There are moments when leadership is measured by plans, meetings, and decisions. Then there are moments when none of those things matter nearly as much as simply showing up. Recently, Department of Washington Adjutant Joe Wright and I traveled to the Spokane area to see firsthand the devastation caused by the wildfires and, more importantly, to understand what our VFW Posts and members needed as they worked to support their communities. We went there to assess. We left reminded of what...

One of the great privileges of traveling is the opportunity to see how many people dedicate their lives to serving veterans. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Pacific Northwest Veterans Conference at Pierce College in Steilacoom. Walking through the conference, one thing became immediately clear. No one serves veterans alone. The room was filled with organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and volunteers, each bringing something unique to the table. Some focus on...

On America's 250th anniversary, a quiet evening beneath trees that have stood since before our nation's founding became a reminder that every generation inherits a legacy it did not create. Whether serving our country or leading the VFW, our responsibility is the same: leave it stronger than we found it.