Department of Colorado

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

Please remind all Posts that you MUST be 102% to qualify for All State. Deadline is June 30, 2024. Entry forms will be e-mailed to all that qualify.
 
1. As prescribed by Sec 217 & Sec 221 of the National Congressional Charter By-Laws and Manual of Procedure, Nominations of Post Officers shall open in March and remain open until the Post is ready to vote, provided, however, that when a poll system is used, as hereinafter described, nominations must be closed at the meeting prior to the election to allow the Adjutant to prepare a printed ballot. Post officers shall be elected in April.
(a) The officers of each Post will consist of a Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Quartermaster, Adjutant, Chaplain, Judge Advocate, Surgeon and three (3) Trustees.
(b) The Post shall elect the Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Quartermaster, and three trustees.
(c) The Appointed officers of each Post shall consist of at least an Adjutant, Chaplain, Judge Advocate, Surgeon, Officer of the Day, Service Officer and Guard to be appointed as prescribed in Section 216 in the Manual of Procedure.
 
2. Proof of Eligibility Requirements for Officers: All Posts, Districts and Department should be reminded of the provisions of Sec. 215 (Post), 415 (District), and 515 (Department) of the National Congressional Charter By-Laws and Manual or procedure that officers, elected and appointed, shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until such proof of eligibility has been submitted to the respective Commander and Adjutant for review.
 
3. Registration for the VFW National Convention: Each Post will pay, in advance, a national registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the national convention will pay a ten-dollar ($10) delegate fee, in accordance with the requirements of Sec 222 (d) of the National Congressional By-Laws. Delegate fees should be sent directly to the Quartermaster General at National Headquarters.
Attachments:
Download this file (February General Order 3 2023-2024.pdf)VFW General Order No. 3[VFW General Order No. 3]77 kB

Read more: VFW General Orders No. 3

This time of year is always exciting with the holidays recently past, family get-togethers, parties and finally some time for rest. The daylight hours are now
getting longer each day to allow us to once again reflect why we belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
 
Our mission is to foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve our Veterans, the military and our communities. We are to advocate on behalf of all veterans. To be honest, the most common words heard as I travel the state is: “we need more new members to do the work”. How then are
we to promote patriotism, honor military service, serve our communities, and finally, ensure the care of veterans and their families?
 
The state of the Department of Colorado in my opinion is healthy and robust. Look at all the Community Service Reports for all the good work so many Posts and Auxiliaries are doing continuously. Look at the membership reports to see how those same posts are growing and working hard to increase our ranks. This VFW administrative year is now half over and already our Department is at 92.58% membership. The goal of course is 102%. This is excellent work by so many working not only for the Department goal but their individual Post and District goals. As of this writing, we have 9 Districts over 90% and 4 Districts over 95% membership. District 5 is the present membership leader sitting at 95.22%. The Posts in the state are strong with 3 posts in the 70% and 22 posts in the 80% range. We have 10 posts over 100% and 51 in the 90% range. Leader today is at 108.10% and that honor goes to Post 8898 in Boone. Can our Department get to 102% in the next 5 months?
 
If you want to leave a legacy for your VFW Post, go to your Quartermaster and ask them if you can make phone calls to help get your unpaid members 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 overseas in the military. You can pay their dues with your relief fund. You may have elderly or physically impaired members who can’t get into your meeting. They too should have their membership paid from your relief fund. Stay in touch with them in person and by phone.
 
Carol Thomas
Department Sr. Vice Commander
Comrades,

I this finds everyone well. I also hope all who can have gotten your flu shot.
 
I am sure everyone has heard by now, one of the By-Law changes at the National level several years ago, was to do away with the dues reserve at the Post level. This is a good thing. Now the quarterly audits won’t be coming back to the Posts that forget how and what it was. If you report a dues reserve, you should probably stop since it is not required and will save on some book work.
 
Speaking of quarterly audits, we are seeing a new trend. Signatures. The Quartermasters Manual on the National web site states the Trustees and Commander must sign the audit report. The Quartermasters name may be typed in, but the Trustees and Commander must sign. We are getting more and more audits without the Commanders signature. Please take the time to read the material explaining how the audits are done, or call Headquarters and ask for a copy of how to fill out an audit. Because of the current Covid climate, a separate signature page may be used as long as the audit was viewed by the trustees and Commander.
 
BONDS. The By-Laws are very clear on this. Each officer that is accountable for funds must have a surety bond equal to the amount of liquid assets. This is normally the Quartermaster. Surety bonds are like an insurance policy paid for by the Post saying the Quartermaster will not steal from the Post. This is why we try and make sure the audits are done correctly. The bonding company requires the audits be done correctly in case a loss occurs. Believe me, it has happened in the past.
 
I hope everyone had great holidays.
 
Bruce R. Dolan
Department Adj./Quartermaster
Greetings Comrades,

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.
 
Again I wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year and look forward to all the great and amazing things the Department of Colorado will accomplish this year.
 
Faithfully yours,
 
Fred Scheck
Department Jr. Vice Commander
Comrades,
 
We pray that everyone had a joyous and happy Holiday season with family and friends. We hope no one was alone during this time. As we go into the coming year, I was planning on stepping down as your State Chaplain with the thought of taking classes, but it has been weighing on my heart and soul to continue helping and serving our Chaplains, veterans, and family members. I would like to announce that I will be running for Colorado State Chaplain in the coming year (2024-2025). So, I ask for your support to continue serving in this ministry.
 
Some of the things we have been working on for our Chaplains ministry are: National Chaplain Training, this started last year and continued into this year and will be continuing in future years. VFW and Auxiliary members are invited. We strongly encourage our Chaplains for both VFW and Auxiliary to attend. For information about attending the training send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The VFW Chaplain’s Handbook has been revised (dated 14 August 2023) and can be found on the Colorado web page, on the Colorado VFW Chaplaincy page.

Read more: Chaplain's Column - Kevin Reinhold

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.

Read more: Colorado VFW Chaplaincy

The 2024 VFW Airlift was a success! There is an article about it in this edition of the Veteran, please go read it. If your post wants to be involved next year, please reach out to me and let’s figure out how to do that! It can be anything from donating money from your post (and taking advantage of the VFW Uniting to Combat Hunger grant), donating food or toys (we collect them at Post 9644), volunteering at the hanger to help sort food and toys and helping load planes, or being on the receiving end of the airlift and getting all the food and toys to needy families.

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!
 
I’m sure you are all aware of the goal to hit 102% for the next few years. If you have family members or friends that qualify for the VFW, there has never been a better time to get them signed up as we try to grow as an organization. It’s time to step up and get working on membership!
 
Todd Van Sant
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.

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. 

The on-line delegate report form will be available starting 1 April through the day before the convention opening date.

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%          

Read more: VFW Membership by District

 

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

Read more: Colorado VFW New Recruiters as of 2/1/2024

Honoring Our Heroes: The Importance of Recruiting and Retaining VFW Members Introduction

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.
 
The greater the number of VFW members, the stronger our collective voice becomes. Recruiting new members expands our ability to advocate for the rights and benefits of veterans, both locally and nationally. As we face a rapidly changing world, it is critical to have a robust membership base that represents the interests of veterans and exerts influence on crucial policy matters.
 
The VFW is built on the foundation of brotherhood and sisterhood. By increasing our membership, we foster an environment that offers veterans the opportunity to connect with one another, share their experiences, and find solace in the camaraderie that only those who have served can truly understand. Through social events, community service, and shared interests, we create a support system that eases the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.
 
The VFW provides an array of benefits and services to its members, ranging from advocacy and assistance programs to scholarships and employment opportunities. By recruiting and retaining members, we ensure that this support system remains accessible to all veterans. Together, we can work towards improving healthcare, securing legislative support, and enhancing career opportunities, leaving no soldier behind.

Read more: 2023-2024 Membership

Comrades,

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.
 
On April Fool’s Day, I will study each Post’s results and award $500 each to the Post with the largest increase in renewals/reinstates and the Post with the highest percentage increase. No joke!
 
Before you pick up the phone, however, come up with a strategy:
 
March is when the VFW “Storms the Hill” in DC and every member lends their voice to the Commander in Chief when he testifies before Congress.
• 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.

Read more: March Madness (Membership Challenge)

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.

Read more: VFW National Foundation Grants for Posts

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.

Read more: How to Find a Unit to Adopt

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:

Read more: State of Colorado Military Honors Stipend

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.

Attachments:
Download this file (2023-2024 Tin Red Poppy Form.pdf)2023-2024 Tin Buddy Poppy Form[Metal Buddy Poppy]131 kB
Download this file (Original Cloth Poppy Order From Revised 8.31.2023.pdf)Traditional Cloth Poppy Order Form Revised 8/31/2023[Revised Poppy Order Form]142 kB

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.