Comrades:

We’re quickly heading into the home stretch of the 2015 – 2016 year. We have seen some very good results from working core programs and keeping to the VFW mission.

This year we had outstanding participation in the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy programs, with one of our participants advancing to state. It was a genuinely proud moment for all who attended the 7th District awards presentation, especially for the parents and teachers of these remarkable young students. The theme for the 2016 – 2017 PP/VOD competition is now available at vfw.org. Get started early. Young people are the future of this country and from I saw this year, it looks bright.

Thanks to the legislative efforts of the VFW there has been some success on Capitol Hill this year, but we’re far from where we should be in terms of Veteran’s interests. We need “numbers” for Veterans to be a force in Washington and at the State Capitol. There isn’t a politician, anywhere, who won’t say that they’re thankful for the military and the freedom it provides, but the proof is reflected in their votes.

At this moment 7th District leads the state with 129 new members. We’re second in the state in membership percentage. Fantastic job! A lot of our new members are young Veterans who came to us looking for camaraderie. Most have a burning desire, and the energy, to perform the all-important mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If we’re not welcoming and mentoring these new members, we’re not keeping to our mission.

Vets. Families. Community. That is our mission. Keep beating that VFW drum Comrades!

Glen Bumpus District 7 Commander