Comrades,
As my term as State Commander nears the end, I’m struck by all that we have accomplished over the last 11 months. We came out of the gates strong with the National Convention passing two resolutions brought forward by Colorado. Both resolutions were then presented to Congressman Neguse, and with the full support of the 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members, we asked that his office act on our priorities. The results were that the Department of Education removed the question on the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) requiring disabled veterans to disclose their disability compensation, and the introduction of HR 6197, a bill “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide grants to certain surviving spouses of veterans to pay for housing.”
Last August, we kicked off our first COA in Burlington, where the Council approved an aggressive new budget. As one of my priorities this year was to support and grow the Service Office, I thank the Council for restructuring their pay scale, giving all the accredited staff a raise, and increasing the budget to hire a new Assistant Service Officer. Now, after much hard work, we have a satellite service office at Post #3917 in Security. This budget also authorized two new positions at Department Headquarters to prepare for a smooth transition when Bruce and Ann’s tenures come to an end. With nearly 50 years of institutional knowledge poised to leave that office it was important to bring their replacements on board as soon as possible. Thankfully, Rachel and Jesse are quick learners, and it appears we will be in good hands moving forward.
As summer turned to fall, our members turned their focus to some of our most important VFW programs: the Voice of Democracy, Patriots’ Pen, and Teacher of the Year. It was exciting to see all 13 Districts participate and the results were impressive. While six kids received monetary awards from the Department, it was at the numerous Post and District level banquets where all the students, their parents, and the teachers got to witness first-hand what their local VFW Posts are doing in their communities. I was lucky enough to attend several banquets and often found that the kids who participate typically have some connection to the military. Frequently, I learned they or their parents are eligible for the Auxiliary. In fact, while in Las Animas in April, the Auxiliary handed out six applications to one family, showing the power of community engagement in our efforts to grow our organization.
Speaking of growing the organization, last October I had the honor of instituting two new Posts: the Platte River Post #12226 in the Sterling Correctional Facility, and the SGM James Gregory “Ryan” Sartor Post #12227 in Falcon. Like a lot of things, these efforts started long before I became the Commander. I just had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time to welcome these new comrades. It was a privilege, as were the many other ceremonial duties I participate in, like dedicating a veterans’ park at Morgan Community College in Ft. Morgan, presenting awards to the Civil Air Patrol cadets in Centennial, and speaking at the commissioning ceremony for new Lieutenants graduating from MSU and CU Denver.
Unfortunately, sometimes with growth we also must experience loss and I had to accept the Charter from the South Denver Post #2461 and the Ft. Morgan Post #2551. Luckily, the legacy of these Posts will live on through their thoughtful donations. Both Posts gave generously to the Service Office, and Post #2551 was instrumental in funding the park mentioned above. They also generated a lot of good memories for those of us who were fortunate enough to spend time in their respective Post homes over the years. Thank you to all the members who are now a part of nearby Posts or continuing to serve as members-at-large.
Next came the busy holiday season, with Posts across the state hosting meals and events, participating in standdowns, and focusing on those in our communities who need help the most. It was great to see the continuation of the Christmas for Soldiers program at Ft. Carson, as well as the CABA Airlift. I believe 2023 was the largest airlift so far, with over five tons of food delivered across Colorado. As a reminder, if your Post participated, there are still UTCH grants available so please apply before the end of the VFW Year. You can always contact me if you need help. Everyone knows how much I love grants!
Sadly, after ringing in the New Year, we were called upon to remember Past Department Commander George Palmateer. When the Golden Post #4171 Honor Guard learned his Celebration of Life fell on the same day as another event to which they had already committed, instead of canceling they upheld their obligation to honor the dead by continuing to serve the living. While I am sure they would have preferred to have rendered honors for one of their own, their #StillServing attitude and dedication to the mission would not allow them to back out. This is when District 5 stepped up and brought an Honor Guard from Colorado Springs to Golden for the service. The comradery on display was inspiring. Just like in the military, our brothers’ and sisters’ willingness to have each other’s back while some were away helping strangers shone through.
Shortly thereafter, a Colorado contingent traveled to Washington, DC, for the annual Legislative Conference where our National organization gets to flex its muscles. To see thousands of comrades descend on Capitol Hill is a striking reminder, not only to our elected officials but to me as well, of the power of our collective voice when advocating for veteran benefits. It reinforced in me the belief that growing our membership is how we continue to be heard, and it is not about dues, pins, or even funny hats. And it is with that belief that I presented a new resolution to each of the Colorado elected officials we visited. It has to do with CHAMPVA and fixing the problem many beneficiaries face when trying to access healthcare. Senator Bennet’s office took a particular interest in this issue and in less than a week his legislative aide sent me a one-page bill to close the loophole I identified. That is what I call a perfect example of petitioning our government and seeing results. I look forward to that bill being introduced and passed.
Now we find ourselves in the last quarter of the VFW year. While we can see the finish line, it is not the time to let off the gas even though we will hit 100% in membership without a problem. Remember, that as part of a three-year strategy to get the VFW side of the house back over 1,000,000 members, the goal is 102%. Continue doing good deeds in the community so you can attract new members, rather than having to recruit them, and we will not only “meet the challenge” but Colorado will “beat the challenge.” It was attracting new members that allowed me to Institute the Max W. Donahue Post #12230 in Castle Rock on Saint Patrick’s Day, whose membership currently stands at 43.
Likewise, I will keep striving, even after my term is done. I will continue to show the value of the VFW by refer veterans to the Service Office for help. I will still encourage companies with veteran employees to include VA benefits paperwork in their onboarding and annual enrollment materials (what I like to call embedding our service office in their HR Departments). Soon, I hope to get a flyer linking the presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure (diabetes and hypertension) that contribute to chronic kidney disease posted in over 3,200 dialysis clinics across the country, encouraging the veterans who are suffering to contact the VFW. In addition, I will continue working to convince DME providers and pharmacies that send out diabetes supplies to include info on the PACT Act so additional veterans can be aware that their condition may be service connected and how to reach a service office. If successful, the Service Office will continue to need additional resources, and I will help Carol any way I can to find them.
I believe it is paramount that we address the homeless crisis facing all our communities. To that end, I am working with the National VFW Foundation, Humana, and brought in Volunteers of America, to expand the “H” in Uniting to Combat Hunger so it will also include Homelessness. Because, just like veterans suffer from food insecurity at a higher rate than average, we are also overrepresented in the homeless population. If all goes according to plan, expanded grant opportunities will be announced at the National Convention and go into effect in October. I am also working with a local Post exploring opportunities to build affordable veteran housing in the Metro Denver area, which is a long-term goal. You can see that after the change-of-command ceremony I will keep serving the veterans of this state and beyond.
But there is one more piece of unfinished business we must resolve at the Convention. For at least a decade there have been discussions about redistricting. After District 1 lost another Post this year, the numerical and geographical imbalance between District 1 and District 10 had become too vast and the following plan was proposed to the Council last month. The plan will divide the Metro Denver area along Colfax with District 1 south and District 10 north, respectively, while moving Blackhawk into District 8 and Broomfield into District 10. To implement this plan will require a change to our Department Bylaws, which can only occur at the Convention, which is one reason why I encourage everyone to attend. Not only can you have a voice in this plan, but we will also be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Department Auxiliary and the more the merrier.
In conclusion, I learned a lesson when I first moved to Colorado and started hiking this beautiful state which I hope translates to my journey through the chairs. My hope is that I am leaving the Department of Colorado VFW in slightly better condition than I found it so that others may continue to enjoy the benefit of membership for years to come.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Cripple Creek, June 5-8, at the State Convention.