VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Celebrates Long Overdue Victory as Dole Act Signed into Law

   WASHINGTON (Jan. 6, 2025) - I am pleased to hear the news, along with more than 7.8 million transitioning servicemembers, veterans, caretakers, and survivors, that The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, also known as the Dole Act, was officially signed into law by President Biden late last week.

   The Dole Act will expand VA benefits, modernize healthcare delivery, and cut through much of the red tape that prevents veterans, caregivers and other beneficiaries from receiving the care and services they deserve. This new law will expand caregiver benefits for elderly and infirmed veterans; increase the cap for in-home care programs; fix community care options for veterans outside of the VA healthcare system; extend timelines, eligibility, and availability for certain GI Bill programs; and even provide funding for family caregiver mental health services and sheltering homeless veterans. Thanks to the hard advocacy work of VFW-Student Veterans America fellows getting the VFW-championed Not Just A Number Act included as a provision within this comprehensive package, we believe the Dole Act will also help reduce veteran suicide.

   We commend those members of Congress whose dedication and leadership garnered the bipartisan support in getting this flagship, bicameral veterans package passed and to the president's desk. While we are certainly grateful the Dole Act is now law, we are still perplexed at the lack of urgency in solving longstanding veterans' priorities. Let's not forget that veterans and their families suffer needlessly while waiting for members of Congress to stop playing to their party's base and do the work they are depending on them to do.

   Continuing to pass legislation like this signals to the more than one million service men and women in the Armed Forces, to include the thousands currently deployed to war zones throughout the Middle East and Horn of Africa, that Congress and the Administration will honor the contract which all service members and veterans signed.

2. VFW Urges Vigilance in the Wake of New Years Day Terror Attack

   WASHINGTON -Like all of you, I was shocked at the news of the early morning ISIS-inspired rampage in New Orleans that senselessly took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and injured many more on New Year's Day. What makes this act of terror so egregious is that it was carried out by someone who once wore the uniform and swore an allegiance to our nation and to protect its people and its ideals.

   As facts continue to surface about the assailant, it is apparent he planned and prepared to execute this unthinkable wickedness, indiscriminately destroying as many lives as he could and determined to die in violence. We have seen this type of self-radicalization before and often the descent into this level of madness was witnessed by those close to them. Could these incidents have been prevented? No one can say for sure. What this moment emphasizes is the need to check in on our brothers and sisters-in-arms. If there are indicators that they're heading down a path of destruction, we must make sure to get the authorities involved before they take a turn for the worse.

   Even though this heinous act was committed by a former service member, he was inspired by ISIS, a foreign adversary that many in this country have lost sight of. He betrayed his country and sided with evil. He may have acted alone, but I don't think it far-fetched to assert there are others in this country who wish to inflict the same malevolence on our fellow citizens. While the death toll and numbers of those injured from this incident were one too many, it certainly would have been much worse if not for the heroism of the law enforcement officers on the scene who faced and eliminated the threat, saving countless other lives.

   I want to be clear - the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will always stand with the American people and our country against the scourge of terrorism, ISIS or otherwise. We did not fight to defend the United States for more than 40 years against violent extremists and terrorist organizations to see the nation succumb to them. We will be ever vigilant for those who want to harm our fellow citizens. If we see something, we will say something. Should a single terrorist or terror cell succeed in exploiting the moments Americans exercise their freedoms, we will be ready to render aid to victims by performing the lifesaving steps many of us were trained to do. We can be a force multiplier for our local first responders as well as sensors for state and federal levels of the Department of Homeland Security. While most VFW members may no longer be in uniform, we can still serve as we are able to.

   No matter how dire the circumstances, the VFW will be ready to assist those in peril and are willing to stand in between America and those looking to terrorize it.

3. VFW Foundation Warmly Welcomes New Executive Director

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation is thrilled to announce Past National VFW Commander-in-Chief Hal Roesch II as its new executive director. A 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the VFW Foundation is instrumental in ensuring the VFW can accomplish its mission of "honoring the dead by helping the living." Roesch, who is a seasoned VFW leader, has been tasked with overseeing the foundation's accomplishment of philanthropic goals and objectives in support of VFW programs.

   "The decision to bring Hal on as the VFW Foundation Executive Director was a no-brainer," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "His technical expertise combined with his drive and commitment to serving veterans, service members and families is well known, and I have full faith and confidence in his ability to lead the foundation with the same enthusiasm with which he once led the VFW itself."

   Roesch served in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 2002 during which time he earned his VFW eligibility through participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Southern Watch. During service, he earned his Associate of Arts in avionics system technology from the Community College of the Air Force. After retiring, he began an equally long career in financial advising with First Command Financial Planning, a firm that specializes in helping military service members and families build long-term financial security. An active VFW member since 1991, Roesch has held numerous elected and appointed leadership positions from the post through national levels including VFW Department of Virginia Commander from 2008-2009, National Council of Administration member from 2010-2012, and Inspector General from 2016-2017 before his election and installation as VFW Commander-in-Chief in 2020.

   "I am deeply honored to step into the role of Executive Director for the VFW Foundation," said VFW Past National Commander Hal Roesch, now VFW Foundation Executive Director. "With 34 years of experience in the VFW and the privilege of serving as Commander-in-Chief from 2020-2021, I have dedicated my life to supporting veterans and their families. During the challenging COVID-19 period, I pursued a certificate in Non-Profit Management to further enhance my ability to lead and serve effectively," Roesch continued. "I am committed to bringing my extensive VFW experience and passion for service to this position, ensuring the foundation continues its critical mission of supporting the VFW while they serve our veterans, military and their families."

   He assumed his new role on Jan. 1, 2025.

4. VFW Remembers President Jimmy Carter

   WASHINGTON D.C. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) salutes the life of the 39th president of the United States James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100.

   Carter was born and raised in Plains, Georgia. His life of service began in 1943 with his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1947 and commissioning as an ensign. From 1945 to 1953, Carter served on active duty in various assignments in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, to include surface duty on the USS Wyoming and USS Mississippi, and as a submarine officer aboard the USS Pomfret and USS K-1. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1953, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Carter was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

   Carter entered politics in 1962, campaigning for and winning the 14th district seat in the Georgia State Senate, serving there from 1963 to 1967. Later, Carter ran for and was elected as the 76th Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Two years later, he ran for and was elected as president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.

   Post-presidency, Carter devoted most of his time to humanitarian causes through the Carter Center. For more than 30 years, Carter and his wife led the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit housing organization. According to the nonprofit's website, Habitat.org, the Carter's "worked alongside over 108,100 volunteers who have built, renovated or repaired more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries, all while raising awareness of the critical need for affordable housing."

   "The nation lost a devoted humanitarian with the passing of former President Jimmy Carter of the Plains community," said fellow Georgian native and VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "President Carter is to be commended for his military service and remembered for political career, but what truly stands out is his decades long association with Habitat for Humanity. He selflessly gave his time and effort to provide shelter to those less fortunate, touching thousands of lives and setting a stalwart example of faith in practice. On behalf of the more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we salute President Carter's life of service and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

5. Seasons Greetings from the VFW

   WASHINGTON- With the end of another year upon us, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) warmly extends safe and happy holiday wishes to the veterans, service members and families of our great nation. As we come together, let us acknowledge the service and sacrifices of military members past and present who have defended our American way of life and freedom to observe this season according to our values. Let us also pause and give thanks to those currently standing the watch around the world and who are unable to be with family and friends during this time. Most of all, the VFW calls on all to reflect and think of Gold Star families, for whom the holidays are reminders of the ultimate price their loved ones paid in service to our country.

   Looking back on 2024, we are immensely grateful for our members, supporters, partners, allies and every service member, veteran, family member and survivor we have had the privilege and honor of serving. For 125 years, the VFW has relentlessly pursued the greatest good for veterans, from within our communities to the halls of Congress, and our 126th year will be no different. We celebrate the arrival of a new year and the countless opportunities to continue serving that it brings.

   From the VFW family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays!