VFW Press Releases

1. Happy 78th Birthday to the United States Air Force

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Sept. 18, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will proudly celebrate the 78th birthday of the United States Air Force. The VFW recognizes the generations of Airmen who have bravely answered the call to serve, shaping a legacy of air and space superiority that has kept America safe.

   Since its establishment as a separate branch in 1947, the brave men and women of the Air Force have been at the forefront of aviation and space innovation, playing an indispensable role in the defense of our nation and the protection of global freedoms.

   For nearly eight decades, Airmen have demonstrated unwavering professionalism, skill and courage across every theater of conflict and in every mission. They have not only dominated the skies but also provided critical intelligence, logistical support and rapid global mobility that are essential to the success of all U.S. military operations.

   As the Air Force continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of technology and strategy, its mission remains as vital as ever. The VFW stands with our airmen, past and present, honoring their dedication to safeguarding our nation's interests and maintaining peace. The VFW and its more than 1.4 million members are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. Happy 78th birthday to the "Big Blue!"

2. VFW Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to honor the contributions of our nation's Hispanic service members and veterans from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 - during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Veterans of Hispanic heritage have had a profound impact on our military, and the VFW recognizes their unwavering dedication to service, patriotism and the preservation of our freedoms.

   For generations, Hispanic Americans have answered our nation's call to duty, serving with distinction across every branch of the armed forces and in every major conflict. Today, veterans of Hispanic heritage represent 8% of the veteran population, a figure that has grown by 25% in the last decade. Their courage and sacrifices have been essential to America's security and have enriched our military with a deep-seated commitment to family, community and country.

   From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the raging seas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to the skies over Europe, the Middle East and all four corners of the globe, Hispanic American service members have demonstrated exemplary valor, earning countless medals and honors, including the Medal of Honor.

   Their contributions extend far beyond the battlefield, as they continue to strengthen our communities and inspire future generations. Their stories are a vital part of the American story, a true testament showcasing that heroism knows no single language or background.

   This month, the VFW stands in solidarity with our nation's service members and veterans of Hispanic heritage and their families, honoring and saluting their invaluable role in defending our nation's ideals and securing our future.

   
   

3. The VFW Pauses to Reflect This Patriot Day

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -This Sept. 11, in observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) solemnly pauses to reflect and honor the lives of the nearly 3,000 lost in the tragic events that day 24 years ago which irrevocably changed not only our nation, but the entire world.

   While the senseless attacks on America were a moment of immense and unimaginable tragedy, they became a powerful testament to the unwavering and unbeatable spirit of the American people. In terrorism's wake, a united nation stood together, rallying to support and lift each other up. Flags were raised in homes across our great nation, communities rushed to support first responders and emergency personnel, and a sense of determination surpassed our differences.

   This day is not only a day of remembrance but a day of purpose. The VFW understands service and sacrifice, and we encourage all Americans to come together this Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the memory of those who were lost on 9/11 by creating and building a world they would be proud of. Americans owe it to the families and loved ones of the nearly 3,000 killed that day to honor them by remembering we are a stronger nation when we stand united. May we all channel the resilience and unity we showed 24 years ago and pledge to being a force for good.

4. VFW Awards More Than $740,000 in Help A Hero Scholarships

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce 156 student veterans were selected to receive VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarships" for the 2025 fall semester. The student veterans will collectively receive more than $740,000 in scholarships, helping to narrow the gap left by exhausting GI Bill benefits and ultimately lessen their student loan burden. See the full list of recipients.

   Established more than a decade ago, the Help A Hero Scholarship was established alongside Sport Clips Haircuts to help ease the financial burden service members and veterans face while working to achieve their post-secondary educational goals.

   "Student veterans have so much to offer future employers, having confronted adversity and challenges that many can't even imagine, and they've come out the other side stronger," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "Together with our friends at Sport Clips, we're honored to help ensure our nation's heroes transition home with the tools they need to succeed without the heavy burden of student loan debt."

   "The Help A Hero Scholarship is truly life-changing for so many recipients and their families, ensuring they can complete their education without having to worry about the financial strain that often comes with their educational pursuits," said Gordon Logan, Air Force veteran, VFW Life member, and founder and chairman of Sport Clips. "We are incredibly proud to have crossed the $15 million mark this year and look forward to our continued partnership with the VFW Foundation to show our gratitude for those who serve our country through this scholarship program."

   To date, the Help A Hero Scholarship program has awarded more than $15.3 million in scholarships to more than 3,350 student veterans. The Help A Hero Scholarship is funded solely through donations from generous Sport Clips team members, clients, individual supporters and corporate sponsors. Applications for the spring 2026 semester are currently being accepted. To find out more on the Help A Hero scholarship or to apply, visit vfw.org/Scholarship.

5. VFW Elects Carol Whitmore as New National Commander

   COLUMBUS, Ohio -Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, Iowa, was elected today as the new national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of approximately 1 million eligible combat veterans and military service members from all six branches of the armed forces.

   "Standing here today, surrounded by such incredible people - fellow veterans, families and friends - I am filled with a deep sense of pride and humility," said Whitmore during her acceptance speech. "This is not just a recognition of me, but of all the men and women who have served in our armed forces."

   Whitmore's election as the VFW's 117th commander-in-chief occurred at the conclusion of the organization's 126th National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. More than 10,000 members of the VFW and its Auxiliary converged on the city to conduct the business of the organization, recognize individuals and organizations for excellence and to elect new leadership for the 2025 - 2026 year.

   Whitmore is the first woman elected to lead the more than 125-year-old organization. She delivered remarks to those attending in person at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and watching via livestreaming video.

   "When I think back on my journey, I am sure it was just like many others - my reality is not necessarily the VFW reality," said Whitmore. "But I was driven by a sense of duty, a desire to serve something greater than myself. And little did I know that decision would shape me in ways I could never have imagined."

   Enlisting in the Women's Army Corps in 1977, Carol's 36-year military career was marked by significant milestones, from integrating with men into the regular Army to becoming an Army nurse and later serving as a first sergeant for her unit while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was there that she earned her VFW eligibility. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (two), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non-Commissioned Professional Development Ribbon (three), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (three), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device and the Combat Action Badge.

   "As we look to the future, I believe that the strength of our veteran community is our greatest asset. We have so much to offer," said Whitmore. "We have lived through adversity, we have faced challenges that many can't even imagine and we've come out on the other side stronger. It's because of that strength that we are still serving our communities and our nation."

   She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership. She has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with her election as the VFW Department of Iowa Commander from 2018 to 2019, in which she achieved All-American status. On the national level, she served on the Legislative Committee, the General Resolutions Committee and on the National Council of Administration from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, she was elected as designee for National VFW Commander-in-Chief for the year 2025, becoming the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position. She is also a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, the VFW National Home, and the American Legion and its Auxiliary.

   During the speech, Whitmore emphasized legislative advocacy as a priority for her year, with a focus on fighting to get Congress to grant concurrent receipt for select combat-injured veterans through the Major Richard Star Act.

   "Through advocacy, our legislative efforts need to be resolute," said Whitmore. "The [Major] Richard Star Act must pass this year. This effort was started in 2004, and the bill has repeatedly and shamelessly been voted down. Let's get this done already. Honor the Contract!"

   Whitmore also spoke passionately about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission and the key diplomatic role the VFW played in Southeast Asia during the early 1990s.

   "More than 30 years ago, it was VFW Vietnam War veterans who led the mission back to the country that cost them so much to extend a hand of peace to their former adversaries," said Whitmore. "This tremendously brave effort opened U.S. relations with Vietnam and access to the country so DPAA could find and bring home our comrades who were missing in action."

   In addition to Whitmore, other national officers elected were Cory Geisler, an Iraq War veteran from the Department of Wisconsin, as senior vice commander-in-chief, and Glenn Umberger Jr., from the Department of Pennsylvania, who is also a veteran from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as junior vice commander-in-chief. The final day of the convention also saw Adjutant General Dan West and Quartermaster General Marc Garduno reassume their posts.

   "I may be the first veteran to have been elected VFW commander-in-chief while wearing a dress... the first female veteran, but I will not be the last," said Whitmore. "And as I have said while campaigning, I am your comrade by mud, by blood, by dust, by dirt, by sand, by land, by sea, by air... I am a veteran first."

   Carol, a retired nurse, attended the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. She and her husband, Brad, reside in Des Moines, Iowa.

   Watch or read Whitmore's acceptance speech.