Graduations and Installations
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
A very fitting quote from the former First Lady for a season of graduations ceremonies, Post and District elections, and installation ceremonies. All of which can make for some pretty busy weekends, juggling our obligations to our friends and family with our obligations to our comrades and VFW families.Which reminds me of the time I was instituting the Max W Donahue VFW Post 12230 in Castle Rock, and the "warning" that I issued to candidates before they took their member obligation. For some in attendance, they probably noticed the pause I took myself, as the contrast between what is expected of the members and of the officers really struck a cord with me at that moment.
My Installation
Member Obligation (a warning)
Comrades, you have expressed the desire
to be enrolled in our ranks, but before being admitted to
membership you will be required to take a solemn obligation,
one which will not conflict with any duty you owe your country
or your family. Knowing this, are you willing to become
members of this order?
While the warning is a heads up before entering into a solemn obligation, it was the portion I highlighted in bold that stood out at that moment. It has been many years since I first recited the member obligation, but I have taken the officer's obligation many times since. And not once do I recall being advised that my duties as an officer would not conflict with any duty I owe to my family.
It is because no such warning exists (and I've scoured the bylaws and manual of procedure to double check).
But this warning rings true. I often tell prospective members that we will be grateful for as much or as little time they can donate to our organization. All I ask, in the beginning, is for them to lend us their voice which we will carry with us to Washington, DC, as we advocate for them and their families. As we seek out younger members I make sure to emphasize that we understand that family comes first and we don't expect them to attend every meeting or volunteer for every event or community service project.
However, as an elected or appointed officer at the Post, District, and Department level, I have always felt just the opposite. In some instances, attendance is a part of the job; like Post Commanders are to preside over all meetings and attend all District Conventions and meetings. But I also believe the only way to lead by example is to be there as an example.
When Duty Calls
Although I am no longer the youngest member in the room, by far, there can still be tension between serving as an officer and my personal life. I went through the chairs while my daughter was in middle and high school and my wife often stayed home with her while I handled my VFW business. This meant a lot of hours, alone in the car, as I visited far away districts, attended Western Conferences, and traveled to many National Conventions.
Now, as I begin traveling for my campaign to become the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief designee for the Western Conference, I find myself planning a lot of solo trips again.
Not because my wife isn't interested in traveling around the beautiful western United States, but because she knows I'm not doing this to be a tourist. She understands that when I'm conduction the business of the VFW I am focused. Also, the pace of the campaign will be intense due to so many conventions happening simultaneously, which doesn't leave a lot of time for sightseeing even if I was so inclined.
The Future
Elenor Roosevelt's words of wisdom, spoken nearly a century ago and quoted at many commencement speeches since, also give me hope that my dreams for the future of the VFW are achievable and shared by others. Just as new graduates head out into the world to make their mark, many new VFW Commanders are about to begin their journey as leaders in this great organization.
My hope is that VFW Posts across the world will continue to be hubs of their communities. Likewise, I hope that our membership continues to grow so that our voice on Capitol Hill remains strong.
However, to accomplish both of those things we need to update our image, and break the stereotype that we are nothing more than a local watering hole for veterans or we are a legacy VSO that is stuck in the past. While I believe there is still a time and a place for tradition, we also need to innovate and make ourselves relevant to the lives of the Post 9/11 veteran.
My campaign is built on that premise and I have the mindset, the skillset, and a plan of action to accomplish this. There are many examples throughout my blog and website, but here are just a few:
incorporate sound business practices in our recruiting and retention efforts, and run our Posts more like franchises where every Post is "independently owned and operated" but receives consistent training and support from their Departments.
offer failing Posts with property a new mission by helping to convert existing infrastructure into affordable veteran housing, providing a reliable revenue stream while helping our most vulnerable comrades.
rebrand VFW Posts with canteens from a place that sells cheap beer into an establishment that provides fine whiskey (and cigars, where allowed), by hosting tasting events and other fundraisers in partnership with military themed brands and organizations.
utilize the resolution process to engage in issues that energize younger veterans, such as supporting open primaries in states that shut independent veterans out of the electoral system, or supporting the Mustangs for Veterans Act to train veterans to manage wild and free-roaming horses and burros on Federal lands, etc.
Your Support
If you like what you hear and are inclined to support my efforts, please consider making a donation to my campaign. To increase your impact, please share this blog post and/or my campaign website with your friends and family. A strong VFW will ensure veterans, their family members, and survivors will continue to receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.
Semper Fi, John
