More than 10,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary are gathering for the 123rd VFW National Convention at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
“It feels so good to have a full national convention again,” said VFW National Commander Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic. “For the past two years, we have either had to cancel or alter our plans for our annual gathering. While we were able to conduct the business of the VFW last year, we weren’t able to invite distinguished guest speakers or honor individuals with the VFW’s highest national awards – key elements of what make our national convention such a meaningful event year after year.”
The list of guest speakers and awardees includes Missouri Gov. Mike Parson; vice minister of the Taiwanese Veterans Affairs Council Wu, Chih-Yang; inspirational speaker, former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills; former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired Army Gen. Martin Dempsey will receive the VFW Distinguished Service Award on Monday.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough will appear in person to address the assembly on Tuesday.
“Our members look forward to hearing from Secretary McDonough on some of the critical issues veterans are concerned with, such as addressing workload and improving wait times of claims, laying out a way forward on VA infrastructure and medical facilities, advances in life-saving healthcare, toxic exposure related presumptive conditions, and how he will implement the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022,” said Mihelcic. “Not only are these topics of discussion among today’s veteran community, but they are also on the minds of service members and their families as they prepare to transition into civilian life.”
The 10,000 VFW and VFW Auxiliary delegates represent the organization’s total membership of more than 1.5 million at the weeklong convention, which runs through July 21. Its mission will be to approve new national priorities to guide the VFW as it lobbies Congress on issues important to the nation’s veterans, service members, and their families.
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In addition, convention delegates will also elect a new VFW national commander, Tim Borland, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, as well as recognize prominent individuals and organizations for their support of the veterans and military communities.
For the first time at a VFW National Convention, the immersive experience Modern Warrior LIVE will be presented on the main stage at 1 p.m., Wednesday inside the Kansas City Convention Center, Hall AB. The film and accompanying live performance, sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance and PhRMA, explores mental health, post-traumatic growth, and the veteran experience through music, narration, theatrical performance, and multimedia.
While only VFW members will be admitted to the business sessions, there are other offerings the convention will host for the public in the convention center’s Hall CD. A free, five-day walk-in VA claims clinic and health fair is accessible to all veterans, service members, and their families in Hall CD.
Country music recording artist and entertainer Teddy Robb will also perform live at 12 p.m., both Monday and Tuesday on the exhibit stage in Hall CD.
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Although not open to the public, the VFW National Convention will live stream its business sessions at VFW.org/Convention through Thursday. A full schedule of events can be accessed using the “VFW Events” app, available for download at both the Apple App and Google Play stores.
Receiving VFW national awards on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are:
VFW Distinguished Service Award to Dempsey, one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Leaders, bestselling author and speaker.
VFW Commander-in-Chief’s Gold Medal of Merit to:
Jean Hamil, 2021 – 2022 national president of the VFW Auxiliary
Retired Army Lt. Col. Johnie Webb Jr., deputy director of Outreach and Communications, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Dan Starks, founder, National Museum of Military Vehicles
VFW “In the Foxhole” Awards to:
Air Force Staff Sgt. Christiana Bardsely
Former Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
VFW “Beyond the Call” Awards to:
Gina Elise Newman, founder and CEO, Pin-Ups For Vets
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills founder and CEO, Travis Mills Foundation
VFW Accredited Service Representatives of the Year:
2019 – 2020: Wendy Griffin, department service officer, VFW Department of Utah
2020 – 2021: Nadine Newman, claims consultant, VFW Department of Washington
2021 – 2022: Jon Gohn, department service officer, VFW Department of Minnesota
Joseph Allen, VFW National Recruiter of the Year
Daniela Mare, $30,000 VFW Voice of Democracy winner
Aurora, VFW National Home For Children 2022 Buddy Poppy Child
The convention is expected to generate $14.2 million in revenue for Kansas City.
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Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.