#StillServing Colorado

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.

David Stone

National Council of Administration Representative

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

 

David Stone was elected to a four-year term on the VFW's National Council of Administration on August 1, 2024, at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, representing the Department of Colorado.

David served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1999, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Berlin and Korea. His decorations include the Army of Occupation Medal.

He joined the VFW in 1995 at Post 3917 in Security, Colorado, 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 the Department of Colorado Commander from 2019 to 2020, in which he achieved All-American status. On the national level, he has serviced as National Aide-de-Camp and has served on the General Resolutions Committee. This is his second term serving on the Council of Administration, previously serving from 2020 to 2024.

David received his Bachelor of Science in information systems management. He is currently employed with Keysight Technologies as a cybersecurity engineer.

David and his wife, Laura, reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Armithea "Sissy" Borel
National VFW Auxiliary Past National President

National Auxiliary Representative

Past National President Armithea "Sissy" Borel of Starks, Louisiana, served the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary as National President from 2013-2014, where she led 500,000 members under her theme "Keeping America's Veterans & Families Strong."

A Life Member of Starks Memorial Auxiliary 4759, she joined on the eligibility of her brother, a Purple Heart recipient who served in the U.S. Army, and she has three sons who give her eligibility as well.

She served the organization at the Auxiliary, District, Department and National level. In 2004-2005 she was elected Department President, earning Outstanding President of the Year in her membership group. She has also been National Assistant Conductress and National Chairman for the Southern Conference on the Membership and "Buddy" Poppy Programs and has served as VFW National Home Trustee for District 6 representing the Departments of Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

She has also served as the Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary (MOCA) 2006-2007 Grand President of Louisiana, and is a member of the Starks Lions Club, where she has served as President and LEO Chairman for the state.

Sissy's family includes five children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Comrades, Sisters and Brothers, 
 
This time of year, is always exciting with the recent holidays, family get-togethers, parties to include the Super Bowl.  Daylight hours are now getting longer each day to allow us to reflect why we belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars
 
This VFW administrative year is now half over and already our Department is at 92.97% membership.  The goal of course is 102%.  This is excellent work by so many working not only for the Department goal but for their individual Post and District goals.  As of this writing, we have 2 Districts over 102%, 1 District over 100%, 7 Districts over 90%, and 1 District over 80% membership.  District 12 is the present leader sitting at 104.08%, with District 6 just behind them with 103.06%, and District 5 is gaining with 101.12%.   The Posts in the state are strong with 4 in the 70% range.  We have 12 in the 80% range.  We have 51 between the 90% and 100% range.  We have 17 Posts above 102% range.  
 
Congratulations to the following Posts whose membership is above 102%:
  • Post 12227 (Falcon) 300%
  • Post 12230 (Castle Rock) 184.61%
  • Post 807 (Boulder) 114.81%
  • Post 4051 (Colo Springs) 111.15%
  • Post 9058 (Nucla) 109.09%
  • Post 8121 ( Del Norte/South Fork) 108.82%
  • Post 9700 (Cheyenne Wells) 104.54%
  • Post 12063 (Westcliffe) 105.45%
  • Post 3551 (Brush) 105.4%
  • Post 2411 (Las Animas) 105.35%
  • Post 12189 (Berthoud) 105.26%
  • Post 4031 (Durango) 104.56%
  • Post 5231 (Cortez) 104.32%
  • Post 336 (Ordway) 103.17%
  • Post 3641 (Pueblo) 102.7%
  • Post 6051 (Woodland Park) 102.43%
  • Post 4671 (Wray) 102.22%
Congratulations to the Colorado Recruiters 2024-2025:
44 Members:
Mike J Sinchak, Post 4051
 
16 Members:
Jesse L Eastburn, Post 1
 
9 Members:
Richard A Cote, Post 4051
 
8 Members:
David A Anthony, Post 4051
 
7 Members:
Stephen J Urbany, Post 6461
 
6 Members:
Chad A Ryan, Post 101
Aarron M Himes, Post 6461
Travis J Baker, Post 6461
 
5 Members:
Steven A Drapeau, Post 2121
Peter M Dowding, Post 3631
Leonard P Ladue, Post 3981
Jeffrey N Punches, Post 4031
 
4 Members:
Brian K Asbeck, Post 1
James A Peterson Jr, Post 4266
Todd W Van Sant, Post 9644
James Sheridan, Post 2788
Michael R Mcclure, Post 1771
Leon F Bartholomay, Post 2601
John R Olander, Post 101
David L Stone, Post 3917
Glen D Blackmann, Post 4051
3 Members:
Duane A Johnson, Post 5061
Lynn E Peterson, Post 9644
Lorrie D Mclaughlin, Post 41
Mathew E Cummings, Post 6624
David M Latham, Post 4031
Curtis E Moss, Post 5231
 
2 Members:
John Keene, Post 1
Michael S Gardunio, Post 322
Brian C Clark, Post 5061
Ronald W Davies, Post 9644
Brian A Guenther, Post 12230
Kevin T Ryan, Post 12230
Geraldine Rimpley, Post 2788
Brian Billel White Alston, Post 3641
Fred Guana Jr, Post 3641
Anthony Johnson, Post 5812
Benjamin W Livsey, Post 12063
Roman G Sepulveda, Post 1781
David E Gelatt, Post 6624
Terry D Mullins, Post 101
Matthew A Lewis, Post 3917
Robert M Kidd, Post 3917
Eric R Veed, Post 4051
Robert C Lowe, Post 336
Michael J Breaux Jr, Post 7945
Alan W Hughes, Post 5231
John D Reed, Post 9058
David J Adams, Post 15006
 
1 Members:
David Absolon Pratt, Post 1
Joshua T Bridger, Post 1
Robert H Stewart, Post 1
Rolando E Rodriguez, Post 1
Lorn D Casey, Post 3471
Harold R Abney, Post 4666
Robert B Brekke, Post 4666
James J Kruse, Post 5061
Vincent S Miller, Post 5061
Christopher A Boyer, Post 12230
David M Mooney, Post 12230
John Alborghetti, Post 12230
Tammy J Garrett, Post 12230
Timothy D La Monda, Post 12230
Jeffrey M Dietiker, Post 3641
Edward H Williamson, Post 4061
Jeffrey E Gill, Post 4061
Milo D Cress, Post 4061
Thomas R Coffield, Post 8898
Mark A Lyons, Post 41
Randal B Isaac, Post 41
Dennis P Craig, Post 1781
Nathan J May, Post 1781
Pete L Camarillo, Post 2121
Damien S Berg, Post 2585
William D Robards, Post 2585
Jenny M Santucci, Post 2601
Nicholas J Miner, Post 2601
Mark A Martens, Post 6624
Kraig M Patriquin, Post 12189
Neil W Schaal, Post 12189
John D Benedict, Post 3541
Rodney G Wiebers, Post 3541
Ronald L Brown, Post 4671
Kevin Thomas, Post 101
Michael A Vagle, Post 101
Mindy K King, Post 101
Robert Mcclintock, Post 101
Barbara A Green, Post 4051
Guy R Green, Post 4051
James Mavity, Post 4051
Larry L Johnson, Post 4051
Michael H White, Post 4051
William E Beahan, Post 4051
Sean McNaley, Post 6461
Tony Hardy, Post 6461
Joseph Berthelotte, Post 7829
Thomas P Dowd III, Post 7829
Christopher M Martinez, Post 899
Richard E Nagley, Post 899
Mike R Vining, Post 8121
Jaron M Bintz, Post 1166
Jeffrey M Bintz, Post 1166
Kevin W Burgess, Post 1166
Jerald L Cunningham, Post 3820
Carol J Thomas, Post 12009
Ronald K Johnson, Post 12009
Frank A Stewart, Post 5843
Wayne R Neumann, Post 9565
Frederick W Schaefer, Post 784
Gary T Tollefson, Post 9221
Thomas S Valdez, Post 9304
Alfred M Riedinger III, Post 4031
Christopher D Gober, Post 4031
Michael P Omahoney. Post 4031
Tommy Endres, Post 5231
Robert J Martinez, Post 15006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you want to leave a legacy for your VFW Post, go to your Quartermaster and ask him/her if you can make phone calls to help get your unpaid member up-to-date with their dues.  Don’t lose your post membership base.  Be a worthy comrade and call a buddy to the next meeting.  Your Post may have members serving in the military, you can pay their dues with your relief fund.  You may have elderly or physically impaired members who cannot get in to your meeting they too could have their membership paid from your relief fund.  Stay in touch with them in person, by phone and/or through email.
 
Look forward on seeing everyone at the next COA at Post 9644.  We will have the State Liquor Board providing training Saturday morning.   It is highly encouraged if you have a bar in your Post or doing events that require having a permit to have someone present. 
 
Carol Thomas
Department Commander

 

Happy 2025 Everyone!  I hope that everyone was able to spend some time being with family, friends, and just being able to rest.  I know that many use the holidays and each new year to reflect on all that they are grateful for and were able to accomplish throughout the last year, while others may grieve during this time because they are missing a loved one.  I mention all of this because I have had many conversations with members, over the last several months, where there have been many negative interactions with other members that have been reported and feelings of animosity towards others.  This year has not been without some difficult challenges, and I want to take a moment to remind everyone to be kind to each other and to give others grace, as we are all here to uplift and honor the veteran that we are eligible under, whether that be in their memory or in their living honor, by serving and fighting to take care of our veterans.  We may not know the personal struggles that our auxiliary sisters and brothers, or even our VFW counterparts, are going through, but we can always make sure that we are someone that they can come to in their times of need, through the work that we do in our auxiliaries and having compassion for each other.
 
With all of that being said there is some absolutely amazing work that is being done throughout our beautiful state by each of our Auxiliaries, and I am so proud of the all of the dedication and love that is put into each event, and I am absolutely positive that those who benefit from all that each auxiliary does are grateful as well.  Auxiliaries are holding fundraisers to support our various programs, visiting our hospitals and sitting with our veterans, working with our youth through our scholarship and outreach programs, and bringing new members into our folds – even through all of the obstacles and challenges – and it absolutely fantastic to see the resilience and strength of our membership. 
 
Membership for Colorado is at just below 95% right now, and I know that that number will grow, as our auxiliaries are amazing in getting the work that needs to done, completed.  There are many opportunities to show prospective new members all the amazing work that the auxiliary does, and if your auxiliary needs help with any ideas for membership, please reach out to the Dept. Membership Chairman. 
 
The work that everyone does is what our mission is all about and is what we need to continue striving to accomplish.  I know that we still have a few months left in our reporting year, and there are many auxiliaries that still have a lot of events and projects that they are working hard on, and I can’t wait to hear about all of them.  Remember to report all of your activities, even after our current reporting year ends, as those activities still count for the next reporting year.
 
In regards to reporting, there are still several official visits that need to be completed, in several districts.  If they have been completed, please forward those reports to the Department Chief of Staff.  This is the same for audit reports, there are still several outstanding auxiliary audits that need to be sent into the Department Treasurer as soon as possible.  The administrative paperwork, that each auxiliary must complete, is to keep the auxiliary in good standing and in compliance with our Bylaws.  Please reach out to us if you have any questions or believe that some extra mentoring in these areas would be beneficial to your District or Auxiliary.  We are all here to help each other and share our knowledge with our members.
 
Our next Council of Administration meeting will be held March 14th-16th, in Sheridan, CO, and I hope to be able to see many of you there.  At this meeting, I will be bringing in the National Home House that was given to each Department President to decorate, and would love to see this house filled during our COA and be able to send those funds to them during their 100th year celebration.  This will also be at our State Convention, which will be June 19th-22nd in Colorado Springs, it would be great to have it filled during each of these meetings. 
 
Thank you for all that you are doing and continue to do for our veterans; past, present, and future.  Unexpected obstacles and challenges will face us each year, but we will get through all of them together.  Each of you are doing some fabulous work, and yes, the small things count as well, because if it wasn’t for the small moments there wouldn’t be such great happiness, warmth, or love.  The smallest of kind gestures can bring the greatest joy to an individual, so I encourage each of you to continue working for our greater cause through small acts of kindness, and watch as those small acts become something even greater. 
 
Warmest Wishes,
Nadia Flores
Department VFW Auxiliary President

VFW Department of Colorado will be honoring the Salute to Service Award Nominees for VFW Post & VFW Auxiliary Members for their tireless efforts and enthusiastic energy in promoting the Ideals and Goals of this great Organization.

What better way to recognize an Outstanding Volunteer for their support and dedication to the VFW and Auxiliary then to nominate them for the VFW Department of Colorado Salute to Service Award. 

Each VFW Post and each VFW Auxiliary in Colorado should nominate 1 member whom you feel is deserving of this award.

Only 1 Entry for VFW and 1 Entry for VFW Auxiliary can be submitted.

Nomination Deadline is March 15, 2025 to VFW Department of Colorado HQ.

While there won't be a Department Banquet this year, the recognition for those nominated can be done at each district meeting starting in April 2025. All plaques will be sent to the respective districts.

VFW Salute to Service Form:

Auxiliary Salute to Service Form:

2024-2025 Voice of Democracy
"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
 
It’s hard to picture what our Founding Fathers thought the future would look like. Back in the late 1700s, when a journey across the Atlantic took over a month and the cotton gin formed the cutting edge of technology, it must have been difficult to even fathom a world with the abilities and luxuries that we enjoy every day. Chances are good that most people during the early days of the U.S. had no idea that the flag flying over the 13 States of America would one day symbolize a global superpower. Chances are even better that if someone could go back in time and ask our forefathers what their notion of the twenty-first century U.S. would look like, not one would be able to accurately guess what the U.S. has become. And at first glance, it’s pretty easy to see why.
 
In 1789, the Founding Fathers were so hesitant to put in place a strong central government for fear of replicating the British government they had so recently gained independence from that they gave the federal government permission to do little more than levy taxes, declare war, regulate commerce, and maintain a federal army. In 1789, four out of five Americans lived in a rural area, and our leaders were hesitant to enter into relations with any foreign entity that could potentially take advantage of their newborn country. The early U.S. was highly decentralized, staunchly isolationist, and very rural.
 
In contrast, today’s government has expanded its influence to include everything from agriculture and food production to business itself, which seems to stray greatly from our forefathers’ initial concept of a weak central government. Additionally, in the 20th century, the U.S. joined the world scene, entering into wars thousands of miles away from our homeland, an action that many of our Founding Fathers may have condemned. Finally, Thomas Jefferson is often quoted for stating: “Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people”. Yet today, almost 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban centers. On the surface, it seems that the U.S. has deviated greatly from our initial values. But have we really lost the vision of the U.S. as our Founding Fathers saw it?
 
The U.S. looks, acts, and operates very differently than it did two and a half centuries ago. Our federal government has grown immensely, we have taken a much more active role in global politics, and our demographics are worlds apart from the rural society of early America. By all definitions, the U.S. is a completely different country than we were in the 1700s in all but name. But what if our forefathers’ hopes were less of a vision, and more of an idea?
 
The U.S. was founded on three central ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout the most chaotic three centuries of human history, we have somehow managed to uphold these three simple concepts. When financial behemoths like Standard Oil threatened the stability of our economy, we let our government intervene to stop monopolies from taking away the ability of everyday people to pursue their happiness. When we saw the basic human rights of people around the world endangered by fascism, communism, and totalitarianism, we stepped in to uphold the liberties of people worldwide. And when we experienced a massive influx of people into major cities, we industrialized to support the lives of the millions who now wanted to experience urban life. We may have allowed our government to grow, our politics to change, and our demographics to shift, but time and time again, we have maintained our commitment to the three central values that have governed our nation since its founding. 
 
It is truly a miracle that we have been able to conserve the ideals that our forefathers put in place so long ago. And I think that our veterans have played a large part in this achievement. Veterans have been fighting to uphold these values ever since our independence. Talking to veterans and hearing their stories reminds us that, no matter how many changes the U.S. may endure, the most important aspect of our country is, was, and will always be our values. They help us remember to uphold these beliefs through thick and thin, through good times and bad times, through war and peace. Because in almost 250 years, many aspects of our country have inevitably changed. For one, a trip to Europe no longer takes a month, and the cotton gin is far, far below the cutting edge of technology. But at the same time, the most important aspects of our country, our commitment to preserving the lives, liberties, and opportunities of every citizen, have remained constant. And if our Founding Fathers could see the United States for what it is today, they may be surprised by all of the cars, planes, and skyscrapers, but I’d hope they’d rest easy knowing that the core beliefs of the U.S. haven’t strayed since the founding of this country, and as long as we continue to honor our veterans, and as long as our flag still flies over the 50 States of America, I doubt they ever will.
 

Noah Lorenz

 

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:

Line up: 10:00am - Parade Start 11:00am
Parade will line up at the corner of 10th Street and Bulldog Drive
Horses and Wagons will stage in the open field east of the El Paso County Fair Grounds
 
Please see attached for entry form, send the entry form to the Parade Chairman: 
Jim Crim
36565 Hanisch Road
Calhan, CO 80808-8911 
 
OR email Jim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

Due to the increased volume of claimants for the PACT Act, we are only seeing individuals with appointments. Please call the office of your choice to schedule an appointment.

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.
 
Thank you!
 

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

VFW Department of Colorado Service Officer – Security
Phone number – 720-840-1422
Address: VFW Post 3917, 4715 Clearview Drive, Security CO 80931
Office Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
 
Matthew Lewis, Assistant Department Service Office

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

Designed with ❤ by jsns.eu