Military Banquet Keynote Speaker - June 21, 2025
Florent "Flo" Groberg
Retired U.S. Army Officer & Medal of Honor Recipient
Heroism During the War in Afghanistan
Early Life and Background
Florent Ahmed Groberg was born on May 8, 1983, in Poissy, France. He immigrated to the United States with his family and became a U.S. citizen in 2001. He grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and attend the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree in criminology and criminal justice.
Military Service
Groberg enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2008 and later became an infantry officer. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and deployed twice to Afghanistan.
On August 8, 2012, while serving as a security detachment commander in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Groberg displayed extraordinary bravery when he identified a suicide bomber approaching his patrol. Without hesitation, he tackled the insurgent, pushing him away from his unit. The bomber detonated his vest, and a second bomber also exploded. Groberg's quick actions prevented greater loss of life, though four servicemen were killed in the attack. He suffered severe leg injuries and underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts and muscle transplants, during his recovery.
Medal of Honor
On November 12, 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Groberg the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions. He became the 10th living recipient of the award for actions in Afgahistan since 9/11.
Post-Military Career
Following his retirement from the Army due to his injuries, Groberg became a public speaker and advocate for veterans. He has worked with the Department of Defense and in the private sector, including as an executive at Boeing. He also wrote a memoir titled "8 Seconds of Courage," detailing his military experiences and the events leading to his Medal of Honor recognition.
Legacy and Recognition
Groberg continues to inspire many through his advocacy for wounded warriors and his commitment to service. His story exemplifies the highest values of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Welcome to the VFW Department of Colorado Website
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.
VFW National Representative - State Convention
Brian Duffy
Past Commander-in-Chief
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Brian Duffy was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on July 27, 2016, at the VFW's 117th National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In July 2017, he was appointed Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a position he held until his retirement in 2018.
Brian served in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic on F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft, and later as a flight engineer aboard C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft.
During his service, he deployed in support of several campaigns to include Grenada, Panama, and Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Southwest Asia. His military decorations include the Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Upon his return from Grenada in 1983, he joined VFW Post 6590 in Cookstown, New Jersey. He later transferred his membership to VFW Post 120 in Garden City Park, New York, then to VFW Post 1170 in Middletown, Kentucky, in 1989.
Following his Air Force service, he was employed by several airlines as a flight engineer instructor. He moved to "The Bluegrass State" of Kentucky in 1988 after joining the United Parcel Service (UPS) Airlines as a flight engineer instructor. Rising through the ranks, he would retire in 2014 as assistant chief pilot with UPS, having flown worldwide as an instructor/check captain on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
Brian was elected as Commander of the VFW Department of Kentucky in 2006. He achieved All-American status at Post, District, and Department levels. His Honor Flight activities were recognized by the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Derby Festival as the 2009 "Thundernator," and was a recipient of the 2011 (Louisville) WLKY "Bell Award" for community volunteerism. In 2012, Brian was the recipient of President Obama's Volunteer Service Award after being nominated by UPS to recognize his numerous volunteer activities.
His is a Gold Legacy Life member of the VFW and is a member of the National Home for Children, Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion and AMVETS.
Brian holds his Associate and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics (Cum Laude) from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
He and his wife Jean, who served three terms as Auxiliary President to VFW Post 1170, reside in Fort Myers, Florida, and have two adult children, Tara and Andrew.
Auxiliary National Representative - State Convention
Sandra Uzell
National Conductor
VFW National Auxiliary
Sandra Uzell, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, was elected to the office of National Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary at its 111th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. She is now in the second of five offices leading to the National Presidency, which she is expected to hold in 2028-2029.
She is a Life Member of Al Santo Lyndhurst Auxiliary 7536 in Lyndhurst, Ohio, which is named after her father. She joined on the eligibility of her husband, Clayton, a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1965. She has served the organization in many capacities including, Auxiliary, County, District and Department President, National District Council Member Area D, National Color Bearer, Past National President Page and National District Council Member Page.
Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in nursing and was a registered nurse. In addition, she holds a hot air balloon pilot license, is a professionally trained clown, balloon decorator and floral designer. She is a life member of the VFW National Home and Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary (MOCA) #92.
Her family includes three daughters, three sons, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys Broadway musicals, Candy Crush, Sudoku and spending with her family.
Claim Shark Bill - HB25-1047
We are still fighting the Claim Sharks! Please see the documents provided.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Loyalty Day Parade - May 3rd, 2025
On behalf of the Clarence G. Dzuris, VFW Post 5221 and its Auxiliary, please join us for our 25th Loyalty Day Parade on Saturday, May 3, 2025 and free Sloppy Joe lunch 30 minutes after the end of the parade at our Post.
Details:
We are in the Office and Here to Assist You!
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 – 720-840-1422
Address: VFW Post 3917, 4715 Clearview Drive, Security CO 80931
Office Hours Effective March 1, 2025:
Suicide Prevention Resource
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