GEN George S. Paton, Jr. once said, "I am a Soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight." This quote could easily be changed to "We are the VFW, We fight where We are told, and We win where We fight." The Veterans of Foreign Wars and it's members are the voice that defends Veterans everywhere and defends their rights and benefits. Whether its at the National, Department, District, or Post-level, it's members fight.

 

When I first joined in 2012, while on Active Duty in the Army, that was the main reason I joined. As a uniformed Service Member, I felt I was not able to speak out on the policies set by our government that impacted our Veterans and Service Members but the VFW could. Now as a Retired Service Member and VFW Legacy Life Member it has become my "fight where I am told." As the Post Commander it is expected for me, and our members to "win where I/We fight." Our nation made a promise to those who serve(d), and we must fight to ensure it's kept! 

 

As your Post Commander during the Post's 30th Year, I want to bring a revitalization to Post 1697, not because it needs it, but because we should leave a place better than we found it.  In order to do this, I have three priorities: Membership, Community, and Camaraderie. 

 

Membership - Achieve 102%, All Members recruit at least 1 new member, Two Life Members upgrade to Legacy Life. Doing all these ensures our Post continues to grow and thrives for at least another 30 years.

 

Community - Plan/Coordinate/Execute 4 Quarterly Community Service Events, Increase our presence in the Hamilton County community and Increase awareness of our VOD/PP/TOY/JROTC Programs. Community has been the driving force behind our Post for 30 years and there is not reason to stop now!

 

Camaraderie - Build trust and friendship among Post 1697 Members & Families, Plan/Execute a monthly/quarterly Post event, and conduct Buddy Checks on our Members/Families/Widows. Doing these shows that we care for our own and live the VFW's mantra NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS!