VFW Advocacy

1. 'This Fellowship Changed My Life'

   For the last eight-and-a-half months, Giancarlo Gonzalez, along with his other VFW-SVA Fellows, has been honing his advocating skills in preparation for a life-changing event.

   The 2026 VFW Washington Conference offered the fellows an opportunity to meet with each of their state representatives face-to-face.

   Impassioned with a desire to support veterans, the Fellows were ready to conclude their nine-month journey advocating in any way they could.

   For Gonzalez, this would be his first time working directly with lawmakers.

   Although he initially wasn't sure what to expect while on Capitol Hill, he soon found it to be familiar.

   "In the Army, you learn to communicate quickly, stay focused on the mission and operate within a structured chain of command," Gonzalez said. "Sitting down with congressional members felt similar, just in a different environment."

   Gonzalez focused primarily on advocating for improving the Post-9/11 GI Bill during his time with the fellowship. He described his conversations with lawmakers about this particular bill as "meaningful" because he himself could benefit directly from it as a student veteran.

   From 2007-2012, Gonzalez served with the Army's 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

   "My experience in the Army shaped how I approach everything I do today," Gonzalez said. "The mindset of taking care of your people and staying mission-focused carries over directly into my work now, whether it's in business, advocacy or helping fellow veterans find stable housing."

   Today, Gonzalez focuses on the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Aff airs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, where he made it his personal goal to see as many veterans housed as possible.

   "Helping homeless veterans find housing is something I take personally," Gonzalez said. "It's not just about placing someone in a unit. It's about helping them regain stability and rebuild their lives."

   In pursuit of his goal, Gonzalez is currently finishing a degree in building design and construction management at St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He also holds a degree in business
   management and currently works in real estate.

   A member of VFW Post 2550 in Dunedin, Florida, Gonzalez plans to continue his advocacy for veterans, focusing particularly on education-related policy and transition support.

   "I've come to respect the role [VFW] plays in both supporting and advocating for veterans," Gonzalez said. "Being a part of this fellowship has strengthened that connection."

   'OUR MEETINGS WERE EYE-OPENING'
   For another VFW-SVA fellow, the 2026 Washington Conference would be her first time experiencing face-to-face advocacy with lawmakers.

   Navy veteran Kimmie Kim envisions a world in which leadership at the highest levels can create a more welcoming environment so that the health and happiness of workers are a top priority.

   Currently, she is pursuing a graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California.

   While on Capitol Hill, Kim realized just how important consistency is to advocacy.

   "Our meetings with lawmakers were very eye-opening," Kim said. "[The VFW Washington Conference] helped me better understand how federal advocacy works and how important it is to stay involved over time."

   To continue supporting veterans, Kim is ready to commit long-term to the process.

   "Change may not happen right away, but showing up, talking and making connections are all important parts of the process," Kim said. "I will continue to fight for veterans by getting involved in my community, taking on leadership roles and staying involved in conversations that shape policy."

   Kim served in the Navy from 2007-2012 and was on board the USS Green Bay (LPD-20) from 2010-2011. She is a life member of VFW Post 3173 in Anaheim, California.

   "The VFW-SVA Fellowship changed my life as a leader," Kim said. "It has helped me become more powerful and has reminded me of the values that made me want to help my community, fellow citizens and veterans after I left the Navy."

   'IT WAS PHENOMENAL'
   The 2026 Washington Conference would mark Marine veteran and VFW-SVA fellow Shadic Anderson's third time advocating on Capitol Hill but the first time with VFW.

   A journalism major, Anderson's longterm plan includes going to law school, which he hopes will catapult him into a career in politics. After the Maj. Richard Star Act was ultimately blocked by Congress on March 3, Anderson's desire to get involved with veterans' policy grew significantly.

   "I'm super passionate about advocating for our veterans," Anderson said. "I'm a firm believer in 'service after service.'"

   Although currently at tending California State University, Long Beach, in Long Beach, California, Anderson is originally from New Jersey and hopes to return home one day to get involved in local politics. But his main goal is to pursue a role in federal politics.

   "I want to take care of [veterans] as a whole," Anderson said when asked about his passion for politics at the federal level.

   From 2012-2020, Anderson served in three Marine units. These included Bravo Co., 1st Bn., 6th Marines; Fox Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marines; and Lima Co., 3rd Bn., 1st Marines. Anderson earned his VFW eligibility when he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2014.

   While on Capitol Hill, Anderson met with Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.), Rep. Derek Tran (D-Calif.) and Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (D-N.Y.). It was in meetings like these that Anderson, along with the other Fellows, had an opportunity to showcase all their hard work over the course of the fellowship.

   "It was phenomenal," Anderson said. "The networking impacted me the most. You never know who you may run into or who you may speak with."

   Anderson is currently the junior vice commander of District 4 for VFW's Department of California. He also serves as senior vice commander of Post 7243 in Hawaiian Gardens, California.

   'THERE WAS A CLEAR FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST'
   VFW-SVA Fellow and Post 10018 Commander Juanita Garcia made it her mission to assist degree-seeking veterans in navigating educational benefits.

   A graduate student at Northeastern University in Boston, Garcia is currently pursuing a doctorate in education.

   "My goal is to continue bridging the gap between policy and practice," Garcia said. "In my current role in higher education, I see first-hand how policies play out for student veterans, and I want to continue using that perspective to inform advocacy efforts."

   Being able to work alongside other student veterans during the Washington Conference, Garcia felt the experience closer to heart.

   "Seeing familiar faces and friends made the experience more personal, because the legislation we're advocating for directly impacts them," Garcia said. "It's not abstract. It represents something real for my students and the veteran community I serve."

   Although Garcia previously advocated directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill alongside the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), this was her first time advocating alongside the VFW Department of Washington delegation.

   "There was a clear focus on what matters most to veterans back home, and you could see the level of preparation and commitment that went into those conversations," Garcia said. "This year felt different in a meaningful way."

   Garcia served in the Army from 2003 until 2011. She earned her VFW eligibility serving with the 51st Expeditionary Signal Battalion at a forward operating base near Tal Afar Air Base in Iraq and the 29th Signal Battalion at the Logistics Support Area near Balad, Iraq.

   "VFW has been a key part of my continued service," Garcia said. "I joined because I was looking for a community of like-minded individuals. I value being around veterans who have stories to share and experiences that shape how we continue to serve."

   Since 2022, Garcia has served VFW at both the Post and District level. She is the adjutant for District 3 in the Department of Washington and serves as the commander and junior vice commander for Post 10018 in Tacoma, Washington.

   For more than a decade, the VFW-SVA Fellowship has developed student veterans into what VFW believes are active, policy-aware advocates who are willing to continue serving their communities and other veterans. Their influence has and will continue to shape veteran legislation for decades to come.

   This article is featured in the 2026 July/August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Danny Cook, senior writer for VFW magazine.

2. VFW Mourns the Loss of Past Commander-in-Chief R.D. 'Bulldog' Smith Jr.

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is saddened by the passing of its oldest living past Commander-in-Chief, R.D. "Bulldog" Smith Jr., whose tenacity and continued advocacy for service members, veterans and their families helped solidify the organization's now renowned grassroots legislative efforts.

   Smith was elected as VFW commander-in-chief at the 77th national convention in New York City on Aug. 20, 1976, and dedicated his life to ensuring veterans had strong support in Washington.

   At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. He was assigned to the 356th Air Engineers Service Group, a unit that maintained B-29 heavy bombers in the 20th Air Force.

   Smith joined the VFW in 1947, at Post 4346 in Toccoa, Georgia, where he maintained his Bronze Legacy Life membership. Following a move to Washington, D.C., where he worked on the staff of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Smith returned to Georgia and resumed his VFW activities. He served as VFW Department of Georgia commander, going on to serve as a member of the National Council of Administration, Southern Conference chairman and as a member of several national committees.

   Smith's greatest legacy rests on his diligent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. During his term as national commander, he worked to preserve the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs at a pivotal moment in history. The VFW had labored for years for the creation of a dedicated committee to ensure the voice and needs of veterans would be heard, and when threatened with its elimination, Smith's leadership ensured VFW leadership from each state was present on Capitol Hill to lobby their senators directly, a first in the organization's history. The VFW's efforts successfully doubled the number of senators supporting the committee, and it is that same legislative advocacy and dedication that fuels the VFW's National Legislative Service today. Smith retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service where he served as the assistant director from the State of Georgia.

   Chief Smith understood that caring for veterans meant more than honoring their service and dedicated his life to the legislative influence the VFW is known for today, ensuring generations of veterans have had a powerful advocate in Washington. His service, vision and unwavering commitment to veterans have left an indelible mark on the organization for generations to come.

   Read his obituary here.

3. VFW Action Alert: Keep Pressuring Congress to Protect Veterans' Earned Disability Compensation

   Over the past month, veterans and supporters across the country have sent a clear message: expand veterans' benefits without reducing future veterans' earned disability compensation. Through emails, phone calls, trips to Washington, D.C., and meetings with lawmakers, you've made sure veterans' voices are being heard.

   Although the House pulled its planned vote on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (H.R.9237 / S.4744), the bill remains active. Now is not the time to let up. Congress should not correct one injustice by creating a new one for future veterans. As lawmakers determine the path forward, they need to continue to hear that their constituents reject this approach.

   The VFW supports correcting past injustices through measures like the Major Richard Star Act, expanding survivor benefits, strengthening mental health protections, and other legislation that honors the sacrifices made by those who served.

   Section 108 would create a new injustice. It would take the unprecedented step of reducing future veterans' earned disability compensation to pay for today's benefit expansions. Congress can and should find a better way.

   TAKE ACTION

   Tell your representative and both senators to oppose Section 108 of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. Urge them to reject this unprecedented pay-for and protect veterans' earned disability compensation.

   Thank you for continuing to make your voice heard. Let's keep the pressure on.

4. VFW Encouraged As TCAVA House Vote Postponed

   Watch their response or read it below.

   WASHINGTON - We stopped Congress from taking a dangerous step today. No matter how people try to spin it, Congress shouldn't open Pandora's Box on arbitrarily reducing disability ratings. It's never been done before. We're not about to let it start.

   I know there are provisions in this bill that everyone wants to get done. Major Richard Star Act needs to pass. But it needs to pass CLEAN. And it certainly cannot be passed by taking away from future veterans!!!

   For survivors, who wanted this to be the path to fix your injustices, the fight is not over! But again, fixing these problems cannot come at the expense of those currently in harm's way.

   To our troops serving overseas right now. We heard you LOUD AND CLEAR! You told the VFW to keep fighting for YOU. I hope you can see that we are fighting and will continue to stand up for our warfighters.

   To the members of the VFW: Thank you. You showed up when it mattered most. The VFW was threatened and coerced to try to support a dangerous policy that would harm our community. YOU said NO!

   YOU sent more than 60,000 messages to Congress in just a couple weeks; YOU met with your legislators face-to-face; and most importantly: YOU came to Washington, D.C., on a moment's notice - from more than 30 states!!! To tell Congress DO NOT CUT FUTURE BENEFITS!

   There have been a lot of distractions in our work to protect veterans' benefits. VFW was accused of "inciting violence" over our Honor the Contract imagery. A sitting member of Congress threatened our accredited service officer program for speaking out on behalf of the veterans we serve!!!!

   In all my years with the VFW, I had never seen politicians stoop so low - but I said it then and I say it again: The VFW has never apologized for forcefully defending veterans and we are not about to start now."

   But while benefits are safe today, this will continue to be a fight, like we saw in 1933, in 1956, in the early 1980s, and even today. Someone wants to cut veterans' benefits. Washington Post; Economist - and apparently some in Congress. We will not let that happen, and we know that this bill is going to come back again in a few short weeks.

   So let's keep it up. Let's not let off the momentum!!!! Like Smedley Butler said: "Be able to argue intelligently; know what you're talking about... make every public office seeker state where he stands. Don't take any alibi."

   To veterans who are new to this fight, I hope you will join our ranks. I hope you will help us!

   To our peer veterans' groups. We know how you really feel about the cuts in this bill. We have read your shared concerns on Section 108 on reducing veterans' ratings as a piggy bank. It's clear now that veterans don't want this. It's clear this isn't the "only" way. So let's harness our power and let's fix it together!!!

   Again, thank you to the service members, veterans, and families from across America who made YOUR voices heard. Advocacy works. You have a voice. And we are proud to stand with you.

5. VFW Action Alert: Tell Congress to VOTE NO on Reducing Benefits for Future Veterans

   The Take Care of America's Veterans Act (H.R.9237, S.4744) is advancing through Congress, and now is the time to make your voice heard.

   The VFW proudly supports many of its provisions, including the Major Richard Star Act, strengthening mental health protections for veterans, and expanding support for surviving families. These are important priorities that deserve the support of Congress.

   What we cannot accept is asking one generation of veterans to pay for another.

   The Take Care of America's Veterans Act would offset the cost of these important provisions by reducing future veterans' disability compensation for tinnitus and sleep apnea through changes to VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. While current disability ratings would be protected, future veterans with service-connected disabilities could receive less compensation than they otherwise would have under current law.

   America's obligation to those who serve is a debt owed by our nation, it is not a debt that should be paid by other veterans. The cost of caring for veterans should be paid through the federal government, not by reducing the earned disability compensation of future generations who answered the call to serve, including many who are serving in harm's way right now.

   This week, VFW leadership, VFW staff, VFW National Legislative Committee members, VFW members, and advocates from across the country are meeting with members of Congress and their staffers on Capitol Hill to urge them to reject these disability compensation offsets. You can strengthen those efforts by making your voice heard today.

   Take Action Now! Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to VOTE NO on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.
   
   Veterans kept their promise to America. Congress must keep its promise to veterans.
   
   Thank you for standing with the VFW and for helping to ensure Congress hears directly from those who have served.