Fidelity | Fraternity | Philanthropy
These words will guide me through my year as the State Commander. Fidelity comes from the Marine Corps Motto, Semper Fidelis, and reminds me of the “unselfish comradeship and loyalty to our organization” set forth in our ritual. Fraternity represents our purpose “to assist worthy comrades, perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their surviving spouses and orphans” as affirmed in our Charter. Philanthropy is the means by which we can accomplish our goals through the generous donation of our time and by utilizing the donations and grants from our supporters.
Biography
- USMCR 1985-1997
- Eligibility: Operation Desert Storm
- Police Officer/Paramedic 1992-2006
- Realtor/Managing Broker 2006-Present
- VFW Gold Legacy Life Member, VFW Post 1
Little-known facts
As a Chicago Police Officer, I spent three years investigating dog fighting and animal abuse. On a lighter note, in 1988, I was on the gameshow Scrabble with host Chuck Woolery.
Accolades
All-American Post Commander x3 | All-State Post Commander x2 | All-State Post Quartermaster x2 | Department Recruiter Award x2 | Meritorious Graduate MCRD, San Diego | Navy Achievement Medal | Illinois State Police Academy Valedictorian | Chicago Police Academy Outstanding Recruit | Chicago Police Department Commendation Medal
Vision
I believe by utilizing our programs, getting out in the community, and doing good deeds, we will grow organically as veterans and their family members will ask us how they can participate.
Not only am I confident the VFW in Colorado will “meet the challenge” of 102% in membership for the next three year but with the proper mindset, the proper skillset, and a plan of action we will in fact beat the challenge.
John Keene | Department Commander/Executive Director | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 303-547-7578
 John Keene VFW Bio | [ ] | 132 kB |
Bruce R. Dolan was elected as the Quartermaster of the Department of Colorado, Veterans of Foreign Wars on June 12, 2022.
Bruce served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1973 as a crew chief on F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft in Vietnam. His decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Marksmanship Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He joined the VFW in 1998 at Post 7945 in Thornton, Colo., where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as commander of the VFW Department of Colorado in 2012.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and his Associates Degree in Business Administration. Bruce is a member of the American Legion, and the Boys Town National Alumni Association, where he serves on the Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund.
He and his wife, Arline, reside in Aurora, Colorado.
| QM Bruce Dolan | [ ] | 128 kB |
As the Legislative Director for the Department of Colorado Steve’s responsibility is to provide direction with planning, coordination, and implementation of the VFW Colorado state and national legislative agenda with members of the Colorado U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, their staff, and congressional committees.
Steve works with other state and federal departments, agencies and organizations. Likewise, he creates and grows grassroot efforts to reach members of the community, supporting and like organizations, with the goal of improving the quality of daily living and lives of our military, Veterans, and their family members.
Steve first joined the VFW 22 years ago, just a few months prior to 9/11 while in Korea where he was the 7th Air Force Fire Chief. The fire protection subject matter expert for war planning combat action recovery, resource allocation throughout the Korean peninsula, and he oversaw the needs for fire protection during the reception and bed down of additional forces during national contingency operations.
A very experienced and accomplished Firefighter, he spent many years on the Rescue Crew at U.S. Air Force bases and deployed locations around the world. He finished his Air Force career as the Fire Chief for Site Management within the NORAD / Northcom command structure in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Steve earned many awards and decorations such as the Meritorious Service medal, the National Defense Service medal with one Bronze Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management, plus a degree in Fire Science.
As it turns out, with many years as a large organizational leader he has developed the natural skills and expertise to develop and build organizations. Almost always preaching the mantra to enable ownership in processes within organizations, this serves the organization’s synergy which builds organizational flow producing greater talent, positive results, and achieving its goals.
Steve’s legislative education and acumen developed over the years, first within fire protection community in selling fire prevention. Secondly, attending and participating in political office holder workshops of the two major political parties. He enjoys working with people of various values, political persuasions. He cultivates the art of influence and motivation to invest in a better pathway for military, Veterans, and their family members.
Prior to his appointment as Legislative Director, he served as the VFW Colorado State Commander where he guided the 16,600+ members and staff of the state organization toward several membership awards, created the management plan that provided the path for all thirteen districts of Colorado to participate in scholarship programs for youth, recognizing incredible educators, and public safety employees.
Steve is an U.S. Air Force retiree and disabled veteran who lives across from the north gate of the Air Force Academy with his wife Janna and they have two daughters. Christina and Ayana; Christina (BS in Speech and Hearing sciences, ASU) teaches special needs third and fourth grade children in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ayana (BA in Music Theater, Boston Conservatory of Music) intends to work on stage in Broadway upon reopening.
Steve is a Gold Legacy life member of the VFW, an All-American State Commander, a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, a life member of the VFW National Home for Children, and past Chairman for the VFW Western Conference.
| Steve Kjonaas VFW Bio.pdf | [ ] | 90 kB |