Department of Colorado

We are getting down to the wire for Membership. We need to make a big push to cross the finish line to make our Department 102%. Have you thought about having your post host a “Spring Fling” Recruiting event in your community or at your Post? You could gather your Post members together and reach out on the phone to your unpaid members. Let them know how important being a member of the VFW is to maintaining Veterans Benefits.

Reach out to your Auxiliary, if you have one, for assistance. They can help you recruit just like you can help them recruit. As veterans and veteran families, we need to work together at our events. We can unite VFW and Auxiliary members and become even stronger organizations.

I have faith in all of you and your Post to reach this goal. IF you need any assistance with setting up recruiting events, reach out to your District Commander andM embership team. You could reach out to other posts and have combined recruiting events.

June 5-8th will be our State Convention in Cripple Creek, and we would love to have as many of you, to attend as possible. Save the date, and mark your calendar for what it takes for you to remember to attend. This is a great time to ask questions and network with other Colorado VFW members. You can share ideas, learn new things about your VFW, and return with information that you can share at your home post.

Carol Thomas
Sr. Vice Commander

As I write my last newsletter as Department A/Q.

It's been fun and it's been hell.

So I guess it's been A HELL OF A LOT OF FUN! 

Greetings Comrades;

Looks like another year in the books. I would like to thank you for all the support I have received throughout the past year. It has been my pleasure and privilege to attend your district meetings and talk to you. I am positive I will receive the same support as I (hopefully) move into the Sr Vice Commander position.

The one thought I would like to leave you with is that without the post, there is no district, department or national organization. We are an organization run by the membership. I urge you to become active in your post and district business. So please attend those post meetings, attend the district meetings and pay attention to what the department is doing.

We have the state convention coming up in June in Cripple Creek, CO. I look forward to seeing you there and as always if need assistance feel free to ask me, whether in person or on the phone.

I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year.

Fred Scheck
Jr Vice Commander

Brothers and Sisters,

As we come to the end of another year of successfully helping our veterans, families, and communities. We are encouraged to give all thanks to our Lord for giving us the
leadership needed to push our organization forward, giving us our membership that made things happen and allowing us to connect with our communities to support and receive support in activities. What a great organization.

As we prepare to go into the upcoming year, let us always remember why we exist. We watched each other’s backs while we served. Let’s continue as we continue to serve and not leave any veteran behind. Did you know there are a lot of veterans from all areas that have no idea what we do. Let’s find them and let them know what the VFW can do for them. And I’m not talking about the dinners at the Post’s although that would be a part of it. But I’m talking about what the VFW does to help the veteran with
their issues. The bigger picture.

Let’s not forget about our Auxiliary, they do so much for our veterans, families and community. They are the better half of the VFW. Support them as they support the VFW. Invite them to trainings and events. I have seen the Auxiliary once informed about anything take it and make things happen. And don’t forget some of our Auxiliary are veterans.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHAPLAINCY

During times of turmoil and war, mankind always looks to religion and religious figures for comfort. Both ancient and modern societies have turned to religion and communities have extended the comfort of religion to those serving in the heat of battle. Priests and other religions figures petition gods and spirits for victory in war. The Scriptures often refers to priests accompanying troops into battle. (see: Deut. 20:2-4; Joshua 6:2-5). 

The modern chaplaincy’s roots and origin are essentially in the medieval church. The word chaplain dates from this period. A fourth century story tells of the pagan Roman soldier called Martin of Tours. One day as he and his soldiers were approaching the gates of the city of Amiens, he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing the half-cloak he had given away. He heard Christ say to the angels: “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” When Martin woke, he found his cloak restored to wholeness.

Attachments:

Chaplain Monthly Report 2022-2023.pdf	[ ]	60 kB
Colorado Chaplain of the Year 2022-2023.pdf	[ ]	143 kB
VFW Chaplain Handbook 14 August 2023.pdf	[ ]	1447 kB

With our convention coming up in Cripple Creek, Colorado, I want to wish a happy 100th Anniversary to our Auxiliary! It’s a huge milestone for us all. This is our last newsletter before the event, and a reminder to get on the Department website and register for the convention. If you’re planning to attend the convention, don’t forget to send in your articles for the convention magazine. You can find the price list on our website. Let’s make the magazine awesome!

I’m excited to announce that I’m running for Junior Vice Commander of the VFW Department of Colorado next year. Your support would mean the world to me. I also support Carol Thomas for Department Commander, Fred Sheck for Senior Vice Commander, Jesse Eastburn for Quartermaster/Adjutant, and Jim Sheridan for Surgeon next year. They’re all great choices to lead us forward.

Before I go, I want to thank Bruce Dolan and Ann Mauck for their amazing service to our department. Bruce, you’ve been great as Department Quartermaster Adjutant, and Ann, you’ve been a rock in the Department office for decades. We’ll miss you both!

Let’s get ready for an amazing convention and keep up the great work supporting our veterans.

Thanks for all you do!

Todd Van Sant
Department Surgeon

Please note that the Department HQ will not print and mail paper convention credentials for Delegates, Post Commanders, District Commanders, and State Officers. Instead, all Post, District, and State Officers will be identified with official VFW and Department rosters and Post Adjutant's or Quartermasters are asked to report the Post's elected delegates via the Department website. Credentials will then be "stamped" on the individuals name badge when they register at the convention. The on-line delegate report form will be available starting 1 April through the day before the convention opening date.

Click here to report elected delegates for your Post.

Under Section 222 of the Manual of Procedures, "Delegates and alternates for the District Convention and Meetings, Department and National Conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting in April." Posts are entitled to 1 delegate for every 30 members or fraction thereof based on the number of members in good standing as of March 31st. The Department Headquarters will notify each post in writing what their delegate strength is along with the delegate fee which must be paid no later than 15 days before the convening of the Department Convention.

Please note that members, including delegates, attending the Department Convention are also expected to pay the Convention Registration fee. See VFW Registration 2023-2024.pdf for details.

As of April 30, 2024

As we approach the milestone of overcoming our membership challenges, it becomes increasingly crucial to uphold meticulous record-keeping practices for our new members. It is imperative that we accurately input each new member’s information into the VFW national system, including valid contact details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. Furthermore, regular updates to this information are essential to facilitate effective communication and engagement within our organization.

I’ve noticed instances where some post officers lack their own information within the system. This absence of critical data may impede our ability to connect with members and engage them effectively. Therefore, it is vital for every post QM/Adj to diligently input and maintain accurate contact details for all members. By doing so, we can improve our retention rates and strengthen member engagement, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of our organization.

I commend your efforts in recruiting and retaining membership within the Department of Colorado. With the membership year not concluding until June 30th, 2024, let’s continue our push to ensure all posts and districts reach 102% or higher by that deadline.

Additionally, I would like to inform those who may not be aware that I am running for the position of Department Quartermaster at the upcoming convention in Cripple Creek. For those unfamiliar with my background, I have been an All-American and All-State Quartermaster for my post for soon to be four consecutive years. I’ve also held the title of Department of Colorado’s Top Recruiter for three years. Over the past year, I’ve served as Bruce’s assistant QM, and if elected, I am fully prepared to embark on this new journey and tackle the responsibilities of this position headon.

In my leadership philosophy, I emphasize the principles of fairness, firmness, and impartiality. I advocate for the stewardship of our organization and abide by the golden rule of treating others as I would want to be treated. I have no tolerance for petty jealousies or trivial personalities. I am committed to dispelling the notion of “It’s always been done this way” and believe in integrating the proper technology at the post, district and department levels to meet the needs of veterans in 2024 and beyond.

Let’s work together to make our organization better and ensure its longevity for future generations of fighters who serve our nation.

Jesse Eastburn
Membership Chairman

              THANK YOU FOR RECRUITING!!

The following individuals are currently considered Recruiting Aces and have earned a t-shirt and an invitation to the Council of Administration Meeting to be held on June 5, 2024, at 1800 hours, at the State Convention in Cripple Creek. Upon signing in for the meeting these members will be eligible for reimbursement equal to that of a District Commander. In other words, $75 Per Diem plus round-trip mileage paid at $0.50 per mile.*

Additionally, the following individuals have all recruited at least 10 VFW and/or Auxiliary members, so they are eligible for up to three nights Per Diem (maximum $225) and round-trip mileage to the Convention as described above. If any award winner is already utilizing Department funds to attend the COA/Convention or cannot attend their award is transferable.

To learn more about this incentive, how to transfer your award, or submit your t-shirt size email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Transferring your award is intended to maximize participation, so please be generous if that option is available to you. Please review the Colorado Membership program on the Department website to learn what other awards are available.

* Receipt of Per Diem or mileage to attend a previous COA means your award has already been redeemed. Additionally, mileage will only be paid to the person driving if multiple winners travel to the Convention together.

VFW National Foundation Regular Grant

No one understands military and veteran support quite like we do. To help VFW Departments, Posts and Auxiliaries, as well as qualifying nonprofits provide the vital support America’s heroes and their families deserve, the VFW National Foundation has established the VFW Foundation Regular Grant.

Grants ranging from $1,000 - $2,500, will be awarded for activities that directly benefit veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Requests displaying innovation in service delivery, unique program design that addresses an under-served need and the likelihood of sustainability after the grant period ends will be given special consideration.

The references and resources below are to help you get started supporting local military units and their families through VFW’s Adopt-a-Unit (AAU) program. Before submitting AAU paperwork to VFW National HQ or sending care packages to a unit: Get permission from the unit’s Commanding officer or Senior NCO and review the information in the Adopt-a-Unit Application.  VFW HQs does not have a list of names &/or addresses of units or service members.

Resources
VFW Post/Auxiliary members are the BEST resources to make contact with a local military unit. Ask if anyone has a friend/relative currently serving in the military; or even knows of someone working/serving on a local base.

VFW & Auxiliary Department Chairmen are a critically important resource, they receive training on VFW troop support programs and receive regular communications from VFW HQs. Your own hometown community (Churches, workplace, schools, VSOs etc.) As with your membership, ask around to see if anyone has a friend or relative currently serving in the military or working at a base or reserve center.

The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce that requests for the State of Colorado Military Honors Stipend will be accepted starting January 15, 2022 from eligible organizations that have completed the registration process.

Per C.R.S. 28-5-507, a local unit of a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization or its auxiliary is eligible to receive a $75 stipend for providing an honor guard detail at the funeral of an eligible, honorably discharged veteran. Second, third, and fourth honors services performed on the same day can also receive up to an additional stipend of $25 each for expenses incurred for mileage, transportation costs, and meals, not to exceed $75 in total. If the local unit provides a student to play “Taps,” the local unit may pay some or all the stipend to the student. Stipends will be paid based upon availability of funds.

To be eligible to receive the reimbursement:

VFW Headquarters has increased the cost of buddy poppies and is requiring a VFW Membership Number to process the order. Effectively immediately please use the new order form that was revised 8/31/2023 and is attached below for the traditional cloth poppy. Traditional Red Buddy Poppies can still be ordered.

Effective 10/1/2023 Tin Buddy Poppy orders will be available. Please see the new order form for the metal buddy poppies. 2023-2024 Tin Poppy Order Form

There is a difference in price between the traditional cloth poppy and the tin poppy. Please verify which type of poppy you would like to order.

Attachments:

2023-2024 Tin Buddy Poppy Form	[Metal Buddy Poppy]	131 kB
Traditional Cloth Poppy Order Form Revised 8/31/2023	[Revised Poppy Order Form]	142 kB

The Katy Rimpley Service Animal Assistance Fund is intended to provide assistance to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Department of Colorado, or it's Auxiliary for out-of-pocket expenses for pet insurance, pet food, and certain veterinary expenses for service animals as defined by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please see the policy for details. Please use the grant form for submissions.