Comrades,
It is award season and while there are celebrities out there looking for their EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) we all know hardworking dedicated members of our Posts, Auxiliaries, and communities who keep their heads down and don’t seek recognition. Now is the time to thank them!
Recently I announced two new National Awards for which I need recommendations: VFW JROTC Cadet of the Year, and VFW Employer of the Year. The Commander in Chief is also looking for a National VFW Member of the Year. Department Headquarters needs all nominees for these new awards my March 31, 2024. The criteria and submission forms can all be found on the Department Website, www.vfwco.org.
But don’t forget about our legacy awards, such as Salute to Service (due March 15), Scout of the Year (due April 1), and the Safety Awards (due date extended to April 1). Likewise, submit all your Community Reports prior to the March 31 cut-off date. Meeting these due dates allows Department to prepare everything for presentation at the State Convention in June.
I recently read in one of the Chairperson’s Guides that “VFW awards don’t cost, they pay - BIG dividends.” Likewise, recognition should extend beyond National and Department awards and include more than just Post and Auxiliary members. That is why I encourage all Posts to consider becoming Certifying Organizations for the Presidential Service Awards and “recognizes exceptional volunteers whose work makes real and sustainable differences in (our) communities.” These awards are reasonably priced and can pay off by raising awareness to the outside volunteers’ project, enhancing the profile of the VFW in that community, and bringing in new members to our Posts and Auxiliaries.
Lastly, I want to congratulate our celebrities: the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen winners. Good luck to those who advanced to the National judging phase, and a heartfelt thank you to Post 9644, Chairman Todd Van Sant, and Chef Rachel Rodgers for all their hard work to put on an outstanding banquet.
Here is to a strong finish to the VFW year and setting the stage for an even better year for Senior Vice Commander Carol Thomas.
Semper Fi,
John Keene
Department Commander
Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
1400 Carr Street - Lakewood, CO
General Orders No. 3, February 1, 2024, Series 2023-2024
getting longer each day to allow us to once again reflect why we belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
we to promote patriotism, honor military service, serve our communities, and finally, ensure the care of veterans and their families?
Department Sr. Vice Commander
I this finds everyone well. I also hope all who can have gotten your flu shot.
I would like to wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year. As with every new year there will be changes, that will require our attention. One such change is at the National Home in Eaton Rapids Michigan. They are remodeling one of the Administration buildings to contain a small convenience store. This is so the residents wont have to drive the 10 miles, round-trip, to pick up items they may have overlooked. I will be soliciting donations from your post and membership, because as we all know remodeling costs money.
Department Jr. Vice Commander
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHAPLAINCY
During times of turmoil and war, mankind always looks to religion and religious figures for comfort. Both ancient and modern societies have turned to religion and communities have extended the comfort of religion to those serving in the heat of battle. Priests and other religions figures petition gods and spirits for victory in war. The Scriptures often refers to priests accompanying troops into battle. (see: Deut. 20:2-4; Joshua 6:2-5).
The modern chaplaincy’s roots and origin are essentially in the medieval church. The word chaplain dates from this period. A fourth century story tells of the pagan Roman soldier called Martin of Tours. One day as he and his soldiers were approaching the gates of the city of Amiens, he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing the half-cloak he had given away. He heard Christ say to the angels: “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” When Martin woke, he found his cloak restored to wholeness.
We had several hundred students sign up for Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen this year, and the judging was just as hard as any other year. As we look forward to next year, keep in mind that technology is here to stay in the VFW! Just like you, I hope it gets easier to use! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the kids this year!
The next Council of Administration is in Denver this year at VFW Post 1. I’m excited to see what they have planned. If you haven’t visited Post 1, they have a beautiful building in the heart of Denver. We have a good convention coming up in Cripple Creek this year. I’m looking forward to attending and seeing the sights in Cripple Creek, the brand-new hotel, and hopefully all of you! This convention is special as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the VFW Auxiliary in Colorado. There will be a ton to do and see at this convention, so please make plans to attend!
Department Surgeon
Please note that the Department HQ will not print and mail paper convention credentials for Delegates, Post Commanders, District Commanders, and State Officers. Instead, all Post, District, and State Officers will be identified with official VFW and Department rosters and Post Adjutant's or Quartermasters are asked to report the Post's elected delegates via the Department website. Credentials will then be "stamped" on the individuals name badge when they register at the convention. The on-line delegate report form will be available starting 1 April through the day before the convention opening date.
Click here to report elected delegates for your Post.
Under Section 222 of the Manual of Procedures, "Delegates and alternates for the District Convention and Meetings, Department and National Conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting in April." Posts are entitled to 1 delegate for every 30 members or fraction thereof based on the number of members in good standing as of March 31st. The Department Headquarters will notify each post in writing what their delegate strength is along with the delegate fee which must be paid no later than 15 days before the convening of the Department Convention.
Please note that members, including delegates, attending the Department Convention are also expected to pay the Convention Registration fee. See VFW Registration 2023-2024.pdf for details.
As of January 31, 2024
District 1 | 2023 | 2024 | % | District 8 | 2023 | 2024 | % | ||
1 | Denver | 925 | 856 | 93 | 859 | Leadville | 27 | 24 | 89 |
501 | Denver | 255 | 228 | 89 | 1166 | Buena Vista | 111 | 103 | 93 |
5061 | Denver | 249 | 216 | 87 | 3820 | Salida | 68 | 64 | 94 |
Total | 1,429 | 1,300 | 91% | 8661 | Bailey | 111 | 103 | 93 | |
10721 | Minturn | 109 | 93 | 85 | |||||
11411 | Lake George | 43 | 43 | 100* | |||||
12009 | Conifer | 109 | 110 | 101* | |||||
Total | 578 | 540 | 93% | ||||||
District 2 | District 9 | ||||||||
2788 | Penrose | 104 | 86 | 83 | 4264 | Steambt Spgs | 87 | 83 | 95 |
3641 | Pueblo | 82 | 74 | 90 | 4265 | Craig | 95 | 90 | 95 |
4061 | Canon City | 243 | 205 | 84 | 5261 | Rangely | 20 | 17 | 85 |
5812 | Pueblo West | 188 | 185 | 98 | 5843 | Meeker | 41 | 38 | 93 |
7305 | Colo City | 46 | 44 | 96 | 9374 | Kremmling | 26 | 26 | 100* |
8898 | Boone | 37 | 40 | 108* | Total | 269 | 254 | 94% | |
12063 | Westcliffe | 56 | 53 | 95 | |||||
Total | 756 | 687 | 91% |
Alan W. Smith
|
Joshua Flenner |
Ardon H. Barnes
|
Kevin M. Reinhold |
Arnold M. Grimm
|
Kevin W. Burgess |
Brittany Bartges
|
Kirk R. Rosa |
Calvin J. Melcher
|
Kristen K. Luevanos |
Crystal A. Johnson
|
Larry L. Johnson |
Daniel Shake*
|
Leonard Shaw* |
Danielle L. Depaolis
|
Linda Reinpold Aux Member |
Darren J. Schultz
|
Lynn E. Peterson |
David Absolon Pratt | Marc K. Malin |
David E. Gelatt | Margaret M. Vanasse |
David F. Bigelow | Matthew A. Lewis* |
Dennis M. Churcovich | Matthew Breckenbridge* |
Donald D. Andrick Jr. | Neil W. Schaal |
Edward H. Williamson | Patrick E. O'toole |
Fred C. Gribble | Paul C. Gremse |
Fred Guana Jr. | Phil Reinpold Aux Member |
As the Membership Chair of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Colorado, it is my privilege to address you today about the utmost importance of recruiting and retaining VFW members. Our organization has served as a pillar of support, camaraderie, and advocacy for veterans and service members for over a century. However, we must continue to adapt and grow to meet the evolving needs of our remarkable community. Let us explore why it is vital to engage and retain VFW members, ensuring that the legacy of our brave servicemen and women thrives for generations to come.
I am happy to announce a Department wide recruiting incentive for March targeting annual renewals and reinstates. Please reach out to any expired member and all members set to expire between March 1 and June 30, and encourage them to renew early.
• Become familiar with the VFW legislative priorities and direct members to https://vfw.org/advocacy/ where they can find a list.
• Pick out something you are passionate about and ask members to join you with their support.
• For example, I support the HR 6197 which was introduced directly from a Resolution Colorado passed at the National Convention to help surviving spouses stay in their homes.
Legacy Life membership enables VFW Life members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization. When you become a Legacy Life member, you are helping us strengthen the VFW – where NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.
Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members. Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today’s veterans but the veterans of tomorrow.
You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life Member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions. Simply fill out the acceptance form and return it to the address provided. For any questions regarding Legacy Life membership, please contact the VFW Member Service Center at 1.833.VFW.VETS. We will gladly provide you with more information on this prestigious and rewarding membership.
VFW National Foundation Regular Grant
No one understands military and veteran support quite like we do. To help VFW Departments, Posts and Auxiliaries, as well as qualifying nonprofits provide the vital support America’s heroes and their families deserve, the VFW National Foundation has established the VFW Foundation Regular Grant.
Grants ranging from $1,000 - $15,000, will be awarded for activities that directly benefit veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Requests displaying innovation in service delivery, unique program design that addresses an under-served need and the likelihood of sustainability after the grant period ends will be given special consideration.
The references and resources below are to help you get started supporting local military units and their families through VFW’s Adopt-a-Unit (AAU) program. Before submitting AAU paperwork to VFW National HQ or sending care packages to a unit: Get permission from the unit’s Commanding officer or Senior NCO and review the information in the Adopt-a-Unit Application. VFW HQs does not have a list of names &/or addresses of units or service members.
Resources
VFW Post/Auxiliary members are the BEST resources to make contact with a local military unit. Ask if anyone has a friend/relative currently serving in the military; or even knows of someone working/serving on a local base.
VFW & Auxiliary Department Chairmen are a critically important resource, they receive training on VFW troop support programs and receive regular communications from VFW HQs. Your own hometown community (Churches, workplace, schools, VSOs etc.) As with your membership, ask around to see if anyone has a friend or relative currently serving in the military or working at a base or reserve center.
The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce that requests for the State of Colorado Military Honors Stipend will be accepted starting January 15, 2022 from eligible organizations that have completed the registration process.
Per C.R.S. 28-5-507, a local unit of a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization or its auxiliary is eligible to receive a $75 stipend for providing an honor guard detail at the funeral of an eligible, honorably discharged veteran. Second, third, and fourth honors services performed on the same day can also receive up to an additional stipend of $25 each for expenses incurred for mileage, transportation costs, and meals, not to exceed $75 in total. If the local unit provides a student to play “Taps,” the local unit may pay some or all the stipend to the student. Stipends will be paid based upon availability of funds.
To be eligible to receive the reimbursement:
VFW Headquarters has increased the cost of buddy poppies and is requiring a VFW Membership Number to process the order. Effectively immediately please use the new order form that was revised 8/31/2023 and is attached below for the traditional cloth poppy. Traditional Red Buddy Poppies can still be ordered.
Effective 10/1/2023 Tin Buddy Poppy orders will be available. Please see the new order form for the metal buddy poppies. 2023-2024 Tin Poppy Order Form
There is a difference in price between the traditional cloth poppy and the tin poppy. Please verify which type of poppy you would like to order.
The Katy Rimpley Service Animal Assistance Fund is intended to provide assistance to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Department of Colorado, or it's Auxiliary for out-of-pocket expenses for pet insurance, pet food, and certain veterinary expenses for service animals as defined by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please see the policy for details. Please use the grant form for submissions.
The Half-Price Membership Program is now completed for the year. Thank you to all that participated!