2018 VFW Americanism Award - David GogginsVeterans of Foreign Wars2024-10-22 | 2018 VFW Americanism Award - David GogginsChef Robert Irvine Visits the VFWs Walk-In Claims ClinicVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-24 | In special recognition of his unwavering dedication to our nation’s military, the VFW presented Chef Robert Irvine with its Distinguished Citizenship Award at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix. After his time on stage, VFW Director of Communications and Public Affairs Rob Couture showed Chef Irvine around the convention hall and gave him a tour of the VFW’s walk in claims clinic, where veterans can get assistance with filing their VA claim on-site.2023 Thursday Business SessionVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-17 | Watch the Thursday Business Session from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in its entirety.Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt Capping and MarchVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-17 | Alfred J. “Al” Lipphardt was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 27, 2023, at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
Al served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1979, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and from 1970 to 1971. In recognition of his heroic service in combat, he received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star with “V” device, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, among many others.
He joined the VFW in 2002 at Post 12002 in North Fulton, Georgia, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership.Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento Capping and MarchVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-17 | Duane Sarmiento was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 27, 2023, at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
He served in the United States Navy from 1988 to 1997, and the United States Naval Reserve from 2002 to 2006, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. In recognition of his service, he received the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, among many others. In 2003, he earned the title of the Naval Reserve Center Sailor of the Year at Fort Dix.
Duane joined the VFW in 1990 at Post 5579 in Gibbstown, New Jersey, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership.Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore Capping and MarchVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-17 | Carol Whitmore was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 27, 2023, at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
Carol served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 2013, earning her VFW eligibility by serving in Iraq. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, among many others.
She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership. In 2022, she was elected as designee for National VFW Commander-in-Chief for the year 2025, becoming the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position2023 Department Commanders GiftVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | The 2022-2023 Department Commander class gathered on stage to present Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland with a special gift at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Wednesday business session on July 26, 2023. Past Department of Rhode Island Commander Tiger Patrick and past Department of Texas Commander Lynn Toomer were the representatives.2023 Legacy Life Award Posts, VFW Conference Trophy Award PresentationsVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | 2022-2023 VFW National Commander Tim Borland proudly presented the VFW Legacy Life Society Proclamation awards, along with the 2023 VFW Conference Streamers and Membership Trophy during the Joint Opening Session Monday, July 24, 2023, during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 Vice Minister of Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council Wu Chih-YangVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | The Vice Minister of Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council Wu Chih-Yang presented Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland with a Gold medal of honor. Borland signed a joint proclamation to continue VFW’s long-standing partnership with the Taiwan Veterans Affairs Council at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Joint Opening Session on July 24, 2023.2023 All-American Department, Post and District Commanders and Triple Crown WinnersVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW National Commander Tim Borland proudly presented the 2022-2023 All-American awards to Department, District and Post Commanders, and the 2023 Triple Crown winners during the Joint Opening Session Monday, July 24, 2023, during the 124th VFW National Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 VFW Distinguished Education Award Recipient David HarmerVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | David Harmer, CEO of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, received the 2023 VFW Distinguished Education Award during the business session on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, during the 124th VFW National Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 Buddy Poppy Display Contest Winners and Howard E. Vander Clute Ride Check PresentationVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW Programs Director Lynn Rolf addresses convention delegates during the business session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 where he announces the winners of the "Buddy" Poppy display competition to recognize those whose passion and creativity have taken Buddy Poppies to the next level. Lynn then thanks the men and women who participate in our annual Howard E. Vander Clute Memorial Ride and then receives the check from the 2023 Vander Clute Memorial Ride to the Veterans and Military Support Program!2023 National Commander Tim Borland Century AwardVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | 2022-2023 VFW National Commander Tim Borland receives a special century award during the business session, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, during the 124th VFW National Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 Joint OpeningVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Watch the Joint Opening Session from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in its entirety.2023 Arizona Senator Kyrsten SinemaVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | While unable to attend in person, Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema addressed convention delegates via a special recorded message during the Joint Opening Session on Monday, July 24, 2023, during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 Tuesday Business SessionVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Watch the Tuesday Business Session from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in its entirety.2023 Distinguished Patriotic Award - Connor NicolVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | The Distinguished Patriotic Award was presented to 14-year-old Connor Nicol for his “We Will Remember” project at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 2023. Through his project, Nicol has made more than 40,000 dog tags, each carrying the name of a service member killed in action. Dog tags are “adopted” free-of-charge. The only requisite is that the person with the dog tag say the name of the service member so that he or she is not forgotten. Nicol said he was inspired to do this after watching the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” He mowed lawns and did yard work to pay for the first 500 dog tags. “I wanted to make memorial dog tags to remember those who did not come home,” Nicol said.2023 Prasad Reddy, Twisted XVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Prasad Reddy, CEO of Twisted X, addressed convention delegates and presented a $50,000 check in support of the VFW Voice of Democracy program during the Joint Opening Session of the 124th VFW National Convention, on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.Walter Groth Distinguished Fraternal AwardVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Walter Groth received the 2023 VFW Distinguished Fraternal Award during the business session on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 VFW National Recruiter of the Year - Steven WoodwardVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Steven Woodward was named 2023 VFW National Recruiter of the Year for recruiting 501 new or reinstated members. Woodward is a Life member with VFW Post 2224 in Puyallup, Wash. Also recognized were Elite Recruiters who recruited more than 250 reinstated or new members. Those are Larry Gerlt from Post 2704 in Ralston, Neb.; Timothy Borland of VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Ariz.; and Joseph Young from VFW Post 7108 in Helotes, Texas.
Woodward received his award and addressed convention delegates at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 20232023 VFW Distinguished Historical Award Winner Robert J. WelchVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Robert J. Welch received the 2023 VFW Distinguished Historical Award during the business session on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the 124rd VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 Scotland Stewart, 2022-23 Voice of Democracy National WinnerVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Scotland Stewart, the 2022-2023 national first place winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy program, addressed convention delegates during the Monday Joint Opening Session of the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 24, 2023.2023 Wayne Peacock, USAAVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Wayne Peacock, CEO of USAA, addressed convention delegates during the Monday Joint Opening Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 24, 2023.2023 VFW Distinguished Citizenship Award - Chef Robert IrvineVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine accepted the VFW Distinguished Citizenship Award for his work with the Robert Irvine Foundation, which he began in 2014. Irvine, who served 10 years in the UK Royal Navy, aims to support service members, veterans and first responders. “There is no shortage of veterans needing help today,” said Irvine, who became an American citizen in 2014. “There is no end to this mission. The ever-changing needs of veterans needs to be adapted to.” Irvine said if everyone were to pay it forward, it could “change the world.”
Chef Irvine addressed convention delegates at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 2023.2023 Terry J. Moulton, TriWest Healthcare AllianceVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Terry Moulton, senior advisor to the CEO at TriWest Healthcare Alliance, addressed convention delegates during the Wednesday Business Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 26, 2023.2023 Scott Stump, National Desert Storm Memorial AssociationVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Scott Stump, president and CEO of the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, addressed convention delegates during the Monday Joint Opening Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 24, 2023.2023 Military Order of the Cootie Supreme CommanderVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Military Order of the Cootie Supreme Commander Dwight Hora provided an overview of the organization’s year at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 2023.2023 SEAC (Ret.) John Wayne TroxellVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | SEAC (Retired) and VFW Ambassador John Wayne Troxell pumped up convention delegates during the Monday Joint Opening Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 24, 2023.2023 Patrick Sargent, Oracle HealthVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Retired Army Major General Patrick D. Sargent, senior vice president and general manager of Oracle Health Government Services, addressed convention delegates during the Wednesday Business Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 26, 2023.2023 VFW Teachers of the Year AwardsVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | The VFW’s Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards for grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 were awarded at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 2023.
VFW Post 3886 member Kelly Garey of Caldwell, Idaho, won the VFW’s Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for grades K-5. A Navy Reservist with more than 30 years in the service, Garey provides her experience as a tool for students at Van Buren Elementary School in Caldwell to understand why veterans serve. “This is a great honor that I would like to share with all my former and current students, my VFW comrades in Idaho and all VFW comrades.”
The VFW’s Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for grades 6-8 was awarded to Susan Allgood. With two sons on active duty, Allgood teaches her students about the importance of understanding the sacrifices of military members through a rigorous history class and extra-curricular programs she spearheads each year at Stephens County Middle School in Toccoa, Ga. “It is such an honor and privilege to be here today,” said Allgood, who represented VFW Post 4346 in Toccoa. “This award is the apex of my 27-year career.”
Marine Corps veteran Javier Martinez of Maple Park, Ill., received the VFW Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for grades 9-12. The world history teacher at Kaneland High School in Maple Park was sponsored by VFW Post 5819 in Lemont, Ill., for his passion and innovation towards the development and enrichment of his students’ character through history. “Even though you don’t wear the uniform anymore, you can still serve,” Martinez said. “There ought to be thousands of teachers nominated for this great award each year because there are so many good ones out there doing their jobs quietly like when we were in the service. I encourage all VFW Posts to seek these teachers out. Ask the kids; they’ll let you know who the good ones are.”2023 VFW Foundation Executive Director Lisa Baronio and Board of Directors Chairman Mike DeRosaVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW Foundation Executive Director Lisa Baronio and VFW Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Mike DeRosa addressed delegates during the Wednesday Business Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 26, 2023.2023 Burger King Franchise Honoree Michael LairdVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Michael Laird is a United States Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq with the 101st Airborne, 1/187 Infantry Regiment. His father, Mitchell, founded Burger King franchise Laird Management over 20 years ago, and with over 30 restaurant locations employing more than 600, theirs is one of the largest Burger King franchisees in Arizona. More than 1,360 Burger King franchise restaurants participated in this year’s May VFW Unmet Needs campaign, and since 2007, Burger King franchisees have raised an astounding $7.2 million in support of the VFW Unmet Needs program.
Michael and his locations continue to lead by example, with Laird Management being instrumental in the success of these fundraisers, generously contributing more than $100,000 to help military and veteran families in need.
Michael Laird addressed convention delegates during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Wednesday business session on July 26, 2023.2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonoughVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough addressed VFW convention delegates and attendees during the Tuesday Business Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 25, 2023.2023 Wednesday Business SessionVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Watch the Wednesday Business Session from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in its entirety.2023 Humana Check Presentation - Scott MathisVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Scott Mathis, a regional executive with Humana, presented VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland with $25,000 for VFW’s National Veterans Service training program at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Joint Opening Session on Monday, July 24, 2023. “We understand the value of VFW service officers,” he said. “We thank you for this partnership.” Following Mathis’ remarks, Borland noted that thanks to the VFW and Humana joint Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign, 1,233,244 meals have been provided to food insecure veterans and their families.2023 Monday Business SessionVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Watch the entire Monday Business Session from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in its entirety.2023 Memorial ServiceVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Watch the Memorial Service from the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 VFW Distinguished Service Medal - Debra AndersonVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Past Quartermaster General Debra Anderson was awarded the 2023 VFW Distinguished Service Medal for her 12 years of service to VFW as director of Human Resources and then as VFW’s first female Quartermaster General. She received the award and addressed convention delegates at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, during the Tuesday business session on July 25, 2023.2023 VFW Fred C. Hall Award - VFW Post 2894Veterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW Post 2894 in Chesapeake, Virginia, received the Fred C. Hall award at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix during the Wednesday business session on July 26, 2023.
The VFW Fred C. Hall Outstanding Community Service Award stands as a testament to the exceptional dedication and selflessness displayed by the members of Post 2894 and their tireless efforts to uplift their community. Founded on the principles of camaraderie, service, and a deep reverence for the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform, this Post continuously goes above and beyond to ensure that its commitment extends far beyond its walls.2023 Distinguished Service Award - VFW Post 1370 Commander Modesto De la OVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland presented VFW Post 1370 Commander Modesto De la O from Pontiac, Mich., with the Distinguished Service Award for his incessant pursuit to help veterans across all facets of life at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix. From his aid and support of incarcerated veterans, local Army National Guardsmen and therapeutic alternatives through his nonprofit, Foxhole, De la O serves as a “beacon of hope” and resources for veterans in his home state. “When I got the call, I did not believe it,” De la O said. “But I would be remiss to not thank VFW Post 1370 because after the Marine Corps, it was the only place that let me find purpose again. The VFW can be whatever you want it to be — it is a reflection of your leadership.”2023 Student Veterans of America - Jared LyonVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | Jared Lyon, Student Veterans of America president and CEO, addresses VFW convention attendees at the Tuesday Business Meeting during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Az., July 25, 2023.
President and CEO of Student Veterans of America Jared Lyon said that the VFW has provided him a “sense of belonging and camaraderie” after leaving the Navy. The Global War on Terrorism veteran and member of VFW Post 3308 in Tallahassee, Fla., said VFW helped him navigate life, from being a sailor to being a student veteran and entrepreneur. “Joining your ranks led me to be able to do what I do today,” said Lyon, who has finished his coursework to earn a doctorate from New York’s Syracuse University. Lyon added: “The bond between VFW and the Student Veterans of America isn’t just symbolic – it’s a testament to the power, resilience and spirit of service that defines us as veterans.”2023 Gold Medal of Merit - VFW Auxiliary President Jane ReapeVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW Auxiliary President Jane Reape was awarded the VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation for her time as president during the Joint Opening Session of the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix on Monday, July 24, 2023. “I wear this medallion for all the members of the VFW Auxiliary,” Reape said. “Together, we are truly a family. I am proud of the work we have done as one team.”Fern Sumpter Winbush - Defense POW/MIA Accounting AgencyVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | During the Tuesday Business Session at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, on July 25, 2023, Fern Sumpter Winbush, principal deputy director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, provided an overview of efforts to account for 81,409 missing Americans. (72,202 from WWII; 7,496 from Korean War; 1,579 from the Vietnam War; 126 from the Cold War; and six from the Iraq War and other conflicts.) “You all know that when I say a number, that means a family,” Sumpter Winbush said. Two Medal of Honor recipients whose remains were recovered were highlighted during the business session. From WWII, Air Force Lt. Col. Addison Baker’s remains were accounted for on April 8, 2022, while the remains of Army Cpl. Luther Herschel Story from the Korean War were identified on April 6, 2023. Sumpter Winbush encouraged members to turn in wartime artifacts, which host nations “deeply appreciate.”2023 Service Representative of the Year - David LoweVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-10 | VFW Department of Oregon Service Officer David Lowe was awarded 2023’s John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year Award during the Joint Opening Session of the 124th VFW National Convention on Monday, July 24, 2023. The former Army Reserve field artillery officer and Iraq War veteran, along with the VA Portland Regional Service Office, handles VA disability claims of about 4,000 veterans each year with about 500 to 800 open claims at any one time. During his speech, Lowe asked all VA-accredited veterans service officers to stand, and then thanked them, saying: “They fight the good fight.”VA Secretary Denis McDonough Visits the VFW National ConventionVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-03 | “The VFW has done legendary work #FORVETERANS” … Check out this walk and talk with Secretary of @DeptVetAffairs the Honorable Denis McDonough from #VFWConvention.VFW #StillServing Sweat TeeVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-08-02 | If you’re a VFW member, you are #StillServing your country and community in various ways. And now, you can look stylish doing so in this Authentically American Limited-Edition VFW Sweat Tee. Put a little sweat into it and show America that you are proud to be a VFW member who is #StillServing.
The 2023 VFW Year in Review video made its debut on July 24, 2023 during the Joint Opening Session of 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.2023 VFW National Commander Duane Sarmientos Acceptance SpeechVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-07-28 | Duane Sarmiento delivers his acceptance speech to VFW convention delegates after being elected as VFW national commander on July 27, 2023 at the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.Were Fired Up for PhoenixVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-07-13 | Next week, thousands of VFW and Auxiliary members will head to Phoenix, Arizona, for the 124th VFW National Convention. Are you ready?
vfw.org/ConventionThe VFW Gave Chris Blevins Back to His FamilyVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-06-23 | “The VFW didn't just give me a gift, they gave me back to my family.” Learn how your support of the VFW can change the lives of veterans like Christopher Blevins.
www.vfwfoundation.orgVFW National Headquarters - Flag Day PresentationVeterans of Foreign Wars2023-06-14 | Today the VFW National Headquarters commemorated #FlagDay with a fun, historical overview of Old Glory, covering its inception to every milestone along our flag’s monumental journey. Watch the whole presentation by VFW Chief Information Officer Sean Barnes.