Carrying the Mission of Veteran Service Into a New Year

As the holiday season settles in, I find myself reflecting on the wide range of emotions this time of year brings to our veteran community. For many, it is a season of connection, family, and gratitude. For others, it is quieter and more complicated, shaped by memories that don’t always fade with the calendar. That contrast is familiar to those who have served, and it reminds me why unity and fellowship matter so much as we move toward a new year.

Laying a Christmas wreath for Henry Clay Allen, a Civil War combat veteran, buried near the mouth of Silver Creek and the White River on U.S. Forest Service land near Crystal Mountain.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to see the strength of the VFW at every level. From local Posts supporting their communities to national efforts focused on advocacy and veterans services, our members continue to show up with commitment and purpose. The work is not always easy, but it remains deeply meaningful because it is rooted in service to one another.

One area that stands out is the growing focus on mental health and connection. Many veterans carry challenges that are not immediately visible, and the holidays can make those struggles feel heavier. I am encouraged by the way our organization continues to expand resources, awareness, and support, ensuring that no veteran feels isolated or overlooked. This reflects who we are and what the VFW has always stood for.

Throughout the year, I’ve also been reminded of the importance of camaraderie. Whether through Post meetings, volunteer efforts, or simple conversations between comrades, these moments reinforce a truth we all know well: we are stronger together. Those bonds, built through shared experience and mutual respect, are often what sustain us through difficult seasons.

As we look ahead to the new year, I see opportunity. The needs of veterans continue to evolve, and so must we. Expanding outreach, strengthening programs, and developing future leaders within our organization are all essential to carrying our mission forward. The challenges are real, but so is our capacity to meet them with care, resolve, and integrity.

Most of all, the new year is a reminder that the strength of the VFW lies in its people. Programs and initiatives matter, but it is the dedication of our members that gives them life. By continuing to support one another and remain engaged, we ensure that the VFW remains relevant, trusted, and strong.

To my fellow veterans and VFW members, thank you for what you do every day. Your service, whether public or quiet, shapes this organization and the communities we serve. As we move into the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of service and camaraderie that defines us and remain committed to standing together, no matter the season.