VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Claims Clinic, Health Fair Deliver Critical Services at 127th National Convention

   WASHINGTON - Hundreds of veterans and their families received direct access to earned benefits and health care resources during the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 127th National Convention in Reno, Nevada, where the organization's annual Claims Clinic and Health Fair delivered immediate results through a strong partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Preliminary results from the Claims Clinic, which took place from July 25 - 28 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, show 142 veterans were assisted, 172 VA claims were filed and more than 100 compensation and pension examinations were completed. Final totals are still being compiled.

   Among the clinic's many successes was one veteran who received a 100% Permanent and Total disability rating on the first day of the event, resulting in more than $28,000 in retroactive VA benefits.

   "The Claims Clinic was a tremendous success," said VFW Washington Office Chief of Staff Mike Figlioli. "Every year we host this clinic because it creates opportunities to work side by side with our VA partners to deliver real results. Whether it's filing a claim, completing an examination or helping a veteran receive long-overdue benefits, we know these efforts make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families."

   The convention's Health Fair also marked one of the strongest collaborations between the VFW and VA in recent years. The Reno VA Medical Center provided support from the outset of planning and deployed its Mobile Medical Unit to the convention. One of only approximately 25 such units across the VA health care system, the mobile clinic offered basic health screenings and other medical services to convention attendees.

   "We had outstanding support from both the local VA medical center and national Veterans Health Administration leadership this year," said VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Gregg Orto. "The Mobile Medical Unit was a unique addition that brought health care directly to veterans attending the convention. We greatly appreciate VA's commitment to making this year's Health Fair such a success."

   Veterans took advantage of a wide range of VA health care programs and resources throughout the four-day event. The Reno Vet Center Mobile Unit recorded 734 visits, followed by the VA Suicide Prevention team with 649 visits. Other popular services included Whole Health (354), Veterans Health Information Exchange (323), Telehealth (310), Community Care (265), the Caregiver Support Program (232), VA Life Insurance (106) and Veterans Health Administration Member Services (83). The VA Medical Center's Mobile Medical Unit also provided health screenings, including blood pressure checks and evaluations for illness or injury.

   The VFW's annual Claims Clinic and Health Fair are part of the organization's commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits and health care they have earned. By bringing accredited VFW service officers and VA professionals together under one roof, the convention provides veterans with immediate access to assistance that can have a lasting impact on their lives.

2. VFW Celebrates the Coast Guard's 236th Birthday

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly joins a grateful nation in celebrating the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Since its founding on Aug. 4, 1790, as the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard has safeguarded America's shores, protected our maritime interests and answered the call whenever and wherever duty demands.

   While they may be the smallest branch of our Armed Forces, their impact is anything but. Coast Guardsmen have earned a reputation for answering every call with professionalism, courage and selfless service, often in the harshest conditions imaginable.

   Now serving under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and capable of operating as part of the Department of the Navy during times of war, the Coast Guard fulfills a remarkable range of missions. From search and rescue to maritime law enforcement, drug interdiction, environmental protection and national defense, Coast Guardsmen embody their motto, Semper Paratus - Always Ready.

   Whether responding to hurricanes, rescuing mariners in distress, interdicting illicit trafficking at sea or deploying alongside fellow service members around the globe, the Coast Guard quietly carries out some of the nation's most demanding missions. Their vigilance protects more than 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways and secures an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning 4.5 million square miles, which is the largest of any nation in the world.

   Please join the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary in wishing every Coast Guardsman - past and present - a happy 236th birthday. Thank you for always standing the watch.

3. 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.

4. VFW Elects Cory Geisler as National Commander

   RENO, Nev. -Cory L. Geisler of Hartland, Wisconsin, was elected today as commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) during the organization's 127th National Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

   Geisler's election as the VFW's 118th commander-in-chief came before thousands of delegates representing approximately 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary gathered to elect national leadership and establish the organization's legislative priorities for the coming year.

   A Life member of VFW Post 721 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Geisler served in the United States Army from 2005 to 2012, earning his VFW eligibility through combat service in Iraq. He succeeds Carol Whitmore as the organization's commander-in-chief and will serve as its chief advocate before Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American people.

   In his acceptance address, Geisler called on every member of the VFW to embrace a common purpose centered on his national theme: "One Team. One Mission. Veterans First."

   "These six words are more than a motto," Geisler said. "They are a commitment. They remind us that regardless of our differences, we are united by a single purpose. That is to serve veterans, their families and our communities."

   Geisler reminded delegates that the VFW's power is more than the brick and mortar of its establishments.

   "The strength of the VFW has never come from its buildings or its canteens," Geisler said. "It has always come from its members."

   Drawing on lessons learned during military service, Geisler emphasized that teamwork remains the foundation of the VFW's success.

   "During our military service, success depended on trusting one another. We learned that no one accomplishes the mission alone," Geisler said. "That lesson did not end when we took off the uniform. It lives on in every VFW Post, every District, every Department and every National program."

   He challenged members to keep veterans at the center of every decision the organization makes.

   "When we plan programs, Veterans First. When we recruit new members, Veterans First. When we advocate for legislation, Veterans First. When we support military families, Veterans First," Geisler said. "If we remain faithful to that principle, we will never lose sight of why this organization exists."

   Geisler also called on members to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of veterans, encouraging comrades to support one another through fellowship and meaningful connections.

   "Sometimes the greatest act of service is simply checking in on a fellow comrade, inviting them to a meeting, sharing a cup of coffee or taking the time to listen," Geisler said.

   Looking toward the future, Geisler stressed the importance of membership growth and developing the next generation of VFW leaders.

   "Membership is important, not simply because numbers matter, but because every new member brings new experiences, new ideas and new opportunities to serve," Geisler said. "The veterans returning from today's conflicts are looking for connection. They are looking for purpose, motivation and direction. The VFW has everything they are searching for, but they need to know we are here."

   He encouraged every VFW member to take personal responsibility for recruiting eligible veterans and mentoring future leaders, noting that leadership is measured not by rank or title but by a willingness to serve others.

   Geisler then reaffirmed the enduring mission that has guided the VFW since its founding 127 years ago.

   "Our service does not end with military service. It simply takes on a new form," Geisler said. "Together we preserve our traditions. Together we advocate for veterans. Together we strengthen our communities. Together we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Together we build an even stronger Veterans of Foreign Wars."

   Geisler concluded by urging members to "lead with integrity, serve with humility, support one another and welcome the next generation," reminding delegates that "if we remain united in purpose, there is no challenge we cannot overcome and no goal we cannot achieve."

   Geisler closed with an emphasis on the words he intends to define his year as commander-in-chief.

   "One Team. Working together in a spirit of service and respect. One Mission. Supporting veterans, their families and our communities with honor and dedication. Veterans First. Always."

   Before his election as commander-in-chief, Geisler served as VFW senior vice commander-in-chief and Department of Wisconsin commander. He has also held numerous leadership positions at the Post, District and national levels since joining the VFW in 2008.

   Geisler and his wife, Beth, and daughter, Laura, reside in Hartland, Wisconsin.

   In addition to Geisler, delegates elected Glenn R. Umberger Jr. of Pennsylvania as senior vice commander-in-chief and Bobby Lovergne, of Louisiana as junior vice commander-in-chief. Adjutant General Dan West and Quartermaster General Marc Garduno also reassumed their national offices.

   Watch or read Geisler's acceptance speech.

5. VFW Presents Acclaimed John A. Biedrzycki Award

   RENO, Nev. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has selected Army veteran Colin Anderson as its 2025-2026 John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year. The annual honor is presented to a VFW Accredited Service Officer whose dedication, leadership and advocacy have made an extraordinary impact on veterans and their families. Anderson received the award today during the VFW's 127th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

   "Colin Anderson's commitment to veterans is evident in every aspect of his work," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "Colin has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their families. His accomplishments reflect the very best of the VFW's National Veterans Service program and we are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor."

   As director of Veterans Service for the Department of New York, Anderson oversees the Department's service officer program across Albany, Buffalo and New York City while leading initiatives that have significantly expanded access to VA benefits and services. Under his leadership, the Department of New York partnered with the New York City Department of Veterans Services to establish the Vallone Veterans Initiative, an effort that dramatically increased the availability of accredited service officers for New York City veterans. He also spearheaded an expansion of the program that more than doubled the number of VFW Accredited Service Officers serving the city and laid the groundwork to assist more than 200,000 underserved veterans.

   Beyond expanding services, his leadership has contributed to a substantial increase in claims filed on behalf of New York veterans while helping secure millions of dollars in benefits for veterans and their families. Anderson also played a key role in developing legislation supporting New York's 100% property tax exemption for qualifying service-connected disabled veterans. His efforts exemplify the VFW's mission of ensuring no veteran navigates the benefits system alone.

   Anderson is a Bronze Legacy Life member at John W. Tiffany VFW Post 53 in Jamestown, New York.