Department of Massachusetts VFW Communications #3
Vietnam Veteran Elected VFW National Commander 
Ending sequestration will remain a top priority under new leadership

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 26, 2017) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States concluded its 118th National Convention today with the election of Keith Harman of Delphos, Ohio, as its new national commander.Harman served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, including service in Vietnam as a crew chief and door gunner on Huey helicopters. 
During his acceptance speech, he spoke highly of the nearly 1.7 million members of VFW and its Auxiliary, citing the members’ camaraderie as the driving force to the success of the organization. “Every member of our organization has walked the talk, and every member of our great Auxiliary has lived the fear of having a loved one downrange. I believe in what the VFW stands for — to take care of veterans, service members and their families — and I am proud to be a part of it, and honored to lead it,” the new national commander told the crowd. 
Harman has been a member of the VFW for 34 years, belonging to VFW Post 3035 in Delphos, Ohio. He has served in elected and appointed positions at Post, District and Department (state) levels, and achieved All-American status during his year as commander of the VFW Department of Ohio in 2004. 
Throughout his remarks, he stressed the importance of the VFW’s work to those it serves, and praised today’s service members’ resolve and dedication. “Sixteen years ago, no one would have thought it possible for America to fight a nonstop, two-front war for so long without restarting the draft, but we have — they have — and they continue to do so magnificently, which is a testament not only to their patriotism but also to their character,” he said. 
The national commander also discussed his recent fact-finding trip to Southeast Asia. It was his first return to Vietnam after ending his military service there 49 years prior. He noted the dedication and commitment to America’s Full Accounting Mission of those associated with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and reiterated the VFW’s commitment to the program. 
With the demand, “Sequestration must end!”, Keith made clear during his remarks ending sequestration will again top the VFW legislative agenda for his term as national commander. 
He will lead the organization under the theme Service not Self. “Those three words represent the life I’ve led for more than four decades,” he explained.
During his tenure as national commander, Harman will log thousands of miles across the U.S. and abroad to promote veterans’ issues and advocate for better quality of life programs for all veterans, service members and their families. 
Also elected were Senior Vice Commander Vincent “B.J.” Lawrence, of Alamogordo, N.M., and Junior Vice Commander William J. “Doc” Schmitz of Corning, N.Y.

VFW In Review 2017
All-American Commanders Selected
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 18, 2017) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is pleased to announced the following post and district commanders who have achieved All-American status.  These posts and districts selected are just one of only 279 Post and 64 District commanders worldwide to earn the title of All-American Commander. To achieve this honor, commanders must meet strict requirements in their role to include exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and strong support of VFW core programs.   “The All-American Commanders have attained this coveted title through outstanding achievements in membership growth and participation in VFW programs,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “They are a fine example of VFW leadership. Their hard work and dedication to the mission and values of our organization has rightly earned them this great honor.”

DISTRICTS:

DIstrict 5 & 9

POSTS:
529 Somerville
996 North Adams
1399 Weymouth
3402 Franklin
3104 South Hadley
3236 Ludlow
3264 Manifeld 


Massachusetts Scout takes 3rd Place Nationally 


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 19, 2017)  – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is proud to announce the selection of the top three winners of its 2016 - 2017 Scout of the Year scholarship competition.  Enacted in 2001, the Scout of the Year competition was designed to reward eligible members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturing Crew or Sea Scouts who have risen above their peers in exemplifying standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country.


Sponsored by VFW Post 7239 in Acushnet, Mass., Anthony Perry was selected as the third-place winner for his reputation as a leader and his giving back to the community through scouting. During his time as a Boy Scout, Anthony has focused on providing peer support, being a strong leader and participating in several flag retirement ceremonies. Anthony will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

 

Read more about the VFW’s Scout of the Year program.

 


 

The Department of MA will like to welcome Bill LeBeau to the Hqs staff as our newly appointed State Adjutant.  Bill LeBeau is the Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale, MA. He earned his eligbilty in the VFW during his 8 years in the US Army Reserves as a military police officer in the 344th MP Company. He deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November 1990 until it's completion in May 1991. During Desert Storm his unit was assigned to the 503rd MP Battalion out of Fort Bragg to assist with capturing and transporting POWs. Bill has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, over 30 years of public safety experience, and is a former safety director for a large Massachusetts Trucking Company. Bill has served on the board of directors for Project New Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit helping veterans since 2012, and more recently as Treasurer since 2014. Bill has four children and three grandchildren.


Testimonial Dinner 

Please Join us for State Commander Eric Segundo's Testimonial Dinner 

on Saturday, September 16th, 2017

Cocktails 5:30 PM Dinner 6:00 PM

Doubletree by Hilton Leominster | 99 Erdman Way

Leominster, Massachusetts


$42 Per Person 

Teriyaki Tenderloin Tips or Bake Haddock w/Ritz Cracker Crumb

Rice Pilaf, Maple Glazed Carrots

NY Style Cheesecake w/Strawberries

Live Entertainment


RSVP by September 1st to 617-816-6870 or rsvp@vfwma.org

For Tickets  order online 

or Mail check to: 

George Murray 

96 Fuller Street #27

Ludlow, MA 01056

Make checks payable to

VFW Post 3236

Please Indicate your Meal Selection

  Order Banquet Tickets

For Hotel Reservations (click below)
use code VFW for special rate


Post Service Officers Training
September 16th 2017
10AM-2PM
Doubletree Leominster
This training is open to any member
in good standings
This training is Manditory for 
Post Service Officers
Please RSVP to esegundo@vfwma.org
or call the Department Hqs at 617-727-2612


VFW & Auxiliary Officers Reception
Sunday September 17, 2017
Doubletree by  Hilton Leominster
To be held directly after the Council of Administration meeting starting at 12 noon