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]

  

Washington State Weekend - Part Two

Washington Mid-Winter Conference – Olympia

Friday and Saturday were chock full of meetings and it was really refreshing to see all of the newer [not necessarily younger] members eager to listen to the reports, receive valuable training, and in general enjoy each other’s company.  We certainly kept a vast social spacing and mask wearing was rigorously enforced.  There was also a large contingent of people zooming into the meetings.  One of the really significant things is their desire to be the best.  Commander Traci’s theme this year is “Stay Focused” and they are listening to it.  In fact, two of the members are so focused they are near the top in nation-wide recruitment of new members.

Friday evening we attended a dinner at local Post 318, the Ira L. Cater Post.  They are over 100 years old and going strong.  Named after a WWI veteran who died during the Battle of Chateau Thierry, near Flanders.  For those of us in the VFW and Auxiliary, the Buddy Poppy is something we hold dear.  The iconic poem’s opening lines of “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row…”  remind us of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who fought there. Because of their namesake, Post 318 has an affinity to the poppy and do a lot with the Buddy Poppy program.

The training sessions really showed how much the Department of Washington cares about being the best.  Quartermaster and Service Officer training was not merely rote slides; they really cut to the heart of subjects and if you didn’t learn anything new then you weren’t listening.  I’m glad I sat through.  The Chairman of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Commission, Drew James, provided what I consider to be one of the best briefings I’ve heard on the subject so far.  It was inclusive of the many organizations out there doing things for the current group of veterans.  We’ve already shared information and I wish him well as he is in the running to become one of the Department’s Chair Officers.  If elected, he’s going to do a great job.

I received several gifts over the weekend, and I'm grateful to you all for presenting them to me.  They are special and I will enjoy them very much.

Overall, Commander Traci and her team are focused on being the best.  They are active and they don’t believe in declining because “we’ve never done that before”.  Looking out over the audience and on zoom it was clear that there are many newer, younger veterans who want to be a part of this winning team!

A photo of Ira L. Cater, in a place of honor at Post 318

A panorama view of the socially spaced but very engaged members of the Department of Washington VFW

Washington State Weekend - Part One

Washington State – Hitting The Ground Running

As soon as I walked off the airplane in Seattle, I was greeted by State Commander Traci and USO Volunteer Mr Pepsi.  He goes by Pepsi because his last name is even more undecipherable than mine!  We walked to the SEATAC USO and I received a tour of the facility and a great briefing from the Executive Director, Mr Don Leingang.  Talk about pride in a facility!  Pre-Covid the USO here served over 14,000 guests per month.  During the shut down, they have done so much work refurbishing, doing maintenance, and re-positioning so they can soon open their doors and do what they do best:  Serve our Armed Forces and their families.  They are going to be able to do more now as Commander Traci presented a check in the amount of $3400 from the VFW.

Don provided interesting tidbits of information while he told me of the great commercial partners they have.  One great example is the sea of leather Lazy Boy recliners and couches, donated free of charge and constantly replaced to ensure they look and feel good.  Another partner is the Starbucks located in the airport.  Say what you will about Starbucks, but when a company donates 100 pounds of coffee EACH WEEK to help our troops my hat’s off to them.  As I walked along, I was impressed with the beautiful teak floor.  It turns out the Boeing Company somehow ended up with all of the teakwood decking from the USS Colorado when it was decommissioned and they donated all of it to the USO.  I was walking on history and my mind reeled as I thought of all the sailors who walked on this deck over the many years the ship was in service.  I was floored [get it?] when Don and Pepsi gave me an actual piece of the deck.  It’s something I certainly will treasure.

Then we retrieved my luggage and off we drove to American Lake Golf Course, located on the grounds of the local VA hospital.  We were greeted by their main volunteer, Mr. Bruce, who is also a Past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  Everyone involved with the golf course is a volunteer and they exist solely on donations.  Originally built in the 1950s as a nine hole course, they expanded recently when Jack Nicklaus designed a signature back nine course.  This is his 400^th signature course.  The really exciting part of this golf course is the work they do with disabled veterans.  They have a state of the art training facility, which includes a massive simulator that a has golf courses from all over the world programmed into it.  It even has the grandfather of all golf course, St Andrews!  In fact they are the only facility that has St Andrews available.  Mr Bruce showed and demonstrated the latest models of paragolfer carts—they run up to $40,000 each and they have a stable of them.  They also have a huge inventory of standard golf carts and each one is purchased by donations.  For a mere $5000 you can have your organization’s logo…or even your smiling face…on the cart.  They know how to market!  The driving range is automated too, with automatic ball placers so a disabled veteran doesn’t have to bend over. 

There is so much right about this place and it’s no wonder Commander Traci has chosen it for her Commander’s Special Project.  The stately trees and serene setting help soothe the mind at the same time that being able to enjoy golfing is good for the body.  As we walked around in the fine mist and watched the deer walking on the driving range, I felt a sense of calm.  This place is a gem and I salute them for the great work they do every day to make a veteran’s life better.

Mr Pepsi showing me his wall plaque, referencing FOUR generations of Navy Service

Executive Director Don and Mr Pepsi talking up the great things the SeaTac USO provides.  Along the back wall are a small portion of the almost 2,000 unit patches from all branches of service

Just a few of the hundreds of loungers, here in the 80" TV viewing theater

There is a replica of the USS Colorado here with a sign saying:  "You're standing on the original teakwood decks of the USS Colorado (BB-45), a proud battleship of the U.S. Pacific fleet in World War II"

My own piece of WWII history courtesy of the USO!

Entry to the Clubhouse at the American Lake VA facility

Mr Bruce demonstrating how a paragolfer cart actually stands up a disabled golfer so they can take their swing on the fairway.  The seat then goes back into seated position and off you go for the next shot

Through this portal lay the fantastic course!

Wyoming Mid-Winter Council in Casper

 I'll start by thanking Commander Joe Tallon and the entire Wyoming Team for ensuring I got the full winter experience!  They ordered cold weather and it was MINUS TWENTY degrees while I visited.  Very nice of you all for taking care of me!!

Seriously though, all of the people I met over the weekend were so gracious and friendly.  When I think of how I'd like to see people treated by the VFW, I will always remember these folks.  Friday night we had a Council meeting at Post 9439.  This place certainly is a poster child for what a Post should be:  Bright, clean, patriotic...whatever you can think of, this Post has it.  And that's just the surface, they do so much for their community and it shows.

Saturday was all work, starting at 0700 with a casual breakfast with the Past Department Commanders.  There is so much knowledge and history to be gained when you sit down with former leaders.  It's important to know your past if you want to thrive in the present and beyond.  One of the key things I picked up was these past commanders weren't trying to run the Department today.  They understand they are mentors and their role is to provide guidance for the future leaders.  Very refreshing to see!  We had a nice crowd for the business sessions and the dinner banquet was packed [COVID restrictions being followed of course].  

A highlight of this visit was meeting Jayson Zimmerman.  He picked me up at the airport and ensured I was where I needed to be at all times.  Jason is his Post Quartermaster, and it was his Post where we met on Friday evening.  He's also the State Chaplain and next year he will be the State Junior Vice Commander.  He's going to be a great leader.  Jason was a medic in the Army and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Currently he's in nursing school and is doing well.  One other thing?  Jason is a double amputee as a result of his combat experience.  To look at him, you'd never know and he certainly doesn't hold back.  He was everywhere all the time and tireless in his efforts to get things taken care of the entire weekend.  What a powerful story and an inspirational man.  I'm certainly a better person for getting to know him and to be able to call him friend.

We all have setbacks in life, some great and some small.  Take a lesson from Jayson and don't let the past dictate your future!

Jayson Zimmerman...what an inspiration!

My counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Jim Rish.  Jim spent some time at Scott AFB, IL during his service years so we had a nice time going down memory lane.  Jim has a head for business and veterans.  He's really going to take Wyoming to new heights!

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.