I would like to thank everyone for being at the State Convention in Cripple Creek, the turn out was just amazing. It is great to see so many people.
This is something I never thought would happen to me, but you must always believe in yourself and your abilities and great achievements can be met.
I am going to do my best to make this a very good year for the Department of Colorado. We have great comrades that were elected this year and the chairpersons that were appointed are great and we will blossom together.
We are having a change of the watch between Commander John Keene and myself. We have already saved the department over $4,000, thanks to Jesse and Rachel at the VFW HQ, keep up the good work. HQ staff is planning an open house in the near future...so stand by. We have increased communication within the department and will be spreading cheer amongst the districts and post level as well. Since the installation, we have attended an awards ceremony in Aurora by the South Korean Ambassador awarding Korea Veterans the Peace Award. Thanks goes to all who coordinated this event as well as those who attended. We also attended Parker Days supporting their membership drive.
I have spent just over 36 years in the Navy, experienced many challenges throughout my career and would not change anything. It was actually an enjoyable learning experience in my life. I joined the VFW in 2009. Some of us that were demobilizing and getting ready to transition back to our civilian jobs went to breakfast in San Diego where a VFW Post was having a recruiting event and they advised us that the Global War on Terrorism- Expeditionary Medal was an eligibility requirement so we all signed up as Life Members. I have been affiliated with the VFW since I was like 7 years old, due to my mother marrying a Navy WW2 Veteran.
If your post or district is having an event please let HQ know so we can get it on the schedule and maybe if schedule permitting on of might be there.
I am very proud to represent the Department of Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars. We will have a very great year this year. I am here to work for all veterans.