As the Legislative Director for the Department of Colorado Steve’s responsibility is to provide direction with planning, coordination, and implementation of the VFW Colorado state and national legislative agenda with members of the Colorado U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, their staff, and congressional committees.
Steve works with other state and federal departments, agencies and organizations. Likewise, he creates and grows grassroot efforts to reach members of the community, supporting and like organizations, with the goal of improving the quality of daily living and lives of our military, Veterans, and their family members.
Steve first joined the VFW 23 years ago, just a few months prior to 9/11 while in Korea where he was the 7th Air Force Fire Chief. The fire protection subject matter expert for war planning combat action recovery, resource allocation throughout the Korean peninsula, and he oversaw the needs for fire protection during the reception and bed down of additional forces during national contingency operations.
A very experienced and accomplished Firefighter, he spent many years on the Rescue Crew at U.S. Air Force bases and deployed locations around the world. He finished his Air Force career as the Fire Chief for Site Management within the NORAD / Northcom command structure in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Steve earned many awards and decorations such as the Meritorious Service medal, the National Defense Service medal with one Bronze Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management, plus a degree in Fire Science.
As it turns out, with many years as a large organizational leader he has developed the natural skills and expertise to develop and build organizations. Almost always preaching the mantra to enable ownership in processes within organizations, this serves the organization’s synergy which builds organizational flow producing greater talent, positive results, and achieving its goals.
Steve’s legislative education and acumen developed over the years, first within fire protection community in selling fire prevention. Secondly, attending and participating in political office holder workshops of the two major political parties. He enjoys working with people of various values, political persuasions. He cultivates the art of influence and motivation to invest in a better pathway for military, Veterans, and their family members.
Prior to his appointment as Legislative Director, he served as the VFW Colorado State Commander where he guided the 16,600+ members and staff of the state organization toward several membership awards, created the management plan that provided the path for all thirteen districts of Colorado to participate in scholarship programs for youth, recognizing incredible educators, and public safety employees.
Steve is an U.S. Air Force retiree and disabled veteran who lives across from the north gate of the Air Force Academy with his wife Janna and they have two daughters. Christina and Ayana; Christina (BS in Speech and Hearing sciences, ASU) teaches special needs third and fourth grade children in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ayana (BA in Music Theater, Boston Conservatory of Music) works on stage in Broadway.
Steve is a Gold Legacy life member of the VFW, an All-American State Commander, a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, a life member of the VFW National Home for Children, and past Chairman for the VFW Western Conference.
 Steve Kjonaas VFW Bio.pdf | [ ] | 90 kB |