Highland, Illinois VFW Post 5694 75th Anniversary

 

Highland Post 5694 75^th Anniversary Celebration

When Illinois Past State Commander Russ Rieke invited me to attend his Post’s 75^th, I eagerly accepted.  He asked me well over 6 months ago and I blocked the date on my calendar…I’m glad I did!  The Post isn’t too far from my home so it was nice to make an appearance that didn’t require multiple airports and hotels.  I just had to show up and enjoy spending time in this beautiful Pocket of Patriotism in the heartland of America.  Nestled on 24 acres, the grounds include four baseball fields, a Korean War Era jet, 105mm Howitzer cannon, and an AH-1 Cobra helicopter that flew over 100 missions in Vietnam.  They have many more memorials throughout their beautifully manicured land.

The Post was originally chartered by World War I veterans as Post 1234 which, in an amazing coincidence, is also the combination on my suitcase.  When the Second World War started many of these veterans went back into service. As a result, they turned in their Charter and fought to preserve democracy. Returning home, they knew they wanted to continue sharing the bonds of service they had forged.  In a scene eerily reminiscent of the founding of the VFW in 1899, a group of them met at a local  business called Bucket’s Tavern and decided to become a VFW Post again.  Shortly after, it was renumbered to 5694 and the names of over TWO HUNDRED charter members live on in that document that proudly hangs on the wall in their hall.  Yes, over 200 veterans came together after the war to once again share their lives.  Service, once realized, never leaves your system.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars provides that opportunity to all eligible veterans. Commander Russ created an extensive history of the Post and I wish more Posts had a document like this.  It’s a historical chronicle of everything the Post has gone through over the years.  If we don’t preserve our history we will lose it forever.  All attendees received a  copy of this well researched history.  Thank you Russ for perpetuating the memory and history of Post 5694!

The day long celebration was a fun event.  Veterans, family members, community members and local politicians came to enjoy this historic day.  Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville ROTC members came out and assisted in many areas.  They even helped some of the older attendees during dinner by walking through the buffet line with them, filling plates with delicious foods and taking people back to their chairs.  Interestingly, many of these future leaders were previously enlisted in the military.  They finished their service and are now attending University on the GI Bill.  They are all looking forward to graduating and being commissioned as officers in the military!  What patriotism!

A highlight for me was the opportunity to spend time with WWII Army veteran Roland Harris.  Roland is 95 years old and has been a member of the VFW for 75 years…as long as this Post has been in existence under the new Charter.  Roland was wearing his WWII uniform and proudly walked me through his island hopping experiences in the Pacific Theater of the War.  Just Wow!  History from a man who lived through it. I truly was sitting in a Hall of Heroes!

Friends, wherever you are, if you get invited to a VFW Post anniversary…GO!  You will leave with a smile on your face and renewed sense of how great America is because of it’s veterans!

Roland Harris, WWII Veteran!

EVERY Community Activity book since 1946.  An historian's dream!

Page 1, Book 1, Year 1!!!

 

100th Anniversary Department of Indiana

 I had the pleasure of driving to Indianapolis today...and back!  Long drive but worth it to be part of their commemoration. It was hot and humid but the rain backed off long enough for the ceremony. What a nice memorial spot they have outside the Headquarters building!  And, yes, I will be buying a brick!

Many past state commanders and officers showed up along with "my" National Commander in Chief, Bill Thien, from 2013-2014. State political dignitaries presented citations and greetings and I presented a (very large) national 100th anniversary citation. There was a nice turnout and there was cake afterward. Apparently, I'll speak anywhere if there's cake!  Indiana is going to have a great year because they have great teamwork and they care about what they are doing for veterans!

Indiana VFW Commander Dick Lineberry presiding over the ceremony.  Note the REALLY big citation from National Headquarters!

Lineberry, me, and Past National Commander in Chief Bill Thien

Lineberry and me, in front of a very nice memorabilia case in the foyer of the Department Headquarters

SARA Detroit and Atlanta

 Hi all!  It's been a busy several weeks and I'll get back to you on my recent trips soon.  For now, I traveled to Virginia this past week and Mama got to visit the Service Animal Relief Areas in Detroit and Atlanta.  In Atlanta we had a long layover and Mama got to adopt a cute little Pitbull named Kodak.  At ten months old he did a lot of snuggling and playing with Mama.  She tolerated it, as only Mama can do.  But she also let Kodak lay on her for a while.  Heartwarming!

Mr. Kodak!

Built in sprinkler system in Detroit.  They also had bays with these individual pads on them so the dogs didn't have to share.  I think the dogs had more room than the people out in the Concourse!

Atlanta!  Mama and Kodak enjoyed hanging out without any humans around.

St Louis SARA

 Mama and I are flying together again!  For most of the COVID-19 lockdown we have been driving everywhere. We’re in St Louis and heading to Virginia today for the VFW state convention.  

And yes, we found the Service Animal Relief Area at Lambert Main Terminal!

Airline Adventures!

Yes friends, airline travel is coming back.  And with it, “those people”!

Delta has now opened up all of its seating and trust me, the flights are very full.  Gone are the panicked days of having a vacant seat in between and even the most stringent flight attendants aren’t really enforcing the federally mandated mask policy.  They warn us that failing to comply could land us in jail for a long time with lighter wallets, but I haven’t even seen the stern look at flagrant violators.

I traveled to Alaska today.  Total flight time about eight hours.  I actually got a lot done thanks to my trusty Surface Pro that I’m using right now to write this.  Here are some of my observations, in no particular order:

1.  Full flights mean we are back to delays in flights.  I was lucky to have 30 minutes between connections to do my best “OJ through the Airport”.  [For those of you who only remember OJ as that guy in the White Bronco, he used to do commercials running and jumping over bags in airports, but I digress].  Good thing Mama wasn’t on the trip with me as we never would have made it.  Mama doesn’t run.  It’s not in her contract!

2.  The first flight was on a CRJ-900, a regional jet.  To give you an idea of the size, the overhead compartment was NOT bigger than a bread box.  And yet, more and more passengers loaded on with multiple bags so full that were obviously all meant to help them survive on a 30 day trek across the desert without resupply.  Honestly, the troops landing on D-Day were carrying less gear!  And still they plodded back.  Of course, when they realized nothing was going to fit overhead or under the seat, they all fought like salmon going upstream to gate check their bags.  If only they had listened when they got on the plane!

3.  The politeness of flying in the COVID era appears to be gone.  People are pushy and seem to have lost the capacity to understand the meaning of give others some room.  At one point in the boarding process a guy was standing so close behind me I had to let him know that I was married and not interested in him!

4.  People like to wear their Very Expensive noise cancelling headphones.  So, when the flight attendant is talking to you and asking questions, be sure to nod sagely until they stop talking. Then, very loudly, say you can’t hear anything and ask them to repeat.  While they do, ensure you do NOT remove your Very Expensive noise cancelling headphones.  After all, you shouldn’t be inconvenienced while someone is trying to help you!

5.  You’re supposed to wear your mask unless actively eating or drinking.  How a person can take an hour to eat one bag of peanuts [“actively” eating so as not to wear the mask] is beyond the stretch of scientific knowledge!  Maybe eating them one at a time is how they were meant to be eaten, but that hasn’t personally been my experience at all.

6.  The world is not interested in every nuance of your life.  We’re prisoners in a tin can.  Use your inside voice if you absolutely must tell the person sitting next to you how you won your little league championship fifty years ago.

7.  It’s a long flight. Those multiple bottles of booze you’ve been hitting have done nothing to enhance your little league story.  Enhanced the volume maybe, but that’s it.

8.  Deplaning:  Again, forget about that kindly admonishment to provide some social distance and let the people in the row in front of you get their things before you stand up, etc.  Those people in the back?  The ones who had to gate check their bags?  Rest assured, they vaulted out of their seats as soon as they were able so they could zoom to the front of the plane…to wait for the doors to open so they can wait for their bags.  Never mind the women and children, the frail, the weak, and the carnage they left in their wake.  Chivalry is dead, contrary to popular wishes.

We are all travelers on planet Earth.  A little kindness and concern for others goes a long way.  Perhaps that’s one of those things we learned in kindergarten but have forgotten along the way.  Having said all of this, I will say the flight was comfortable and I got a lot of work done.  Never let dead time lead to a dead mind.  We all get 24x7.  Use every minute you’ve got because someday, well, you won’t have them!  Can’t wait to fill you in with my adventures in Alaska!

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!

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]