunity to visit where I probably never would in a normal year, and the Post members get to interact with a National Chair Officer at the local level.  I've made it known that if I get an invitation, and I can make it, I'll gladly accept.

My State Counterpart, Senior Vice Mike Braman, invited me to attend the Post 9127 meeting in Iowa last night.  This Post has special significance for Senior Vice Mike and it's a pretty cool story.  Mike's Grandfather was a member of this Post.  Grandad Robert was in the 34th Infantry Division, 1/168th infantry, in World War II.  In his very first battle at the Kasserine Pass in Northern Africa he was captured and held as a prisoner for the duration of the war.  He did return home, went to college and worked in the State Auditor's office until he retired.  He became good friends with the Governor of Iowa, who was also a member of this Post!  And now for the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say:  Senior Vice Mike was also in the Army and in the exact same unit as his Grandfather!  When Senior Mike's unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2004-2005, it was the first deployment the battalion had since his Grandfather deployed in World War II.

Post 9127 is home to two very current past State Commanders, Carol and Russ.  This Post is dedicated to service and the members are clearly leaders who want to get things done.  They don't rest on their laurels either.  Carol Whitmore is currently serving as Iowa's VFW National Councilmember and is running for MY job in a few years.  Russ Saffell is leading the charge to get Boy Scouts more heavily involved in the Post's Community Service projects.  Joint efforts like this are a great way to show that we are still serving in many ways. 

I enjoyed the opportunity to induct a new recruit and give him the Member's Obligation via Zoom.  I'm sure he didn't expect that at his first meeting!  Keep up the great work out there in Iowa.  You're doing a fantastic job!

Several smiling faces from Beaverdale Post 9127 in Iowa

Prepping for the meeting.  The Post has some very interesting memorabilia displays!

Zooming into VFW District 3, Windham New York

 Had a fun time Sunday zooming into a District meeting at beautiful Post 1545 in Windham New York.

With COVID-19 curtailing my real travels, I've had the opportunity to reach out to Posts and Districts to attend their gatherings, and the comrades have taken me up on my offer.  This meeting's Department Representative was my counterpart at the State level, Senior Vice Commander Michael Hoag.  Also on the zoom call was the New York State Adjutant Hal Burke---and yes he asked how Mama was doing and if she needed more treats!  [Mama thanks you Hal!]

Before the meeting, Commander Marc Farmilette told me about his Post and what a fascinating history!  It was built as a grist mill in 1800!  The Post purchased the building in 1928 and paid it off in 1957.  Talk about longevity!  They don't have a bar and they concentrate on community events and activities.  They truly are doing the right thing and I'm proud of them.  As for the District meeting, it was nice to see a nice mix of older and younger veterans but even nicer to see that everyone was engaged in the discussions.  Everyone had a chance to talk, wisdom and guidance were dispensed, and everyone was motivated to move forward and continue working for veterans.

Instead of the usual zoom screen capture, here's a nice pic of the Post, after a function a few years back.  At the time, State Senior Vice Hoag [on the right] was the District Commander and the other three in the shot are World War II veterans.  The fun fact here?  The shorter fellow is Commander Marc's father-in-law.  He joined the VFW in the 1940's and was in attendance at the meeting on Sunday.  He's 96!  If he can make it to a meeting, I think we can all work on our attendance.  Remember, it's on the local level where the rubber meets the road...it's up to us to let the public know we are still a force in the community.

National Suicide Hotline is now 9-8-8!

 This is great news for America!  On Saturday the President signed S.2611, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, into law.  This designates 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the purpose of the suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.

We've all heard about "22 a day" for veterans.  While that number seems to be debated now the fact remains that one suicide is one too many!  During these tough COVID-19 times, the suicide rate is going up.

Please continue spreading the word that help is available...and now it is only three digits away!

Uplifting Phone Call That Made My Day!

 This morning the phone rang and it wasn't a number I recognized so of course I answered to see if my car warranty was about to expire!  I'm so glad I did because it was a heartwarming discussion with a nice guy I'll call Comrade Legs [because he's 6 feet 5 inches tall!].

Legs has been a member of the VFW since 1956.  He joined the Navy and served from 1946-1948, then went into the Reserve.  He was called up in 1951 for the Korean War and served on the USS Yorktown CVA-10 for three tours.  He's 92 years old now.

A long time ago, as he told me, several World War II veterans gave him a box and told him not to open it right away. He eventually did and found it contained Past State Commanders' pins and some challenge coins going back a lot of years.  He then kept the tradition alive by adding newer pins as he got them.  He was calling me [again, no idea how he got my home phone number] to ask if I had a pin from the year I was the Illinois State Commander [2013-2014] and would I send it to him.  Naturally the answer was OF COURSE!  Legs wanted me to know that he was going to put together all of the pins he has and turn them over to his post for a display.  How nice is that!

Legs is going to get my State pin, as well as coins from me being the State Commander, Judge Advocate General, and of course the several coins I have had as the National Junior and Senior Commander in Chief.  I reached out to my State counterparts, the Senior Vice Commanders of the 52 Departments of the VFW, and told them about Legs and his request.  All I'm going to say is that Legs' mail carrier is going to be swamped with pin and coin packages from all over the world in the coming weeks and months.  And I'm sure we are going to keep a smile on Leg's face for a very long time.

It's the simple things in life my friends that warm the cockles of our hearts.  I've never met him, but for today, Legs is my hero!

Zooming into Rhode Island's Council of Administration Meeting!

 Coming to you today virtually from Bristol, Rhode Island where I had the opportunity to Zoom into the Department Council of Administration meeting.  This was their first foray into the world of hybrid Zoom-in person meetings and I have to say that Commander Ray and his team knocked it out of the park!  

The meeting was held in Bristol, at Post 237.  Bristol by the way holds the distinction of hosting the nation's oldest Fourth of July celebration and parade!  Always nice to learn new things about new places.  The meeting itself was chock full of information provided by in-person and zoom speakers.  It was a seamless transition going back and forth so no one was left out of the conversation.  Commander Ray asked me to say a few words and I was able to pass along "news you can use" items.  I received some good questions from the audience and it clearly shows the members of Rhode Island care about the status of the VFW and how we can continually do more for veterans.  How to connect with Post 9/11 veterans provided a very good discussion and it's clear that the vision is clear in this State!  Diversity is also on the radar and my counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Dora, is going to be a driving force in shaping the future of the Department.  It was good to see a true cross section of veterans at this meeting! 

I was really impressed with two discussions:  Veteransinc.org and the Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative.  Veterans Inc is a leader in ending veteran homelessness as well as incorporating the "total veteran" approach to assisting vets.  They provide job training, health and wellness initiatives, and other support services.  The Providence initiative provides free college classroom experiences for all veterans who want to learn more about the Humanities and who want to better their opportunities to get ahead.  Veterans can even receive college credit at no cost and without using their VA benefits!  I received my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and I'm a big believer in the Humanities and the broad education they can bring to anyone who studies them.  Way to go!

To bring this back, kudos to Commander Ray and the great veterans of Rhode Island.  You're doing great work and I'm proud of you.  Thanks again for letting me be part of your Saturday and I hope to get out there in person one of these days!

Post 237 in Bristol, RI

A pretty memorial on the grounds of Post 237!

Technology works!  I received a great package of read ahead materials and was able to use them efficiently as the meeting went on.  Kudos to Kasim Yarn [on Zoom] and John Gallo [in person] for working on some technical issues to keep the train on the tracks!

Quick Trip to National Headquarters

 I had a whirlwind trip to Kansas City Thursday and Friday to attend a few meetings.  While I was there I also had the opportunity to work with our Communications Department to create some video presentations for upcoming events that are being held virtually.  A really big shout out to Randi and Michael for their technical and creative skills in getting those videos 'in the can'.

I've been promising Commander in Chief Hal that I'd do some baking for him, so the morning before I got on the road I baked an apple strudel from scratch using my Grandmother's recipe.  I thought I baked enough for him to take some home, but alas, apparently I'm too good of a baker and it was all gone by the time we departed!

Last, I couldn't resist taking another picture of the Citizen-Soldier statue outside the building.  It was a beautiful blue sky day with a nice breeze that kept those great flags fluttering in the breeze!

Welcome to a new reader in Malta!

 The flag of Malta (Maltese: Bandiera ta' Malta) is a bicolour, with white in the hoist and red in the fly. A representation of the George Cross, awarded to Malta by George VI in 1942, is carried, edged with red, in the canton of the white stripe.

Indonesia Joins the Crew!

 Welcome to the blog readers from Indonesia!  Always nice to have a new country join us.  Here's a bit about their flag:

The Indonesian flag is a horizontal bicolor with two equal horizontal bars.  The height of the flag is two-thirds of the width.  In Indonesian, the flag is called "Sang Saka Merah Putih", which in English means "lofty bicolor red and white."  The red symbolizes human blood and the white represents the human spirit.

Recent Visit to VFW Headquarters

 On my drive back from a great event and visit with the Nebraska VFW and Auxiliary a few days ago, I stopped in Kansas City to spend a few days at the National Headquarters for some meetings and such.  As I was driving through KC anyway, I reminded myself that it is always best to maximize your efforts whenever you can.

I attended the usual zoom meetings we have every week but more importantly I was able to have face to face meetings with many of the hard working folks at HQ.  Zoom is a good tool but it will never replace the synergy you get with good old fashioned in person meetings.  And, before you ask, yes we all wore masks and kept our spacing!  Additionally, Chief Hal and Junior Vice Tim were also in town so we were able to work on many of the upcoming issues facing the organization.

One fun thing was being able to go to the roof of the VFW Building!  The huge VFW sign is even bigger when you are standing next to it.  The 360 degree view of Kansas City is breath-taking to say the least.  When the meetings were over it was time to get back in the car and finally head home.  It was a long trip. When I pulled into my driveway the car log was showing just over 23 hours of drive time.  But it's all worth it!  I love my job because No One Does More For Veterans!

Couldn't resist a selfie on the roof!

"I'm ready for my close-up Mr DeMille!"