Commander in Chief Hal's Homecoming!

 I traveled to Portsmouth, Virginia to attend Chief Hal’s Homecoming,  It was originally scheduled for a year ago, after his election as CIC, but was cancelled and moved several times because of COVID restrictions.  I’d call it more of a Coming Home rather than a Homecoming, but nevertheless here we are!  And yes, I was here just a few short weeks ago!

This event is usually held to kick off the beginning of the year for the Chief and the State Commanders who will be serving with him, as well as other well wishers and such.  There were tours folks could take and of course plenty of time to gather and socialize.  It’s a bit odd this year since the State Commanders in attendance are all PAST State Commanders now, but hey, it’s tradition, right?

While Mama and I didn’t go on any of the organized tours, we did visit several posts on our own and I’ve already told you about them in separate blogs shots. I spent Saturday afternoon with Chief Hal and we took a windshield tour of Langley AFB and Fort Monroe.  Very interesting places and I could have spent more than a day exploring the old Fort and it's amazing history!  After that we went to his own Post and enjoyed some time with his Post members, just relaxing.  Great Post and they have done a TON of work remodeling.  And they are so proud of Hal!

Friday was a tailgate themed buffet, with everyone wearing their favorite jersey.  I took the high road and wore current State Commander Butch’s [very bright orange] Command shirt.  After all, I’m in Virginia, why wouldn’t I cheer on the home team!  It’s much safer that way when you’re around some very “enthusiastic” sports fans. But, speaking of safer, when you’ve got a group of rowdy sports fans and an open bar it’s probably not the best idea to decorate the tables with small rubber footballs and baseballs.  ‘Nuff said!  Many people said great things about Hal and he deserves them all.  He was a leader in a very difficult year and he exuded poise, style, and grace throughout.  The VFW as a whole was fortunate to have him at the helm as our Covid Commander.

Saturday evening came and there was another dinner, where the uniform of the day was the homecoming shirt.  Not sure when I’ll wear that again, but I gave it a good workout that night to get my money’s worth out of it.  Among some highlights, the Virginia VFW Riders presented a check in the amount of $20,000 for the Vander Clute Memorial Ride.  All of this money goes to our Programs to help veterans and their families.  Way to go Virginia Riders!

Sunday morning came early with an 0500 [yes, you read that right] flight. Mama was a trooper and actually stayed awake until we got on the plane for the first leg.  After that, well, all bets were off.  And now, it’s time to concentrate on the present and continue doing the great work of the VFW.  We are not a “year to year” organization.  Since 1899 the VFW has been fighting for veterans and their families and we will continue to do so well into the future!

Tropical Storm Elsa gave us some beautiful night skies from our room overlooking Portsmouth

Hal's Post, named for Ruppert L. Sargent of Hampton, VA, first black officer to be a Medal of Honor Recipient

A cozy social area at the Post.  The remodeling looks fantastic!

$20,000...that's a lot of dedication, time, and effort by these Riders

Same hotel, same fascinating view, same boats...Just the 17th floor this time.  

Crowds at 0300!  It just got worse after that.  Yes, the skies are open again!

Action Corps! News You Can Use!

 The Veterans of Foreign Wars Action Corps is a free weekly email that keeps you up to date on the Washington DC scene as it relates to veterans issues.

You will find out where we have provided congressional testimony, when, and of course, the topic. If you want to learn more you can click a link and get in-depth information. There is always a POW-MIA update documenting the great work the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency is doing to research, find, and repatriate the remains of our fallen from all wars all over the globe. 

When we need your support in contacting members of Congress we send out an alert with the topic. All you have to do is click and email will be sent on your behalf to your elected officials asking for their support. The most recent was on toxic exposure. I clicked and within an hour had a response from my Senator! This works!

The Action Corps is for EVERYONE, not just VFW members. If you support veterans please sign up!  Did I mention it is free?  Also, if you are a VFW member, your post needs to sign up five new Corps members. So do your part, sign up everyone you can and let your Post know. 

Here's the easy part:. Text "VFW" to 50457 and you will immediately get a link taking you to the sign up page. I was at the Ocean View Post meeting a few days ago, mentioned it, and five people signed up on the spot. 

You can even scan the QR code below to sign up. Thank you!

Tidewater VFW Post 4809

 While many of the Past State Commanders were out on the golf course with Chief Hal, Mama and I took some walks today and then visited the Norfolk Home Post of Past State [or is it Commonwealth?] Commander Eric Mallett.  It was a short drive with scenic views of the water and ships and we soon found ourselves in another Pocket of Patriotism here in Virginia.  This Post was mustered in November 17, 1944.

Eric proudly gave us the tour, inside and out, and it really is impressive.  Their main hall seats over 360 people and while we were there the American Red Cross was setting up for a blood drive.  When Covid vaccines became available, the Post donated the hall to the VA so they could provide vaccinations to the public.  Their working relationship with the VA is outstanding, and the Post provides a no-cost dinner and program three times a year for residents in the VA Spinal Cord Unit.  They also have great relationships with the first responder community and they consider the fire, police, and EMS workers their partners.

The social area is of course governed by local and state laws, but the atmosphere was decidedly veteran-centric.  They take care of their people and patrons and it shows.  I particularly liked the coffee area.  A rack of VFW mugs was available and coffee is there for the membership...just grab a mug and enjoy.  If you didn't want to be inside, they had a really nice pavilion area, complete with tables, BBQ pits, horseshoes and lots of grass for the kids to play.  The next project is to replace the kids playground equipment they recently removed when they cut down some trees.  It's all about creating a family environment that people want to visit.

And the Post itself?  With over 1,100 members it is strong, vibrant, and growing!  I love it!    

Past State Commander Eric starting the Post tour by talking about the history and pointing out artifacts of interest

The walls are truly alive with history here, showcasing the awards and citations the Post and its members have received over the years

Even down side halls there are cases of significance.  I could have spent hours reading the citations and learning more, but sadly we had to get back for other business

The social area, known in other states as the canteen, is well appointed and comfortable

The canteen is dedicated to Mr Robert "Doc" Brunner, a Pearl Harbor survivor.  Here's a picture of the comrade, with well wishes from Post members in the border.  Fittingly, it hangs near the POW-MIA table in the canteen

    

Ocean View VFW Post 3160

I'm back in Portsmouth, Virginia for Commander-in-Chief Hal's Homecoming weekend.  More on that later!  Flying to Norfolk was certainly a long adventure with weather and mechanical delays, but eventually I made it in a few hours later than expected.  Virginia VFW State Commander Butch Schupska picked me up at the airport and off we went!  We had things to do!

Butch's VFW Post was having a dinner and then their Post meeting and I was honored that they invited me to attend.  The shrimp was delicious and everyone at the Post was very friendly.  With about 1,020 members [That's a really big Post], they do a ton of work in their community.  They have been an All American Post for 6 years running and assured me they would be again in the 2021-2022 year.  The fact that their State Commander is also a member of their Post is an added incentive!

The Post is well laid out and one thing that really stood out was the Kid's Corner.  They had a large chalkboard, bright carpeting and lots of toys and games.  They are bringing in younger veterans and their families by giving the people what they want.  Now families can come and enjoy the great food and camaraderie in a safe, inviting environment.  Their membership numbers show they are doing something right!

The State VFW Riders [motorcycle group] is also based out of this Post.  They donate huge sums of money to the VFW as well as local causes.  They keep it fun and engaging with many fundraising events and a common mission to help others.

The Post meeting ran quite well and I was given an opportunity to speak...which of course I accepted!  I presented them a picture of me and Mama and that was probably the one thing they will remember.  Everyone likes Mama.  During the meeting, they accepted SEVEN new members...they are on the right track.   Go Team!

Who wouldn't be proud to be a member at a meeting with a set up like this?

There's no doubt where you are here.  This is also the Kid's Corner area, but tables were put out for the larger dinner crowd

The VFW Riders are prominent members of this Post and they love to show their awards!  Be proud of your accomplishments.

A fantastic memorabilia display greets you as you enter this Post.  Yes, it is a VFW Post!

Commander Jerry presenting a 30 year membership patch and pin to Quartermaster Steve

We were waiting in the plane and on the ground in Atlanta for over an hour and a half.  It didn't seem to faze Mama.  Such a good traveler!

Hawaii VFW Convention!

In Mid-June, we traveled to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii to attend the 83^rd Annual VFW State Convention.  There is certainly a feeling of re-birth here and both the VFW and Auxiliary are looking forward to doing big things this year.

We had a very nice Public Service awards evening, hosted by local Post 12122 in conjunction with the Elks Lodge.  It was most heartening to see local police officers being recognized for their work in their community.  In conjunction with the VFW, they are making Hawaii a better place to live.  The next few days were chock full of convention and business events.  However, instead of sitting in a stuffy ballroom, our meetings were all on a veranda with a beautiful view of the sand and ocean.  During the Memorial Service, there was a decided Hawaiian flavor as we listened to Ms. Annie Alves singing Kanaka WaiWai [Jesus Lives] while playing her ukulele.  There certainly was something spiritual in the air as all the comrades, brothers, sisters, and guests began slowly swaying to the tune and singing the words.  I was really touched.

Many of the Posts received awards for outstanding community service.  One Post in particular stood out and was also named the Hawaii Post of the Year:  Lance Corporal Hayward Kimo Hamili Peleiholani Post 3830 of Pahoa!  And yes, I had to pronounce that entire string multiple times throughout the evening!  The Post Quartermaster Nu Teofilo was so excited that at one point he took off his shirt, wearing only his Lava-Lava, grabbed a palm tree out of a planter and began doing a celebratory Samoan dance.  I ran for cover after the first war cry!!  The Pahoa Post is known as the hottest little post in Hawaii as it was in the path of the recent lava flows in the northern part of this island!  They also have the distinction of being the home post to the newly elected Department Commander, Deb Lewis.  Deb is a retired US Army Colonel and has the distinction of being in the first class of females to graduate from West Point. She’s going to do great things this year!

I had some free time and took a drive, where I found the West Hawai’i Veterans Cemetery.  Located on a knoll overlooking the ocean, it is a very calm and peaceful place.  As I walked among the headstones, I noted several names of Japanese origin.  Looking more closely, I saw on the markers “100 BN 442”.  Yes, these were members of the famed all Japanese American 100^th Infantry Battalion/442^nd Regimental Combat Team, whose motto was “Go for Broke.”  As I reflected on their service to a country that had imprisoned their families simply for being Japanese, I resolved to continue my goal of diversity within our ranks of the VFW.

Megan and I did take one evening to ourselves and went diving, more specifically a Giant Manta Ray night dive.  If you want to see us interacting with these 1,000 pound animals with wingspans up to 15 feet, check out this short video!   https://youtu.be/BCoG6JfV3JI

This is the room where we had all of our meetings and banquets.  I'm very fortunate to have been the National Representative for this convention!

My counterpart, Ms Jean Hamil, was the representative for the Auxiliary.  Jean and I will become the Auxiliary President and VFW Commander [fingers crossed] at the National convention on 3 August.

Annie and her Uke!

Newly installed State Commander Deb Lewis.  What a powerful woman and role model!

Nu Teofilo - If you see him at the national convention, do not give him an award or let him see a palm tree.  You've been warned!  :-)  Seriously though, what a great guy.  He even designed the Post shirt he's wearing

A view of the grounds at the West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery.  So peaceful

This stamp honors the Nisei soldiers of World War II.  Serendipitously, it was issued just prior to my visit to Hawaii and the cemetery.  The image is from a photograph taken in 1944 in front a railroad station in France

A lesson from the vast lava fields of the Big Island.  No matter where you find yourself, grow and thrive!

 

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!

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Dedication

On the drive from the Glade Resort to the airport, we stopped at the State Capitol in Charleston WV to watch the dedication of yet another Gold Star Families Memorial.  There was a large crowd, comprised of Gold Star Families, Veterans Organizations, Military members, and passersby.  Even though the heat was a bit oppressive, no one broke away while we waited for the guest of honor to appear.

Arriving in a motorcade escort of police and various veteran riders’ groups, World War II Medal of Honor Recipient and hometown boy Woody Williams appeared.  As usual, he greeted the crowd enthusiastically, shaking hands and signing autographs along the way.  All of the main participants had to be moved to a tent as the heat in front of the monument was getting to be a bit much.  Nonetheless, the program started!  It was a particularly moving event, as the speakers and some of the Gold Star Family members shared their stories.  I was certainly moved and I’m glad we stopped in to be a part of this great event.

The Woody Williams Foundation goal is to establish these memorials in communities throughout the country.  To date, there are 86 memorials spanning all 50 states.  According to Woody, this particular memorial, sitting in a place of honor on the Capitol grounds, is the largest of all the monuments.  Since this is Woody’s home state, why shouldn’t it be!  To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.WoodyWilliams.org.

After the event, Commander Elkins drove us to the airport where Mama and I continued our journey home.  This was such a peaceful way to cap off a great week with veterans in West Virginia!

A far view after the unveiling of the monument.  I didn't want to intrude on the Gold Star Families.

Woody Williams cutting up with old friends.

Wisconsin VFW 100th Anniversary Convention

 We had a long but uneventful drive to Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend the 100^th Convention and celebration.  The Tundra lodge is within view of Lambeau Field so I had to swear allegiance to the Packers in order to stay at the convention!  And what a convention it was…we started bright and early Wednesday morning and didn’t stop until late Saturday evening.  In between, the VFW certainly put on a great convention.  Also, the Tundra Lodge lives up to its name…there were so many animals hanging on the walls and in full mounts all over the walkways.  It was an amazing sight!

One of the most poignant moments was the honoring of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America.  The Wisconsin Governor proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day across the state and the Wisconsin VFW presented the Veterans Association with a beautiful crystal plaque.  Several of the Lao Veterans talked about their service during the “Secret War” in Vietnam, including their captivity by North Vietnamese forces.  Wisconsin members of the VFW who fought alongside these Lao veterans recalled their service and several noted that they would not be with us today but for the courage and bravery of the Lao veterans.  It was a truly solemn event, one that I’m glad to say I witnessed.  These Lao veterans, many of them of advanced years, were so honored to be recognized for what they did so many years ago.

I was amazed at how many first time VFW members were in attendance.  At one point, all of them stood up and they easily comprised 50% to 60% of the entire audience.  Who says the VFW is just a bunch of old men?  Wisconsin will prove you wrong.  Additionally, six of the 11 incoming District commanders are first timers and the new State Commander is also a current conflict veteran.  We’re going to hear a lot more from Wisconsin in the years to come!

Members of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America

Young and enthusiastic members of Green Bay Post 2307.  They garnered a lot of community service awards and were also declared an All State Post.  Far right is Commander Ken Corry.  This man always had a smile on his face and jumped in to help anyone who needed it the entire time.  Outstanding!

The new leadership of Wisconsin:  Senior Vice Michele, Junior Vice Ron, and Commander Cory.  What a great crew!

Commander Jason presenting a handicap-capable van to a very grateful double amputee.  The very new van belonged to a long time VFW member. After his recent passing, his wife wanted a deserving person to have it.  

As always, the Wisconsin Honor Guard is the absolute best at what they do!

Thanks to the Denmark Post, Mama got a lot of treats in her own personalized cheese round container

This goat fascinated Mama.  She had to stop and sniff every time we walked by

She did seem a bit sedate when she was next to this lion!  There was no Mama Smack Down in sight!

Just because

When you're in Green Bay, you wear a cheesehead hat...even if you are wearing a tuxedo at a banquet!

 

Military Officers Association of America Meeting

On my drive home from Wisconsin, I stopped into a meeting of the Military Officers Association of America, in Mundelein Illinois.  Yes, I was invited! The President of the MOAA North Chicago Chapter is also the VFW Post commander at Post 2486 here in Illinois.

The special guests were Acting Director Terry Prince of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Honorable Joyce Mason, a Representative in the Illinois House.  I very much enjoyed their company during lunch and I believe they really have the best interests of veterans at heart.  Acting Director Prince is also a retired Navy Master Chief, so he and VFW State Commander Bobby Welch shared many stories!  Representative Mason is sponsoring several veteran-centric bills including a Veterans Bill of Rights, pushing for surviving spouses receiving VA DIC payments to gain easier access to property tax relief, appropriating additional monies for service dog training for veterans, and penalties for those misrepresenting that they have Service Animals.  I’m certainly behind all of these initiatives!

President Mike Peck gave me a Desert Storm belt buckle and a signed copy of Medal of Honor Recipient Al Lynch’s book, “From Zero to Hero:  From Bullied Kid to Warrior”.  I can’t wait to start reading it!

Illinois VFW State Commander and his Command car!  It's certainly an eye-catcher!

IDVA Acting Director Terry Prince

Illinois Representative Mason

MOH Recipient and Illinois resident Al Lynch's book

Driving past Kenosha Wisconsin on my way to Illinois.  How could I not [safely] take a picture of this sign?

Welcome Readers from Sweden

 We continue to grow as readers from Sweden have joined us recently!

The flag of Sweden is blue with a yellow or gold Nordic cross, situated slightly left of center.  The blue is symbolic of truth, vigilance, perseverance, loyalty and justice.  The yellow is representative of generosity.

Thanks for joining us and we hope you continue to enjoy our travels!

Virginia VFW Convention!

 Mama and I traveled last week to the beautiful city of Portsmouth to share in the business and fun of their state convention. We were not disappointed!  This is the home state of Commander in Chief Hal Roesch and I had big shoes to fill but we were welcomed with open arms and felt very much at home the entire time.

I enjoyed spending time with the incoming Commander, Butch Schupska.   Everyone is still working for outgoing Commander Eric, but they are positioning to jump out of the gate and run the race again when the new year begins on 1 July.  Butch kindly asked me to install him into office after his election and it was an honor to be a part of the Joint VFW and Auxiliary installation.  This Joint event shows once again that we are two sides of the same coin and we are all working toward the same goal!  Emotion overwhelmed Butch a few times, but it was heartwarming to see this man so humbled by the awesome responsibility he was undertaking.

SSG Jonathan Dozier Memorial Post 2894 took many of the yearly awards, almost too many to mention, including several three foot tall trophies!  They do not have a physical Post home so all of their efforts are directed outward.  Check them out on Facebook if you want a glimpse of what a community oriented post can do!  For example, they are a five year All American Post and 5 of the last 6 years National Outstanding Community Service Post. In 2020 they received the National Outstanding Community Service Project Award of Excellence AND the 2020 Fred C. Hall National Community Service Project Award.  Outgoing Commander Chris and incoming Commander Jose understand what the VFW is at its very core:  A service oriented group of motivated members who want to do great things for their community!  I will follow them on social media and keep up with the great things they are doing.  Plus, they have an absolutely STUNNING electronic Post newsletter!

This year, Virginia went above and beyond as they created three new posts and revitalized 2 more that were on the brink of closing.  That takes a lot of hard work and determination from the leadership at all levels and Commander Eric is to be commended for keeping the state on track to get this done.  And it isn’t just committees or groups that excel here.  They have motivated individuals too.  One member, on his own over Memorial Day, distributed poppies and garnered over $6,500 in donations!  He was also tireless in the evenings at convention and even cajoled me into purchasing raffle tickets.  He was VERY good at separating all of us from our wallets.  His enthusiasm and desire made it impossible to say no.

The meetings and gatherings began Thursday morning and went well into the afternoon of Sunday with District Commander training and the first Council meeting of the year.  Training is the key to success!  They certainly used me during this time as they asked me to speak on no less than five separate occasions.  Fortunately, I was able to meet the challenge and each time gave them something different to think about.  There’s nothing worse than repeating yourself when speaking to the same groups of people.

I’m looking forward to going back to Portsmouth in a few weeks to be with Chief Hal and the members of Virginia once again.  I understand there’s a certain member who wants to sell me more raffle tickets!

How about this high tech yet Old Timey microphone!  It worked great, carrying my voice far and wide.  How do I know?  I heard several comments about that boring guy in the next room.  It had to be me because they had some great speakers at the convention.

Portsmouth is a major shipyard and had several Navy ships in for repair.  Commander Eric works on these and said they can be in dry dock for 18-24 months getting maintenance, repair, and upgrades.  This happens every three years or so.  This is a high and dry aircraft carrier.  Quite a sight

This is a Coast Guard mobile lighthouse, now used as a museum. It was also a nice landmark for me when I was out walking Mama.

Commander Butch and I played in a “Fun Only” slots competition sponsored by Powerhouse Gaming.  I actually won the thing, but it was only for bragging rights.  Powerhouse certainly is a great corporate sponsor for the Virginia VFW!

Here’s one for the Post Office wall:  L-R, New Commander Jose of the SSG Jonathan Dozier Memorial Post 2894, Past State Commander Eric, New State Commander Butch, outgoing Commander Chris [who wore down the battery on his chair going back and forth collecting all those fantastic membership and community service awards for his Post, and of course, yours truly.

For some reason, Mama thoroughly enjoyed watching the river and the boats from the 8^th floor every time we waited for the elevator.