VFW Senior Vice Commanders from across the world converged on the Kansas City Airport Marriott on April 10-13, 2025 for three days of training and team building. Here are ten things I learned from the event.
- Slack (free) can have multiple workspaces, including a free one (for state-level groups). The Whitmore’s Warriors Slack Workplace has been valuable for team communications across the VFW. Hopefully we can duplicate the success of the national digital team with a VFWCT workspace.
- Lead by example and the importance of esprit de corps. Within the leadership presentation by Adjutant General Dan West, he reminded the room of prior-service comrades of a number of leadership qualities: esprit de corps; lead by example; clear communications; shared goals and acknowledge team achievements. How am I incorporating these successful traits?: adding a second summer meeting/social event; crafting, three catchy commander’s priority goals; launching a Slack workspace for the COA and committees; working on state-level recruiting events and staffing them, planning events months in advance, and promoting social opportunities.
- Send assets to struggling posts. Instead of waiting for posts to fail, have a pre-arranged mechanism to lend material and instructional support. In some units, they have Tiger Teams; however, a Post Intervention Team (PIT) of past department commanders or similar may be helpful.
- VFW State Specific Fact Sheet. The VFW National has a fact sheet they distribute and update regularly. Consider creating a VFW Connecticut Fact Sheet to raise awareness of the value of the VFW in the state.
- PAO and holding statements. Anticipate crisis and be proactive in preparing. Develop key messages that redirect to the VFW mission. Do not speculate! Do not respond with “no comment” as it breeds mistrust. Use, “does not align with our core values.” Acknowledge the issue and you are looking into it–follow up and get contact info and deadline. Remember, there is zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination in the VFW.
- Prepare letters for administrative actions. Go into adverse situations with authority otherwise Department Officers may be asked to “vacate the property.”
- Sec. 211-Suspension and Revocation of Charter. Have a Special Order template available and tailor it to the specific situation. Have printed copy in hand for any visits by the administrative committee.
- Sec. 710 – Inspection. The District Inspector shall ensure that each Post in the District is inspected in accordance with the Department Bylaws or as directed by the Department Commander. “All books, papers, accounts, records and proceedings pertaining to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall be subject to inspection at all times.” Have a directed inspection template ready and tailor it to the specific situation and appoint a designated team to intervene.
