VFW Life member Yoselin Brice, 53, joined the Air Force in search of opportunity and life experiences.

“I wanted to get away from the hectic pace of New York City and my medical research job at Columbia University,” she said. “I was desperately looking for new adventures and to travel the world.”

Brice served for six years. After leaving the military in 2004, she spent more than 15 years working for the Department of Defense. Today, she lives in Bronxville, New York, and has two kids, Skyler and Connor. Brice’s late husband, Charles, also served and was a lieutenant commander in the Navy.

A self-described “military family advocate,” Brice became a VFW Accredited Service Officer in November 2024.

“This is an ideal job for me because I get to use my knowledge of the federal government, military experience and personal experience with the VA to help others navigate the complex web of applying for benefits,” Brice said. “Helping veterans is something I would gladly do for free. Getting paid to do so is a privilege and an honor.”

On a typical day, Brice meets with veterans or their family members who are seeking assistance with filing claims.

“My greatest accomplishment in this role is when I can call a veteran to tell them that a disability that has been afflicting them for years is indeed related to their military service and that the VA has approved their disability claim,” she said.

“My biggest challenge is not being able to secure dependent benefits or payments for military widows who are in financial distress. It’s heartbreaking.”

Brice explained that this is often because a late veteran did not understand they were entitled to dependent indemnity compensation, so they never filed a claim. She understands from experience how this can happen.

“Even as a veteran, for a long time, I didn’t know that service officers existed and that their assistance is free,” she said. “The first time I applied for health care and compensation was after I became one myself. Before then, I didn’t know I was eligible.

“The health care I’ve received has been life-changing. I can now get physical therapy that I could not afford previously and that has improved my quality of life. It’s gratifying to help other veterans manage their military-related disability claims using my knowledge and experience and to help improve their wellbeing by connecting them with the services they need and deserve.”

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

Army veteran Prinisa Desir, 27, served three years at Fort Carson in Colorado.

“I joined because I was looking for a sense of purpose in my life after high school,” she said.

Desir expressed her gratitude for the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” The aid took care of the remaining tuition expenses that were not covered by her VA benefits.

“I’m able to have a better educational experience knowing I have financial support,” she said. “I cannot say thank you enough.”

No matter how old you are, Desir said, it is never too late to start something new. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in international business, she now studies nursing.

“Every day, life is passing you by. Why not go after your dreams?” she said.

Desir wants to become a pediatric nurse because of her passions for health care and helping children. Being a consistent, reliable patient caregiver is important to her.

“I want to help children facing their illnesses, as well as the parents who have to show up with just as much strength,” she said. “I’m proud I can touch the lives of others through big and small impacts.”

Desir encourages other veterans to pursue an education confidently.

“The first step is to be brave enough to put yourself out there!” she said.

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

Army veteran Prinisa Desir, 27, served three years at Fort Carson in Colorado.

“I joined because I was looking for a sense of purpose in my life after high school,” she said.

Desir expressed her gratitude for the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” The aid took care of the remaining tuition expenses that were not covered by her VA benefits.

“I’m able to have a better educational experience knowing I have financial support,” she said. “I cannot say thank you enough.”

No matter how old you are, Desir said, it is never too late to start something new. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in international business, she now studies nursing.

“Every day, life is passing you by. Why not go after your dreams?” she said.

Desir wants to become a pediatric nurse because of her passions for health care and helping children. Being a consistent, reliable patient caregiver is important to her.

“I want to help children facing their illnesses, as well as the parents who have to show up with just as much strength,” she said. “I’m proud I can touch the lives of others through big and small impacts.”

Desir encourages other veterans to pursue an education confidently.

“The first step is to be brave enough to put yourself out there!” she said.

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

VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler participated in the 15th annual Ron Davies Memorial VFW Air Lift in Centennial, Colorado, on Dec. 14, hosted by VFW Post 9644.

The event, which was born out of a love of aviation between Davies and his daughter, Brittany Davies, serves to give back to those in need, especially in rural communities, across the state of Colorado through the Rocky Mountain skies.

The Post collected a total of 13,500 pounds of food, clothing and Christmas toys. Planes flew into Centennial Airport, and Post members carried the donations on pallets to be loaded onto the planes.

Post members spent the day before weighing each individual donation and calculating the total weight for each pallet. Pallets were then designated to a particular aircraft to avoid overloading.

Planes then flew to various communities across Colorado, from Grand Junction to Fort Collins, where local VFW members in those locations met the pilot to help unload the donations.

“This is the entire message of the VFW,” Geisler said. “This shows that we can come together and that we don’t have to do things in a silo.”

According to Post 9644 Todd Van Sant, the Post voted unanimously to name the event the “Ron Davies Memorial VFW Air Lift” after Davies’ passing earlier this year.

Brittany is proud to continue the event, which is expected to grow next year, with more donations, more pilots and more locations.

“I know my father would be proud of how this event turned out,” Brittany said. “Aviation really can partner rural communities together.”

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.