Strengthening Our Post: A Call for Unity, Purpose, and Progress
A Message from the Commander, VFW Post 4351
July 2025
Good evening, everyone. First, I want to thank each of you for being here tonight and for all that you do for VFW Post 4351. I’m honored—and humbled—to stand before you as the new Commander.
When Kelly and I first walked into this Post about a year ago, we just wanted to play some bingo, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe volunteer here and there. What brought me in wasn’t a title—it was a lifelong passion for helping fellow veterans. I wanted to be part of advocating for veterans—offering help, services, and guidance wherever possible. That’s been close to my heart for a very long time.
Until now, my contributions to the VFW have mostly been financial and not very much. I was always left wanting to do more—and this felt like the right time and place to finally do it. I had zero intention of becoming a Post Commander... but here we are.
I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I’ll always be honest with you. At the same time, I’m thoughtful about how I present my feelings. As I got more involved here, I began to see not just the heart and potential of this Post—but also some challenges holding us back.
At times, I’ve witnessed behaviors—outbursts, division, tension—that don’t reflect the values we swore to uphold. I know we’re all human. We all have bad days. But when those moments push people away, we’re losing more than members—we’re losing our mission.
There were times I walked out thinking it might be for the last time. And honestly, for a while, I didn’t think it would matter—who would notice me and Kelly walking out? But we stayed, with the hope of making a difference.
I’ve seen others come in...and walk out, never to return. I’ve spoken to some who did so long before I ever arrived. I don’t know how many have left—but I do know: we can’t afford to lose more.
For some, maybe the numbers don’t matter. But they matter to me—not to meet goals from District, Department or National, but because every person we keep engaged strengthens our ability to serve. The more people we have, the more we can do—for our veterans, for this community, for each other. And yes, we should be able to have fun together also.
I came here to help and heal veterans in need—but I’ve come to realize, we must first help and heal this Post in order to keep that mission alive.
Let me remind us all what we stand for. The first line of the VFW Mission states:
"Foster camaraderie among United States veterans.”
That means making sure no one here ever feels alone.
Here are a few more of our core values:
• "Always put the interests of our members first.”
• "Promote a positive image of the VFW.”
• "Respect the diversity of veteran opinions.”
That last one means respecting each other’s views—a basic freedom many of us fought to protect. I ask that we let that guide us every time we walk through these doors, take to social media, or go about our daily lives.
These aren’t just words—they’re the standard we should measure ourselves against. And if we fall short, let’s commit to doing better.
There’s something we already do well—but must never stop improving:
• "To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”
That’s the remainder of the VFW Mission statement. It’s who we are.
Everyone in this room is part of the Post. The Auxiliary doesn’t exist without the Post—and the Post doesn’t THRIVE without the Auxiliary. I’ve heard that before, and it’s absolutely true.
So, let’s make this our shared commitment—to each other, to this Post, and to our mission. Let’s lift each other up, create a welcoming space, and move forward—together.
Because when we present a united front, there is no limit to what Post 4351 can accomplish—for our veterans, our families, and our community.
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