Veteran Dale Wysocki, 73, was born and raised in Las Vegas. He now lives in Pahrump, Nevada, with his wife of 20 years, Susan.

Wysocki was in the Army from 1969 to 1975, including a year in Vietnam when he served as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner.

“I enlisted at the age of 17 because I wanted to do my duty during the war,” he said.

Wysocki was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He experiences a series of health complications because of it.

“I suffer from severe apnea, cardiomyopathy, acid reflux, diabetes, diverticulitis, a deteriorating spine, tinnitus, middle ear damage, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and several other ailments,” he said. “This has affected my whole life.”

For years, Wysocki did his best to manage his conditions on his own. Eventually, he connected with VFW Accredited Claims Consultant Debra Johnson through VFW Post 10054, where Wysocki is a Life member.

“Her assistance changed my whole life,” he said.

When they met, Wysocki had a 10% disability rating for his hearing. Johnson helped him submit a claim for several ailments. Today, he has a 100% disability rating.

“Now, I receive excellent care from the VA, including treatment for my PTSD, which has caused a huge change in my personality,” Wysocki said.

“I strongly recommend that any veteran with a claim contact their VFW and let them go to bat for you.”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Martin J. Barrett, 74, lives in Henderson, Nevada. He has six children: Brion, Jennifer, Melinda, Rebbeca, Jessica and Andrea.

Barrett was handpicked by his local draft board in June 1970 and began serving. He served in the Army for 19 months, including nine months in Vietnam.

Barrett began helping veterans with their disability claims in 2015 as the VFW Post 3848 service officer. Last year, he became a VFW Accredited Service Officer after he was encouraged to take the role by a colleague who sat on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Barrett says that the most challenging part of the job is helping his fellow veterans receive the proper rating. But his own experience motivates him to do all he can on their behalf.

“It took me five years to receive a 100% disability rating,” he said. “It makes my day when I can help another veteran get their disability [rating].”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Veteran Floyd B. Banks, 71, lives in Pahrump, Nevada, with his wife, Bobbi. The couple has a blended family that includes three sons, Carl, Tavis and Jerry and one daughter, Lina.

Banks enlisted in the Navy in 1972.

“I was raised with a sense of duty and respect for my country,” he said. “I was also taught to try to make the next person’s path a little easier because of the example I set. And I wanted to learn a skill and lessons that would help me be successful in life.”

Banks served in San Diego, California, and Bremerton, Washington. He was also deployed to the Western Pacific region aboard the USS Truxton.

“We have the distinction of being the last ship to leave the duty station off the coast of Vietnam in December 1973,” he said.

After five-and-a-half years in the Navy, Banks was discharged early because of a knee issue.

“Unfortunately for me,” he said, “at the time, no one advised me that I might be eligible for VA disability.”

Today, Banks also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sleep apnea, plantar fasciitis, degenerative joint disease, shoulder osteoarthritis, hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure and headaches.

“Most of my injuries have meant I live with various levels of pain, which affects my mood and quality of life,” Banks said. He explained that PTSD, especially, has taken its toll.

“Where do I start? I guess an oversimplified way to explain it is that I never considered myself to have PTSD, for untold reasons. One being that I was raised to believe that you don’t have time to be weak in this world. I thought to admit that I had PTSD would mean that,” he said.

Banks’ wife suspected her husband was experiencing PTSD, even if he did not realize it himself – or want to admit it. A visit to a VA medical center changed Banks’ mind.

“A nurse asked how I was doing with my PTSD, and I immediately responded, ‘I don’t have PTSD.’ Her look at that moment spoke volumes,” Banks said. “That’s when it hit me – I should talk to someone.”

That someone was VFW Accredited Claims Consultant Debra (Debby) Johnson.

“She steered me through the process of meeting with the various professionals I needed to see for my other disabilities for which I was trying to get approved,” Banks said. “Then, I finally addressed the elephant in the room.”

Banks said that Johson helped him face his “demon,” PTSD.

“I never would have done it without her assistance. But because of Debby’s professionalism, knowledge and gentle persuasion, not only am I dealing with my issues, but I also – after almost 50 years – have received a disability rating of 100%.”

Banks encourages other veterans to take advantage of the help that is available to them.

“If you need assistance with anything VA-related, get in touch with a local VFW service officer or claims consultant. It can only make your life better.

“Oh, and also,” he continued, “I am so glad that the day I contacted the VFW, Debby answered my call. My life would not have changed for the better if she hadn’t!”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Dominick Kuczynski, 33, and his wife, Alexandra, live in Prescott, Arizona, with their three dogs, Kenobi, Kasia and Kingsley. Before settling in the Southwest, Kuczynski served in the Army for 14 years.

“I decided to join because I believed in helping and protecting others that needed assistance,” he said.

Kuczynski has that same mentality when it comes to his education and career in behavioral health counseling.

“I know what it’s like to face struggles and come out stronger, and I want to help others find that same strength,” he said. “Watching people rebuild their lives is incredibly inspiring, and I want to be part of that process.”

Kuczynski found the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” while searching for aid online and applied to help offset the costs of school.

“To the generous donors who made this scholarship possible – thank you,” he said. “Your generosity has not only provided for me financially, but it has also reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career dedicated to helping others. This award motivates me to work harder, strive further and pay forward the kindness I’ve received.”

Kuczynski is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and applied psychology, with an emphasis in substance abuse and addiction, at Arizona State University.

“After graduation, I want to work as a clinician in behavioral health, but my ultimate dream,” he said, “is to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a licensed clinical social worker. Then, I’ll have the tools I need to make a real difference in people’s lives and help them move forward toward the futures they deserve.

“I want to show others, especially veterans, that it’s never too late to turn things around. There’s always hope for a brighter future.”

Kuczynski encourages other veterans who are considering going to school to “take the leap and go for it.” He insists that there are resources to help and that veterans are already equipped with many of the tools they need to succeed.

“Many schools have veteran support centers, advisors and mental health counselors. Don’t hesitate to seek out the help that’s available to you,” he said. “You’re not alone. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You’ve already proven your ability to overcome challenges. This is just one more mission your future self will thank you for accomplishing.”

Learn more about the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”

Volunteers at the 126th VFW National Convention in Columbus, Ohio – the birthplace of the VFW – participated in the seventh-annual Uniting to Combat Hunger (UTCH) seed-sorting event, which aims to help families affected by food insecurity.

The event, hosted by VFW in partnership with Humana on Aug. 9, welcomed waves of volunteers throughout the convention, amassing more than 9,500 seed packets for distribution to VFW Posts and Auxiliaries, as well as community gardens across the country.

VFW Foundation Director of Donor Relations Richard Freiburghouse said the UTCH campaign exhibits the VFW’s commitment to serving veterans and their communities by addressing one of the most pressing issues facing many veterans.

“The Uniting to Combat Hunger program is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and veteran homelessness in communities nationwide, while empowering our members to take action and create meaningful impact,” Freiburghouse said. “Our incredibly dedicated membership is uniquely equipped to drive local efforts that contribute to broader national change.”

In partnership with the Society of Saint Andrew, a Virginia-based non-profit providing hunger relief across the U.S., VFW and Auxiliary members from all walks of life shared the seed sorting tables at the convention. According to the Society of Saint Andrew, volunteer efforts yielded 63,511 pounds (31 tons) of nutritious produce for communities in need.

Among those who participated were Gina and LaRee Adams from Cullman, Alabama.

“At our Post, to get younger veterans in, we want to instill this mentality of community service because it will take away this stigma of us being just a bar,” said LaRee, junior vice commander at VFW Post 2214 in Cullman. “Plus, it helps people in need – it’s a win-win.”

Like the Adamses, William King of VFW Post 10624 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, shared a similar sentiment. “It helps feed people,” said King, a past District 1 commander for the VFW Department of South Carolina. “Anything that helps the community is worth doing.”

“It is also a good way to show our support like our communities show support for us veterans,” added Brigitte Rhew, a dual member of VFW Post 684 and its Auxiliary in Memphis, Tennessee.

UNITING TO COMBAT HUNGER NOW CALLED UNITING FOR VETERANS PROGRAM
A day after the seed sorting event, at the Joint Opening Session, then-VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt and Cara Brown, director of Key Relationships for Humana’s MarketPoint, announced the joint decision to rename the program.

“While hunger and homelessness remain critical issues, we recognize the necessity to adapt our program to offer additional support as necessary,” Lipphardt said. “The Uniting for Veterans name change better suits our ever-expanding mission and dedication to provide responsive and comprehensive assistance through our Posts and Auxiliaries that truly adapts to the needs of our veterans and their families.”

On behalf of Humana, the VFW’s long-standing partner since UTCH’s inception in 2018, Brown expressed their shared enthusiasm for the program’s evolution. To note the growth, Brown added that in 2024 alone, UTCH raised more than 800,000 meals for those suffering from food insecurity and provided 325 nights of housing for homeless veterans.

“Since our partnership began, we have helped distribute more than 6 million meals together, an incredible milestone that reflects our commitment to our nation’s heroes,” Brown said. “Now the Uniting for Veterans program will allow us to address a wider spectrum of needs for our veterans.”

To learn more about the expanded Uniting for Veterans program, visit https://vfw.org/UnitingforVeterans.

This article is featured in the November/December 2025 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.

ROCKIN’ FOR HEROES delivered everything its name promised. Nearly 900 people filled the grounds of Indian Rocks Beach VFW Post 10094 in Largo, Florida, to celebrate Veterans Day weekend in grand style, honoring military service and paying special tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

What unfolded on Sunday, Nov. 9, was a heartfelt, high-energy celebration that blended music, patriotism, and community pride into a truly unforgettable Gulf Coast experience. From the moment attendees entered the gates, the excitement was electric.

The venue – already known for its strong community culture – rose to new heights with a world-class performance stage, proudly adorned with patriotic symbols and supported by 500 sold-out reserved seats, a spacious covered VIP area and a close knit general admission area where attendees were accommodated by a host of sponsors and vendors, who provided tasty food, cold drink and community outreach.

The entertainment lineup set the tone early with The Surfin’ Raccoons, who lit up the afternoon with crowd-pleasing covers that had fans on their feet. They were followed by Nashville rising country star Derek Stoner. A retired U.S. Army Green Beret, Stoner’s powerful vocals and deeply personal songs drew from his 20 years in Special Operations, connecting his experiences in service to a grateful nation with the heartfelt admiration of the audience.

As day turned to night, Rockin’ for Heroes reached a thrilling crescendo when Southern rock legends Molly Hatchet took the stage. Delivering a high-octane rock-and-roll performance with hit-after-hit, including such iconic anthems like “Gator Country,” “Dreams I’ll Never See”, and their multi-platinum selling “Flirtin’ With Disaster”- the standing-room-only crowd roared with enthusiasm and excitement.

Midway through their set, guitarist and bandleader Bobby Ingram invited event organizer Steve Kalnasy, Post Commander Dean Lyons, Senior Vice Commander Heather Ingrafia, Junior Vice Commander Niko Troia, and Post Quartermaster Sandra Davis onstage for special recognition by the band, who was grateful for the invitation to salute veterans.

Performing a moving flag-folding ceremony reminiscent of a formal military honor guard, the tribute brought the crowd to its feet as the crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA! USA!”

The success of Rockin’ for Heroes was made possible through the outstanding support of committed volunteers, and generous sponsors, including CarePlus, Conviva Senior Health Care, Veterans A/C and Heat, Battle Law, Kiewit, Powered by Belltech, Holiday Inn Harbourside – Indian Rocks Beach, Mad Music, The Bluffs of Belleair, The City of Indian Rocks Beach, and a host of others.

Their financial backing, equipment donations and steadfast encouragement – along with a dedicated team of volunteers from throughout the region – brought this celebration to life at Indian Rocks Beach VFW Post 10094.

Rockin’ for Heroes wasn’t just a concert – it was a reminder of what can be accomplished when gratitude, patriotism and community spirit take center stage.

About the author: Steven Kalnasy is a trustee with VFW Post 10094 in Largo, Florida. This article is featured in the 2025 November issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Growing up as a “voracious” reader, Wayne “Larry” Dandridge recognizes how powerful writing can be. Honest journalists, as he puts it, “…are one of the best and perhaps the most important checks on those most powerful in society.” Dandridge, a member of VFW Post 7383 in Cary, North Carolina, has written more than 260 articles on how to apply for veterans benefits and services to articulate the complexities of filing a VA claim for veterans all over the country.

Because of Dandridge’s dedication to veterans, VA recognized him with its Commendation of Meritorious Service Award on March 5 at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Along with his writing, Dandridge’s service to veterans include 21 years serving as a volunteer VA patient advisor, being a founding member of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center’s employment assistance program and being a founding member and major fundraiser for Fisher House Charleston.

Scott Isaacks, CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Healthcare System, presented the award to Dandridge.

“Dandridge has tirelessly advocated for our nation’s heroes,” Isaacks said.

AN ACCOMPLISHED AIRMAN
Dandridge’s military service began in Fort Polk, Louisiana. After completing basic training, he moved onto flight school, which was split between Fort Worth, Texas, and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Overseas in Vietnam, he served as a troop transport helicopter pilot and UH-1B Model Huey Gunship pilot with the 121st Assault Helicopter Company in Soc Trang and as a pilot of an AH-1G Model Cobra Attack Helicopter with the 235th Ariel Weapons Company in Can Tho.

Inspired by his experience piloting helicopters in Vietnam, Dandridge would go on to write the acclaimed novel “Blades of Thunder (Book One),” with proceeds going toward a fundraiser to buy the land on which the Fisher House in Charleston was built.

Dandridge’s “most dangerous and demanding assignment” occurred while serving as a logistics, flight standardization and safety advisor to the Iranian Army Aviation Headquarters from 1974 to 1976. Dandridge, along with his wife and daughter, were living in Iran at the time.

“I saw more carnage on the road riding to work and riding home every day than I saw in Vietnam,” Dandridge said.

EXPERIENCE WITH THE VFW
Having been a member of Post 445 in Charleston, South Carolina, for the past five years, Dandridge and his wife recently moved to Cary, North Carolina, to be closer to their daughter and three grandsons. As of January, he is now a member of Post 7383.

Dandridge has given more than 150 speeches and has done more than 140 book signings at VFW and American Legion Posts, as well as at Knights of Columbus chapters and Disabled American Veteran (DAV) chapters.

Today, Dandridge is working closely with the commander and adjutant of Post 7378, along with the VFW Department of North Carolina Service Officer, to become reinstated as a VA-accredited veterans service officer (VSO). He also wants to continue creating accessible resources for veterans through his writing.

“I will continue to help veterans who read my weekly Island News newspaper articles, articles in veteran service organizations and other magazines and newspapers every day from all over the world,” Dandridge said. “By email, phone and text.”

This article is featured in the November/December 2025 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Danny Cook, senior writer for VFW magazine.

In October, VFW Post 12218 in Haymarket, Va., received a call from Steve Hood, a member of VFW Post 1177 in Leesburg, Virginia, and member of the Military Order of the Cootie, asking for help: The food pantry at the Martinsburg Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, was running short on food.

The clinic, which hands out bags of food to veterans in need, required donations of specific food items to be stored in each individual bag.

Post 12218 Senior Vice Commander Mike Jeffery began to spread the word to members of the Post, followed by advertising around his neighborhood and social media outreach, asking if anyone had any extra food to spare.

However, it was after creating an Amazon link to a specific list of foods that the clinic requested when Jeffery saw a huge influx of food to the Post.

“Mike made sure we stuck with the specific items the clinic was asking for when asking for donations,” Post Quartermaster Tarah Jeffery said.

The Post also received monetary donations, which went towards shopping trips to Aldi and Dollar Tree to help maximize the food collection.

“Mike was very careful with the money and knew how to stretch the dollars,” Jeffery said. “We filled up our living and dining room full of food mostly from Amazon and Aldi.”

The Post was able to collect a total of 1,300 pounds of food for the Martinsburg Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Post member Bill Keys also raised another $500 to help provide a “cushion” for the medical center, in case of possible food insecurity in the future.

“As a relatively new Post in the community, it’s crucial for us to connect with local residents and demonstrate our commitment to providing the most effective support possible,” added Jeffery.

This article is featured in the 2025 November issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Last winter, Louisville, Kentucky, was hit by long stretches of extreme cold. Members of VFW Post 1181 were concerned that older veterans would not be able to keep warm in temperatures below freezing. The Post offered its hall as a place for them to stay overnight. Soon, others were invited, too.

“I noticed local advocacy groups that were trying to get the city to open shelters for the homeless population,” said Post Commander Stephen Kanfield. “We have a pretty decent-sized hall, so I volunteered for it to be set up as an overnight warming center.”

A Safe Place for All

Kanfield and fellow Post members welcomed anyone in need. Other community groups chipped in, donating time and essentials.

“It was a safe place for people to relax for a bit,” Kanfield said. “Several groups volunteered to cook meals for our guests, and we coordinated with other organizations to get bedding, cots and air mattresses for people to sleep on.”

When asked why Kanfield and his Post chose to open their shelter to the wider community, he explained how this type of service also helps the veterans who are providing it.

“I joined the VFW to find a sense of purpose again. I wasn’t doing well mentally and needed to take my mind off things,” he said. “By working with others, I was able to jump right in and do something meaningful. Having so many people trust me to keep them safe overnight let me know I was where I was supposed to be.”

‘Other Veterans Joined to be Part of the Work We Were Doing’

Kanfield and his fellow members were not the only ones who gained a sense of purpose.

“Other veterans in our area joined our Post so they could be part of the work we were doing,” he said.

Still Serving in this way inspired individuals outside of the veteran population to get involved as well.

“People realized that the Post wasn’t just a bar,” Kanfield said. “Strangers that had never been to the Post saw what we were doing and wanted to help.”

‘When a Need Arises, Our Members Will be There’

In fact, since 2023, the Post has been trying to increase its outreach efforts to serve the greater good. The warming center certainly seemed to serve that goal. Recently, Kanfield spoke with an individual who stayed at the Post for a few nights.

“He told me that if we hadn’t opened during that time, he most likely would have frozen to death,” Kanfield said. “The gentleman explained that he already wasn’t feeling well and feared he would have been stuck outside in the cold.

“That’s why we’ve been working to show that when the need arises anywhere in our community, our members and their families will be there ready to help. We’re here to provide veterans camaraderie and a sense of purpose through meaningful service.”

To get involved or learn more about the Still Serving campaign, visit TodaysVFW.org.

Debra S. Johnson, 72, lives in Pahrump, Nevada, with her husband Jerome, who is a veteran.

“My daughter, Adrena, is from a previous marriage,” Johnson said. “Her dad was also a veteran. He was 100% disabled, but when he was discharged, they did not know what was wrong with him.”

It took several doctors before Johnson’s ex-husband received the correct diagnosis and rating.

“I made a promise then that I would forever give back to the military community,” Johnson said.

Since then, Johnson has volunteered with different veterans’ groups. She also became a Nevada Veterans Advocate with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. As an advocate, she informed service members, veterans and their families about available benefits and resources.

Johnson’s neighbor, who is a member of VFW Auxiliary Post 10054, asked her if she could assist Post members with their claims. Although Johnson’s volunteer efforts were similar to the work of a VFW Accredited Service Officer or Claims Consultant, she was not qualified for the role.

“When I realized I didn’t have the necessary qualifications, I asked if I could get training to become accredited with the VFW,” Johnson said. “If, after that, I felt like I could do the job, then I would.”

For eight months, Johnson traveled between Pahrump and Henderson, Nevada, which is about 70 miles away, to train under VFW Accredited Service Officer Marty Barrett. Johnson received her certification in 2024.

“And so, the journey started,” she said.

As a VFW Accredited Claims Consultant, Johnson spends Wednesdays and Fridays working on new claims. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are devoted to researching other claims that have been denied to potentially reverse the decisions.

One of Johnson’s goals is to learn about exposures and how they impact veterans to be sure she is doing all she can to strengthen each veteran’s case.

“I’m working hard to get them the ratings they deserve,” she said. “That’s why it makes me feel so incredibly good when one of my veterans calls me to tell me how I have changed their life – not just financially, but emotionally, too.”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.