Department of Colorado VFW 104th State Convention
Department of Colorado VFW Auxiliary 100th State Convention
June 5th thru 8th, 2024, Cripple Creek CO
Welcome to the 104th VFW State Convention & 100th State Convention VFW Auxiliary!!! How exciting is it to be a valued member of the Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S!!! Over 100 years of Tradition, Supporting Veterans and our Communities....
We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding State Convention.
Convention Forms and Agendas will be updated frequently, please check back here for up-to-date information.
TIMES AND LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Convention Hotel: Best Chamonix Casino Hotel, 201 East Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Starting Rate: $159 per night + Tax + $34 resort fee per day
Call: 719-689-2142 (Ask for the VFW24 rate)
OR Book Online (Change the Dates to the Convention to see the Rates) Click Here
Deposit Policy: One night will be charged upon booking and applied to the final bill at checkout.
Convention Registration Form -VFW Registration Click here-
-VFW Auxiliary Registration Click here-
Convention Ad Form - For the VFW or Non-Profit Ad Form Click Here
For the Corporate Ad Form Click Here
Corporate Sponsorship Form Corporate Sponsorship Form-
VFW Convention Agenda -VFW Convention Agenda-
Auxiliary Convention Agenda -VFW Auxiliary Convention Agenda-
Past Commanders Club -
Who: any member of the Department that has held the position of Commander at any level for at least six months.
What: a fundraiser to provide a Voice of Democracy and Patriots’ Pen scholarship for the Department VOD Banquet.
When: Thursday night, June 6, at 1800 hours.
Where: Cripple Creek Heritage Center, 9283 CO-67, Cripple Creek, CO, 80813
Why: to raise money, for the comradery, and to sample a variety of drinks provided by Fighting 69th Whiskey. To also gather information on how partnering with the Fighting 69th can help raise money for your Post.
How: new members may join the club for $30, dinner and drink tickets are $25. All money to be collected at the door. Please rsvp to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can get a headcount and have enough food.
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 registration 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.
Comrades,
As my term as State Commander nears the end, I’m struck by all that we have accomplished over the last 11 months. We came out of the gates strong with the National Convention passing two resolutions brought forward by Colorado. Both resolutions were then presented to Congressman Neguse, and with the full support of the 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members, we asked that his office act on our priorities. The results were that the Department of Education removed the question on the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) requiring disabled veterans to disclose their disability compensation, and the introduction of HR 6197, a bill “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide grants to certain surviving spouses of veterans to pay for housing.”
Last August, we kicked off our first COA in Burlington, where the Council approved an aggressive new budget. As one of my priorities this year was to support and grow the Service Office, I thank the Council for restructuring their pay scale, giving all the accredited staff a raise, and increasing the budget to hire a new Assistant Service Officer. Now, after much hard work, we have a satellite service office at Post #3917 in Security. This budget also authorized two new positions at Department Headquarters to prepare for a smooth transition when Bruce and Ann’s tenures come to an end. With nearly 50 years of institutional knowledge poised to leave that office it was important to bring their replacements on board as soon as possible. Thankfully, Rachel and Jesse are quick learners, and it appears we will be in good hands moving forward.
As summer turned to fall, our members turned their focus to some of our most important VFW programs: the Voice of Democracy, Patriots’ Pen, and Teacher of the Year. It was exciting to see all 13 Districts participate and the results were impressive. While six kids received monetary awards from the Department, it was at the numerous Post and District level banquets where all the students, their parents, and the teachers got to witness first-hand what their local VFW Posts are doing in their communities. I was lucky enough to attend several banquets and often found that the kids who participate typically have some connection to the military. Frequently, I learned they or their parents are eligible for the Auxiliary. In fact, while in Las Animas in April, the Auxiliary handed out six applications to one family, showing the power of community engagement in our efforts to grow our organization.
Speaking of growing the organization, last October I had the honor of instituting two new Posts: the Platte River Post #12226 in the Sterling Correctional Facility, and the SGM James Gregory “Ryan” Sartor Post #12227 in Falcon. Like a lot of things, these efforts started long before I became the Commander. I just had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time to welcome these new comrades. It was a privilege, as were the many other ceremonial duties I participate in, like dedicating a veterans’ park at Morgan Community College in Ft. Morgan, presenting awards to the Civil Air Patrol cadets in Centennial, and speaking at the commissioning ceremony for new Lieutenants graduating from MSU and CU Denver.
The end of this Auxiliary year is rapidly approaching, and I took some time to review all that we have accomplished. In my view, this has been an extremely positive year with some of the best cooperation, teamwork, and worthwhile participation that I have seen from our members on a statewide basis. Our membership was over 99% by the middle of March and continues to grow every day – so many worked so hard to make this happen. Statewide training and mentorship have improved and increased in
ways that I could never have imagined. The number of training sessions at every level and the quality of the presentations was really gratifying to see. The sharing of both information and experience this year has really been a big benefit for us all. We have all worked the programs this year for the benefit of our veterans, families, and communities, some members taking on 2 or 3 programs to ensure that no one goes under served. Our Auxiliary has a dedicated and hard-working core that always delivers above and beyond.
Two more new Auxiliaries were instituted this year, and there are two more that are in the process of working for institution as well. Well known celebrities have made appearances at each of our COAs this year–that would not have happened if we did not have such a dynamic group! Hospital visits are again on the increase and several more visits are scheduled by the end of this year. Your wholehearted support and action on behalf of my Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programs throughout the
state has been very humbling for me and has made a difference in Colorado. We must continue to identify those in our Veteran and local communities that are at risk and make sure that they get the help that they need.
It has been my incredible honor to serve as your Department President this year and I owe so much to my Line Officers, Staff, Program Chairs and Hospital Volunteers. Beyond these outstanding individuals, I offer a sincere “Thank You” to each of you throughout the state for your tireless work, your creative ideas and efforts, your mentorship, and your contributions of time and finances toward the Veterans, families, and communities where we live. It has made a difference.
I look forward with anticipation to our 100th Department of Colorado Auxiliary Convention in June 2024 and hope for blockbuster attendance and participation – hope to see all of you there!
With appreciation,
Phil Reinpold
Department VFW Auxiliary President
VFW Post #2411 honored local veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day with a breakfast followed by a recognition ceremony. The event commenced with Pam Valdez introducing post commander Jess Garcia and auxiliary president Deb Abdulla. She extended a thank you to those who placed two hundred flags in the community early that morning and those who prepared breakfast and assisted with the set up.
The Pledged of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was offered by auxiliary Chaplain Pat Gonzales. A breakfast of bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, fruit, cinnamon rolls, and more was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
Pam Valdez recognized and honored our Vietnam veterans and the spouses of deceased Vietnam veterans. She expounded on the service of these veterans, gave a history of the annual celebrations to be held every year on March 29th, and welcomed these heroes back home. Sandy Milenski explained the meaning of the elements of the Missing Man Table and offered a tribute to two missing in action local veterans. Award were presented to veterans who had not yet received their pins.
Lynette Wolf and Janice Ramey performed "America the Beautiful". The ceremony concluded with all joining in to sing "God Bless America."
We do understand the importance of your claim, benefits, or questions you have. We ask for your patience and understanding regarding wait times, returning of phone calls, and scheduling.
VFW Department of Colorado Service Office – Lakewood
Phone number – 303-914-5595
Address: 155 Van Gordon Ste 205, Lakewood CO 80228
Office hours are Monday – Thursday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Matt Cummings, Department Service Officer
Ralph “Obie” Oberhelman, Assistant Department Service Officer
Ginny Rosa, Office Manager/Claims Consultant
Phone number – 970-245-4156
Address: 561 25 Road, Ste 101, Grand Junction CO 81505
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone number – 720-840-1422
Address: VFW Post 3917, 4715 Clearview Drive, Security CO 80931
Office Hours: Sunday – Thursday
Sunday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Monday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S has a rich tradition of serving veterans, military families and their local communities and is proud to be the home of one of the VFW founding organizations. Is was in 1899 that the roots of the VFW began when the National Society of the Army of the Philippines from Denver, Colorado and the American Veterans of Foreign Service from Columbus, Ohio formed to serve the veterans of the Spanish American War (1898) and the Philippines war (1899 - 1902). In 1914 these two organizations merged forming the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. In 1936 Congress chartered the VFW and it continues its rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects.
When America called our veterans gave and through the VFW they continue to give today. Our members common bond and shared respect drive us to support those who've born the burden of battle - from WW II through service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other modern theaters. From Memorial Day and Veterans Day services around the state, to overseas troop support such as Operation Uplink, we make a difference. Our benefits assistance, advocacy for veterans and our troops, military transition guidance, veterans employment opportunities, camaraderie and community service proves that NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.
Comrades, Brothers and Sisters,
At last, the long-promised Suicide / Depression Awareness and Prevention Resource is available for your use -- please see attached pdfs. This is the result of collaboration between the Colorado VFW and Auxiliary, and the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention. This resource may also be used by the DAV, the American Legion and the Wounded Warriors within the State of Colorado to assist their members that might be experiencing difficulties.
The mobile version of the pdfs can be downloaded to your phone (see instructions below) or the Z fold version can be printed for distribution to your members. The advantage to downloading it, is that you can expand or enlarge it to make it easier to read. When it is downloaded to your phone, it is immediately available at any time that you wish to review it or might immediately need it. We are still working to get this printed on card stock, but no date is available on that at this time. The important emergency numbers to remember are 988 and 911 -- do not hesitate to use them if you need to aid someone that is in trouble.
How to download to your phone:
- For iPhone users click on the Suicide Prevention Info - Mobile pdf to open it, then tab the "Share" button and swipe to "Books" to add the file to your library.
- For Android users click on the Suicide Prevention Info - Mobile pdf to open it, then select Print. Select the dropdown menu and tap Save as PDF. Pick your preferred location for your PDF and press Save.
Please do not hesitate to email or call if you need any additional information. I am still available to make presentations on this subject at your Post if you wish. Thank you for your patience while we all waited for the completion of this project.
Phil Reinpold
Department VFW Auxiliary President
Announcing digital delivery of the Colorado Veteran!
You can now subscribe to the digital version of the Colorado Veteran, the periodical from the Department of Colorado VFW. Just click or scan the QR code below and fill out the form. We promise that we will not sell or use your information for any other purpose. See the attachment below for instructions.