COLUMBUS, Ohio – Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, Iowa, was elected today as the new national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of approximately 1 million eligible combat veterans and military service members from all six branches of the armed forces.

“Standing here today, surrounded by such incredible people – fellow veterans, families and friends – I am filled with a deep sense of pride and humility,” said Whitmore during her acceptance speech. “This is not just a recognition of me, but of all the men and women who have served in our armed forces.”

Whitmore’s election as the VFW’s 117th commander-in-chief occurred at the conclusion of the organization’s 126th National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. More than 10,000 members of the VFW and its Auxiliary converged on the city to conduct the business of the organization, recognize individuals and organizations for excellence and to elect new leadership for the 2025 – 2026 year.

Whitmore is the first woman elected to lead the more than 125-year-old organization. She delivered remarks to those attending in person at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and watching via livestreaming video.

“When I think back on my journey, I am sure it was just like many others – my reality is not necessarily the VFW reality,” said Whitmore. “But I was driven by a sense of duty, a desire to serve something greater than myself. And little did I know that decision would shape me in ways I could never have imagined.”

Enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps in 1977, Carol’s 36-year military career was marked by significant milestones, from integrating with men into the regular Army to becoming an Army nurse and later serving as a first sergeant for her unit while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was there that she earned her VFW eligibility. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (two), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non-Commissioned Professional Development Ribbon (three), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (three), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and the Combat Action Badge.

“As we look to the future, I believe that the strength of our veteran community is our greatest asset. We have so much to offer,” said Whitmore. “We have lived through adversity, we have faced challenges that many can’t even imagine and we’ve come out on the other side stronger. It’s because of that strength that we are still serving our communities and our nation.”

She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership. She has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with her election as the VFW Department of Iowa Commander from 2018 to 2019, in which she achieved All-American status. On the national level, she served on the Legislative Committee, the General Resolutions Committee and on the National Council of Administration from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, she was elected as designee for National VFW Commander-in-Chief for the year 2025, becoming the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position. She is also a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, the VFW National Home, and the American Legion and its Auxiliary.

During the speech, Whitmore emphasized legislative advocacy as a priority for her year, with a focus on fighting to get Congress to grant concurrent receipt for select combat-injured veterans through the Major Richard Star Act.

“Through advocacy, our legislative efforts need to be resolute,” said Whitmore. “The [Major] Richard Star Act must pass this year. This effort was started in 2004, and the bill has repeatedly and shamelessly been voted down. Let’s get this done already. Honor the Contract!”

Whitmore also spoke passionately about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission and the key diplomatic role the VFW played in Southeast Asia during the early 1990s.

“More than 30 years ago, it was VFW Vietnam War veterans who led the mission back to the country that cost them so much to extend a hand of peace to their former adversaries,” said Whitmore. “This tremendously brave effort opened U.S. relations with Vietnam and access to the country so DPAA could find and bring home our comrades who were missing in action.”

In addition to Whitmore, other national officers elected were Cory Geisler, an Iraq War veteran from the Department of Wisconsin, as senior vice commander-in-chief, and Glenn Umberger Jr., from the Department of Pennsylvania, who is also a veteran from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as junior vice commander-in-chief. The final day of the convention also saw Adjutant General Dan West and Quartermaster General Marc Garduno reassume their posts.

“I may be the first veteran to have been elected VFW commander-in-chief while wearing a dress … the first female veteran, but I will not be the last,” said Whitmore. “And as I have said while campaigning, I am your sister by mud, by blood, by dust, by dirt, by sand, by land, by sea, by air … I am a veteran first.”

Carol, a retired nurse, attended the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. She and her husband, Brad, reside in Des Moines, Iowa.

Watch or read Whitmore’s acceptance speech.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Humana announced today the successful Uniting to Combat Hunger & Homelessness (UTCH) program will officially be known as the ‘Uniting for Veterans’ program moving forward. This change reflects the programs’ ever-expanding scope and the VFW and Humana’s united commitment to addressing the diverse and evolving needs of the military and veteran communities.

In addition to announcing the program’s name change, leaders highlighted the support it has provided over the last year. UTCH raised more than 800,000 meals and 325 nights of housing for homeless veterans, shared Cara Brown, Director of Key Relationships for Humana’s MarketPoint, and Al Lipphardt, VFW National Commander, during the 126th VFW National Convention Joint Opening Session today.

The newly named Uniting for Veterans program will offer greater flexibility in providing comprehensive assistance beyond its initial focus on food insecurity and housing. This includes a broader array of support tailored to help increase its VFW Posts and Auxiliaries’ impact in their local veteran communities.

“Our military and veteran communities are incredibly diverse, and their needs are constantly changing. While hunger and homelessness remain critical issues, we recognize the necessity to adapt our program to offer additional support as necessary,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “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 with the needs of our veterans and their families.”

Humana, the VFW’s long-standing ally in this vital initiative since UTCH’s inception in 2018, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s evolution.

“At Humana, we are proud to stand with the VFW in this important transition. The Uniting for Veterans program will allow us to collectively address a wider spectrum of needs and help improve quality of life for America’s military and veteran families,” Brown said. “This enhanced flexibility ensures our combined efforts continue to make a profound, positive impact on the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.”

The VFW encourages all members and the public to learn more about the expanded Uniting for Veterans program and to support its vital mission at vfw.org/UnitingforVeterans.

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About Humana
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and CenterWell.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce a series of groundbreaking relationships aimed at expanding its Combat Tested Gaming (CTG) league, furthering the available mental wellness resources and strategic tech relationships with gaming and VR industry leaders like Healium, Omnic.AI, August Interactive, Alexander PCs and The Realms of Asgard – reinforcing the VFW’s commitment to supporting veteran mental wellness and community engagement through innovative technology and gaming.

Since its launch in 2023, the VFW’s CTG league has cultivated a thriving and supportive community. It offers not just organized gameplay, but also a competitive and welcoming Discord, providing a space among those who have served and are seeking camaraderie through shared interests. These collaborations mark a significant step forward in the VFW’s mission to provide veterans with modern tools and platforms that foster connection, healing and purpose.

“Leveraging these new relationships helps ensure Combat Testing Gaming can continue to foster a strong, welcoming virtual community that meets veterans where they are,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “This expansion represents a powerful convergence of technology, community and purpose, and by embracing innovation and supporting veteran-owned businesses, we’re creating new pathways for healing, connection and growth for our members.”

Together with Healium, VFW members will gain access to immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences designed to reduce stress and promote mental wellness. Healium’s VR suite will be showcased at the 126th VFW National Convention, Aug. 9-13 in Columbus, Ohio, and made available at VFW Headquarters in Kansas City. Local VFW Posts will be encouraged to integrate Healium’s tools into their wellness programming, offering members a cutting-edge resource for managing anxiety and improving emotional resilience.

“It’s hard to heal what you can’t see,” said Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium. “That’s why we’re honored to team up with VFWs across the country – so more veterans can visualize their feelings and learn to self-regulate their mental well-being. Healium gives users a window into their brainwaves and heart rate, helping them build resilience through immersive, biofeedback-powered experiences.”

The VFW’s collaboration with Omnic.AI introduces artificial intelligence-driven tools to enhance the veteran gaming experience. Omnic.AI’s technology continuously evaluates the real-time gameplay of competitors and provides personalized feedback to help improve their performance in future matches, making gameplay ultimately more enjoyable and thus benefiting the gamers’ mental health.

Shubber Ali, CEO of Omnic.AI, is enthusiastic about this relationship. “As a veteran-founded company, we believe it is our responsibility to support the work of the VFW and CTG, and it is a privilege for us to be able to be part of these competitive gaming events. By giving players the ability to continuously improve and learn, we believe Omnic will improve the overall gaming experience and foster further teamwork, collaboration, and ultimately enjoyment amongst the veteran gaming community. The job of Omnic’s AI coach is to help players to learn and improve but is much friendlier than my drill sergeant ever was.”

In working with August Interactive, the VFW will promote participation in the Gamers and Guardians initiative and the Military Esports League (MEL). These programs offer veterans opportunities to connect through competitive gaming, livestream events and community engagement. VFW members will be featured in weekly streams and tournaments, fostering camaraderie and purpose through shared digital experiences.

Kristin Wood, CEO of August Interactive, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “We’re deeply honored to work with the VFW to bring veterans the opportunity to engage in gaming and esports. At August Interactive, we believe gaming is not only a source of entertainment but also a way to foster community, teamwork and support for those who have served.”

The VFW is also proud to team up with Alexander PCs, a veteran-owned company specializing in high-performance gaming and productivity computers. This collaboration ensures VFW members have access to reliable, custom-built systems designed for gaming, streaming and professional use – all backed by lifetime warranty and support. Together, we’re empowering veterans with the tools they need to succeed in both virtual and real-world environments.

In a powerful step forward to build connection, healing and purpose, the Combat Tested Gaming’s collaboration with The Realms of Asgard (TROA), a mythologically inspired digital universe dedicated to creating safe, inclusive communities for those who need it most, aligns the VFW with a platform that is a mission-driven movement committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

“The Realms of Asgard was built to be more than just a world to play in – it’s a world where warriors of all kinds can find peace, purpose and people who truly understand,” said Icey, founder of TROA. “By joining forces with the VFW and Combat Tested Gaming, we’re reinforcing our promise to create a haven for veterans and players alike – where mental health isn’t hidden, it’s honored, and stories are shared without fear.”

This comprehensive expansion underscores the VFW’s commitment to providing meaningful engagement and vital resources to military and veteran gamers. To learn more about Combat Tested Gaming or sign up for any of the new league, VR and gameplay opportunities, visit vfw.org/Gaming.

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About August Interactive: August Interactive is an AI gaming and esports company focused on creating innovative platforms and experiences that bring people together. Through its cutting-edge technology and passion for gaming, August Interactive is redefining the role of gaming in fostering community and connection.

About Healium: Healium transforms biometric data from any wearable-like EEG or heart rate-into immersive, emotionally responsive stories to reduce anxiety or boost mood in just 4 minutes. Backed by 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium biofeedback experiences are already generating real impact at VA Hospitals, with the US military, and some of the world’s top health and wellness brands. tryhealium.com

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Grunt Style Foundation have joined forces in an extraordinary partnership, delivering over 100 tons of critical relief to flood-ravaged communities across Central Texas. From Kerrville to Hunt, Comfort to San Saba, and Marble Falls to San Angelo, veterans once again led from the front – this time, not in combat, but in compassion.

When historic flooding struck the region, it was veterans who activated the engagement. Mobilizing VFW Posts in each affected area, the coalition launched a coordinated effort to move massive quantities of food, water, clothing, bedding, and search-and-rescue essentials to local communities who had lost everything.

“This was veterans doing what they do best – rallying to the mission and getting the job done,” said Tim Jensen, Chairman of the Grunt Style Foundation and Marine Corps veteran. “We didn’t wait for permission. We just got to work.”

The relief operation – unfolding in real time – saw an impressive logistics network built virtually overnight. From securing supplies to coordinating trucks, warehouses, and local volunteers, the partnership demonstrated what veteran-led community service looks like when purpose meets action.

VFW National Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt stated, “This response effort is the blueprint for how VFW Posts across the country can respond to future disasters. It’s not just about service – it’s about relevance. Our GWOT veterans want to serve again. This gives them that opportunity.”

The sentiment of the VFW Commander in Chief was echoed by Texas VFW Chief of Staff, Greg Brannan and lead disaster coordinator for the Texas VFW. “I am incredibly proud of our partnership with the Texas VFW and the Grunt Style Foundation, which proved vital in delivering rapid and effective disaster relief. The speed and precision our team demonstrated ensured that critical supplies reached veterans, their families, and the communities most in need without delay. This collaborative effort showcased not only our shared commitment but also our ability to act decisively when it matters most.

The Central Texas response is more than a victory in crisis relief – it’s the birth of a new operational model. One that fuses veteran experience with community needs. One that inspires younger generations of post-9/11 veterans to re-engage with VFW Posts by giving them purpose, mission, and leadership roles.

As the waters recede, the work continues – clearing debris, rebuilding homes, restoring hope. And this partnership isn’t going anywhere. Plans are already underway to formalize the model for use nationwide during future emergencies.

Because when disaster strikes, America’s veterans don’t retreat – they engage.

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About Grunt Style Foundation:
The Grunt Style Foundation is dedicated to the mental and physical wellness of our veterans, service members, and their families. Through community partnerships and direct aid, the Foundation provides rapid support and long-term solutions for those who’ve served.

In September, members of VFW Post 9202 in Germantown, Wisconsin, and its Auxiliary will come together for their fourth annual golf tournament.

First started by Auxiliary member Leah Weber to honor her father, who is a member of VFW Post 9202, the tournament hopes to raise funds for local charities, the local police department, the local K-9 unit and any local veterans in need of assistance.

“It began as a way to support my dad and the Post,” Weber said.

Over the past three tournaments, the Post has raised more than $41,000, with last year’s tournament having raised some $18,000 alone. For this year’s tournament, the Post had to create a waiting list.

Weber and local professional golfer David Labinski run the tournament each year. With 36 teams and 144 individual golfers, plus live music, Weber is excited for this year’s tournament, which is being held at Dretzka Park in Milwaukee.

The tournament is open to the public, and about 15-20 members of the Post participate each year. Prior to the “shotgun start” of the tournament, the national anthem is sung with a color guard present.

“I love watching everyone come together to support the vets,” Weber said. “We have so much going on out in the course, everyone’s having a good time, there’s no bad part to the day.”

The tournament also will feature other games and activities, as well as raffle items. The Post expects the tournament to be even bigger next year.

This article is featured in the 2025 July 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.

When deadly flash floods swept across parts of Texas in early July, VFW Post 12235 in Salado stepped up to collect donations for those hit hardest.

In just a few days, Post 12235 members, with support from the Salado community, collected over $10,000 worth of food, supplies, and clothing for flood victims in Kerrville, about four hours away.

“This is part of our duties as VFW members,” Post 12235 Commander Minnie Whitzel said. “To take action and assist people in times of need. I hope they were able to utilize everything that was needed.”

Post 12235 members advertised their need for supplies on their Facebook page. With four members splitting shifts on Sunday and Monday, the Post collected water, diapers, non-perishable food, wipes, blankets, pillows, clothing for men, women and children, batteries (all sizes), toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, trash bags, pet food, disposable plates, bowls and silverware, first aid items and $2,290 in Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Visa Cards.

“It was amazing how fast the people in the Village of Salado responded to our request,” Whitzel said. “They even thanked us for putting it together so fast. Seeing so many come out even in the rain on Sunday afternoon was humbling.”

This article is featured in the 2025 July 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.

In anticipation of the 2025 VFW National Convention in August in Columbus, Ohio, the VFW and Humana are continuing the Uniting to Combat Hunger (UTCH) program which has provided more than 5.6 million meals for food-insecure families since 2018.

Last year, at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, volunteers participated in a UTCH seed-packing event aimed at helping families affected by food insecurity. Those seeds were sent across the country to distributors that provide healthy and fresh produce for those in need.

As part of the initiative to address the issue, volunteers packed 4,000 seed packets that were distributed to VFW Posts, Auxiliaries and community gardens. A partnership with the Society of Saint Andrew, a Virginia-based non-profit that provides hunger relief to communities in the U.S., has yielded about 72,000 pounds, or nearly 2.9 million servings of fresh produce, for communities in need.

VFW’s partnership with Humana has garnered more than 5.6 million meals for families in the United States. In 2024, 158 VFW Posts and Auxiliaries in 41 states participated. VFW Foundation Director of Donor Relations Richard Freiburghouse said that the UTCH campaign exhibits VFW’s commitment to serving veterans and their communities, as well as addressing one of the most pressing issues facing many veterans.

“The core goals of the Uniting to Combat Hunger program are to alleviate food insecurity in communities around the country and engage with VFW members participating in meaningful service projects,” Freiburghouse said. “By leveraging our networks and resources, VFW Posts can make a significant impact, often involving veterans and their families in these efforts.”

For this year’s UTCH campaign, VFW and Humana partnered with Volunteers of America. The program focused on helping homeless veterans overcome food insecurity.

Tracy Nolan, senior vice president of Humana MarketPoint, said the health care insurance company and VFW have a long-standing commitment to veterans, service members and their families.

“Food insecurity and homelessness are both serious risks for suicide and other health issues,” said Nolan, who was a guest speaker at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville. “We continue our collaboration with the VFW on the Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign to ensure our nation’s veterans have access to healthy foods and resources that can help decrease the risk of common health problems – both physical and mental.”

According to Feeding America, 1-in-9 working-age veterans are food insecure. The organization also claims that about 1-in-4 active-duty service members were food insecure in 2020, and about 1.2 million low-income veterans use the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As of 2021, 12.8 percent of U.S. households were considered food insecure, according to the Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the Uniting to Combat Hunger initiative, visit https://www.vfw.org/UTCH.

This article is featured in the 2025 July 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.

On July 5, VFW Post 2205 in Denton, Texas, hosted a “Call of Duty: Warzone” tournament at their state-of-the-art esports’ suite, which includes high-speed internet connections, noise-canceling insulation and 10 NCAA-level gaming computers.

This is the first gaming tournament the Post has held since the suite’s grand opening on April 23. Excerebus, a veteran-founded company based in Fort Worth, Texas, sponsored the tournament, which Regiment Gaming hosted.

A total of $1,000, plus a free year of VFW Membership, was included in the tournament’s prize pot: $750 went to the first-place winner, $250 to the second-place winner and the VFW membership to the third-place winner (if eligible).

“Gaming helps veterans with ‘socialization’- one of the Army’s five pillars of resilience,” said VFW Post 2205 Commander Tim Middleton. “Video games are a high preventer of suicide for veterans.”

Middleton added that gaming can serve as a way for veterans to connect more easily in today’s world.

“It can be harder for guys to get together in person for a beer,” he said. “Gaming can help fill that gap when getting together in person isn’t an option.”

VFW Director of Programs Lynn Rolf III, founder of VFW’s gaming league Combat-Tested Gaming, had high praise for Post 2205.

“[Post 2205] is the model of what we’re trying to accomplish with Combat-Tested Gaming,” Rolf III said.

The VFW hopes to reach younger members with programs such as Combat-Tested Gaming and to help bring comradery to those struggling veterans who might benefit from it.

This article is featured in the 2025 July 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.

VFW magazine continues its “Destination Post Series.” The series features 125 Posts located in sought-after tourist destinations. Featured VFW Posts make a real difference in the communities in which the Posts are located.

This month’s segment takes VFW magazine readers to Denver, the Mile High City, where VFW Post 1, the oldest VFW charter in the world, has been at the heart of its eclectic art scene for more than a decade.

Located in Denver’s vibrant Santa Fe Art District, VFW Post 1 attracts thousands of visitors on the first Friday of each month during First Friday Art Walks, a signature event that offers a chance for veterans and civilians to connect over art.

“First Friday is what appealed to Post leadership in 2014 to buy what was then a run-down building,” said Jesse Eastburn, current VFW Post 1 Commander and VFW Department of Colorado adjutant. “They saw the potential it had to become what it is today.”

Through its homegrown Veterans Arts Council (VAC), Post 1 uses the monthly event to showcase its members’ unique personalities on studio walls alongside the charter’s rich history, a contrast that creates a timeless depiction of the veteran experience.

“The more the neighborhood grows, the more our part in it grows,” VFW Post 1 Senior Vice Commander David Bigelow said. “Our unique gallery allows veterans to heal invisible wounds through expression while also granting the community access to interact with us and break through the facade of who veterans are and how we live.”

Founded by Jim Stevens, Rod Ford, Darren Schultz, Will Coukoulis, Kelsey Komarek and Eastburn, the VAC is a multifaceted program that, among other things, conducts outreach for veterans, provides mentorship and promotes their art in the community.

“The VAC attracts veterans who might not otherwise know or interact with the VFW, and as a result, it has helped grow our Post 1 membership and community awareness and involvement,” said Stevens, a former Post 1 commander and current VAC director.

‘THE PROGRAM HAS CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF SO MANY LIVES’
Like Stevens, Eastburn has seen VAC blossom over the years. It has drawn national attention from news outlets such as The New York Times and served, most importantly, as a beacon for struggling veterans who have fallen through the cracks.

“Our VAC program is so special,” Eastburn said. “The program has changed the trajectory of so many lives in our veteran community. I’m proud to say I don’t know of one person who has been on our wall that has taken their own life, and I hope we can continue to say that for many years to come. Art saves lives, and it saved this Post.”

After nearly a decade without a Post building and facing the risk of disbandment, members of Post 1 moved into their beige brick home at 841 Santa Fe Drive in 2014 and rode the wave of activity that flooded the Art District each month.

Since then, its membership has grown to more than 1,000 as of 2024, and members such as Stevens, Jerry Rael and Jason Reid have all achieved local and national notoriety for their art.

“First Friday is our most effective recruiting tool, attracting artists who become members (VFW or Auxiliary, depending on eligibility), but also among the 3,000-5,000 visitors who walk in every month,” said John Keene, a former Post 1 and VFW Department of Colorado commander.

“This success has led to our Post hosting VA art competitions, allowing our artists to display and sell their work and hang it in the state capitol.”

The appeal, added Bigelow, is in the novelty that Post 1 presents to the younger generation of veterans.

“We offer a different angle on the veteran engagement through art and embedding ourselves in a city zone not traditionally known for a strong veteran presence,” Bigelow said. “This entices veterans of various age groups and war experiences.”

As a result, Bigelow said the Post often serves as the backdrop for local and state announcements impacting veterans, citing Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s Dec. 19, 2024, address to end veteran homelessness.

“Many other local organizations also use our Post as the location for announcing their veteran-related information to the public,” Stevens said. “All of this has helped raise our awareness in the community, which, in turn, has led to Post 1 becoming a hub for veteran activity and is an often-used referral by other community organizations.”

‘WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO TRY NEW WAYS TO INTERACT’
To cater to this growing visibility and a diverse membership, Post 1 also offers a wide range of programming that supports wellness, creativity and camaraderie.

From yoga classes to Healing Warrior sessions, music instruction and writing workshops, all veterans, regardless of their VFW membership status, are welcome to participate at no cost.

“Speaking from the perspective of the writer’s group, our classes are not only free but also accessible via Zoom for veterans across the country,” VFW Post 1 Jr. Vice Commander Rolando Rodriguez said. “We have built a space that honors tradition and innovation, making it not only a place of belonging for local veterans but also an inviting stop for traveling veterans seeking connection and healing through shared experience.”

This juxtaposition drew Rodriguez to Post 1, which he discovered a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down operations nationwide.

“I couldn’t believe it was a VFW Post,” Rodriguez said. “I saw veteran artists from all walks of life, real community and a sense of welcoming friendship. Getting involved took some time, but doing so felt natural because Post 1 embodies what service after service truly means. It’s a reservoir of tradition, but also a place that embraces new ideas, offering a path forward for veterans to heal, grow and connect through creativity and community.”

For Stevens, one of the oldest tenured life members of Post 1, this is achieved through the membership’s collective willingness to explore opportunities to extend VFW’s reach.

“We are not afraid to try new ways to interact with our veterans and the community,” Stevens said. “Not everything works, but we find things that do, and continuing that effort means we are not stagnated in the past and not afraid of the future.”

“This kind of action reflects the very spirit of the VFW’s founding – a community coming together to demand change in how the government treated veterans after war,” Rodriguez added. “It was a radical move then, and VFW Post 1 continues that legacy today by reimagining what it means to serve.”

As of the publication of this article, Post 1 has been working on an extensive renovation project to expand its reach and build on its success, again aiming for innovation.

“Our future upgrade plans will tie in additional veteran interest, such as small business incubators and a podcast booth,” Bigelow said. “Once in place, these will be open to all veterans for use and, in turn, expand the support offerings to veterans.”

Since VFW Post 1 does not operate under regular business hours, veterans traveling through Denver are encouraged to call in advance when planning their visit. First Friday Art Walks begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until about 10 p.m.

For more information, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VFWPost1.

This Destination Post Series article is featured in the 2025 July/August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez, Jr., associate editor for VFW magazine.

Earlier this month, VFW Post 837 came together to celebrate Victory in Europe Day – the day Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Powers, effectively bringing an end to WWII in Europe.

Although the official date of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day is May 8, the Post held its ceremony on June 3. The Post holds a V-E Day ceremony each year.

“We welcome everyone to our events,” said VFW Post 837 Commander Johnny Vasquez when asked if the ceremony was open to the public.

Olivia Rux, the senior vice commander, organized and planned the V-E Day ceremony. Rux also gave a speech concerning the details of V-E Day during the event.

“[Olivia] always does a great job organizing events,” said Vasquez.

VFW Post 837 also recently held a Flag Day Ceremony, where they invited a little league baseball team to join in on the festivities. “Buddy”® Poppies were handed out to attendees, and each received a complimentary refreshment.

Along with holding events with the local community, the Post also visits nursing homes, helps homeless veterans, provides resources to veterans, holds yard sales and hosts tournaments for pool and bingo, all of which are open to the community.