VFW returns to its birthplace for 126th National Convention

VFWCOVER
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Senior Vice Commander, Carol Whitmore and members of her staff paid a visit to Medical Readiness Command, Europe,on Jan. 16, 2025, to introduce themselves and talk shop. Whitmore will be installed as the first female national commander of the VFW during its 126th annual convention this week in Columbus, Ohio. Photo credit Photo by Kirk Frady/Medical Readiness Command, Europe

More than 125 years after its first meeting in Ohio’s capital, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary return to its birthplace for its 126th National Convention now through Aug. 13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

“Hosting our convention in Columbus is more than a homecoming — it’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and where we’re headed,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “As we gather in the city where the VFW was founded, we reaffirm our purpose, renew our energy, and look ahead to shaping the future of advocacy and support for every generation of veterans.”

On Sept. 29, 1899, 13 Spanish-American War veterans gathered in a small tailor shop on East Main Street in downtown Columbus to discuss how they could assist their fellow veterans and the dependents of their fallen comrades. Originally founded as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the organization united with other veteran groups from the Philippine Insurrection and Boxer Rebellion, officially becoming the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States on Aug. 1, 1914.

Convention speakers include Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther; Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose; Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Affairs Stephen Simmons; Taiwanese Veterans Affairs Council Deputy Minister Wu, Chih-Yang; Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague; United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Director Major General Edward J. Chrystal, Jr.; Twisted X CEO Prasad Reddy; USAA CEO Juan Andrade; Student Veterans of America National President & CEO Jared Lyon; Military Women’s Memorial President Phyllis Wilson; Humana National Director of Key Relationships Cara Brown; Oracle Health Senior Vice President Patrick Sargent; and Arrow International Director of Veteran and Fraternal Relations  retired Marine Col. Joe Morris.

New for this year’s convention is an awards banquet on Monday night, featuring special guests Medal of Honor recipient James McCloughan and U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden.

“Over the past year, the VFW has continued to deliver real results for our nation’s veterans — from securing critical legislative victories and expanding access to VA care, to assisting tens of thousands of veterans and families with earned benefits,” said Lipphardt. “These accomplishments reflect the strength of our mission and the dedication of every VFW member. We are still serving proudly and making an incredible post-military impact in communities nationwide.”

During the business sessions of the convention, delegates will elect and install the national-level chair officers, including a new VFW national commander, Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, Iowa, the first woman to be elected to the position, as well as recognize prominent individuals and organizations for their support of the veteran and military communities.

The convention is expected to generate $14.2 million in revenue for Columbus.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Photo by Kirk Frady/Medical Readiness Command, Europe