Reflections From Boise: A Weekend of Unity, Purpose, and Momentum

I just recently returned from the Western Conference Meeting in Boise, Idaho, and I’m still carrying the energy from the weekend. The Riverside Hotel made it easy to settle in, connect with friends, and focus on the work ahead. The staff, the atmosphere, and the setting created the right space for real conversations about who we are as the VFW and where we want to go.

I met members from across the West who showed up ready to engage. They brought questions, ideas, and honest feedback. That is exactly what strengthens our organization.

The West is in a good place, and this past weekend made that very clear.

The First-Ever Western Conference Town Hall

Candidates for Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief, including Paul Herrera, participated in the first-ever Western Conference Town Hall in Boise, Idaho, hosted by Comrade Joshua Schreck. The panel answered questions submitted by members across the Western Conference.

This was the highlight for me.

All candidates for Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief were invited to take part in the first Town Hall of its kind at the Western Conference. Members submitted questions. We answered them directly. No scripts. No guarded talking points. Just open dialogue.

I knew going in that it could be unpredictable. That was the point.

Members asked about leadership, communication, the future of membership, care for veterans, and how we build an organization that welcomes every generation. It was the kind of conversation that makes you grateful to be part of a group that still believes in straight talk.

The best part?

A few members from the Eastern Conference reached out afterward. They want to try something similar. When good ideas travel, the whole organization benefits.

Key Takeaways From the Weekend

These are the moments that stuck with me. Each one shaped how I see the future of the VFW.

1. Members want consistent communication tools across the organization. 

You want clear answers to real questions. You want direct engagement from national leaders and candidates. You want less guessing and more clarity. The Town Hall demonstrated what happens when we open the door fully, rather than just a few inches. I believe this format can grow into a standard practice.

2. Mentorship came up again and again.

New Post officers want guidance. Long-time leaders want help building succession plans. Members want training that doesn’t feel like trial by fire. I heard this from rural Posts, urban Posts, and mid-size communities in between. The message was simple: we all do better when we help the next leader prepare, not struggle alone.

3. Departments want to work together more.

Shared challenges came up everywhere:

• Recruiting

• Better communication

• Stronger training

• Outreach to younger veterans

There is room for more collaboration across state lines. Many members told me they feel encouraged when they know another Department solved a problem they are facing right now. We should be sharing those successes openly.

4. Service must stay at the center of all we do.

This came from multiple delegates in different ways. When we focus on service, respect grows. When we support each other, the work becomes easier. When we listen, we learn. The weekend was a reminder that our strength always comes back to service over ego.

A Close and Meaningful Election

The race for Western Conference Vice Chair between Jim Haddox and Joshua Schreck was incredibly close. Jim won by five delegate votes. Five votes. You don’t see races that close very often.

Both Comrades would have served the Conference well. Both are committed to the mission. Both care deeply about the members. There was no bad outcome; only two good leaders who were both willing to step up.

I’m proud of the example they set. Healthy competition shows the strength of the West.

A Weekend That Reinforced My Purpose

I left Boise feeling grateful.

Grateful for the conversations.

Grateful for the honesty.

Grateful for the trust.

This run for Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief isn’t about a title. It’s about helping shape the future of an organization that has shaped all of us. The people I met in Idaho reminded me why the work matters and why staying focused on service, respect, and unity will always matter.

There were small moments that meant a lot.

A quick chat during breakfast.

A quiet comment in the hallway.

A laugh about travel issues.

A thank-you from a member who wanted to be heard.

Those moments stay with me longer than anything on the schedule.

The West showed up with purpose this weekend. You could feel it. You could hear it. You could see it in the way people treated each other. The culture we are building is strong, and Boise was a clear sign that we are headed in the right direction.

Where We Go From Here

I’m taking a few personal lessons home from the weekend.

• Keep listening.

• Keep showing up.

• Keep talking with members one-on-one.

• Keep building systems that help the next generation lead.

Leadership isn’t complicated. It’s rooted in simple actions that you repeat day after day. Idaho reminded me of that.

I’m thankful to everyone who spent time with me during the conference. If you attended the Town Hall, stopped to share your thoughts, or simply took a moment to shake hands, it mattered. These relationships shape how we move forward.

Your Turn

I’d love to hear your takeaways.

If you were in Boise, what stood out to you?

What conversations stayed with you?

What issues should we elevate as we look toward 2026?

Reach out anytime.

I’m always open to questions and always ready to listen.

The West is strong.

The future is bright.

And I’m honored to walk this road with you.