Aug 3, 2021
ant is a present reminder that this pandemic is not quite over. Nevertheless, we must press on with life and continue to get after business even if we've got to make adjustments in the way we do things. The VFW's 2021 National Convention is proof that our organization can and will make things happen.
During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with the three leaders guiding the VFW through this time of transition. First, he speaks to the Adjutant General of the VFW, Kevin Jones, to learn about the tough decisions and hard work that brought about this year's business-only convention. Then the VFW's outgoing Commander-In-Chief Hal Roesch looks back at this year in the chair, and finally he introduces us to the VFW's incoming Commander-In-Chief, Fritz Mihelcic to understand his priorities and vision for this next year.
Kevin Jones, VFW Adjutant General —
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Kevin shares his Air Force service story. [2:47]
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Looking back at the 2020s VFW virtual convention and ahead to the 2021s business-only convention. [5:55]
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Kevin gives an audible tour of the logistics and safety protocols of the VFW convention. [14:33]
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The VFW gave everything they had during the difficult time during COVID. [19:53]
Hal Roesch, Outgoing Commander-in-Chief, VFW —
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In the Air Force, Hal was part of the most successful US military campaign, Desert Shield/Desert Storm. [24:05]
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How Hal became a member of the VFW during his active-duty service. [29:24]
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The fellowship and benefit of a VFW membership at the Post level. [33:35]
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A pandemic, the end of a war, and racial strife, how Hal led the VFW during the difficult days. [39:58]
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What veterans and community members need to keep in mind during the political process. [45:42]
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Hal speaks his final comments for the VFW organization. [54:49]
Fritz Mihelcic, VFW Commander-In-Chief—
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Born in Germany, Fritz started his service story in the National Guard because he is proud to serve this country. [1:00:31]
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The future of the VFW is to make the world a better place for all military generations. [1:05:47]
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Fritz traveled physically and virtually to perform as much member outreach as possible as Vice Commander during 2020. [1:12:24]
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How to leverage social media to tell the VFW story. [1:16:05]
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To break the cycle of PTSD, a service dog named Mama is Fritz’s partner. [1:25:31]
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The time is now to focus on veterans’ service and legislation. [1:32:44]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program