VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Elects Cory Geisler as National Commander

   RENO, Nev. -Cory L. Geisler of Hartland, Wisconsin, was elected today as commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) during the organization's 127th National Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

   Geisler's election as the VFW's 118th commander-in-chief came before thousands of delegates representing approximately 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary gathered to elect national leadership and establish the organization's legislative priorities for the coming year.

   A Life member of VFW Post 721 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Geisler served in the United States Army from 2005 to 2012, earning his VFW eligibility through combat service in Iraq. He succeeds Carol Whitmore as the organization's commander-in-chief and will serve as its chief advocate before Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American people.

   In his acceptance address, Geisler called on every member of the VFW to embrace a common purpose centered on his national theme: "One Team. One Mission. Veterans First."

   "These six words are more than a motto," Geisler said. "They are a commitment. They remind us that regardless of our differences, we are united by a single purpose. That is to serve veterans, their families and our communities."

   Geisler reminded delegates that the VFW's power is more than the brick and mortar of its establishments,

   "The strength of the VFW has never come from its buildings or its canteens," Geisler said. "It has always come from its members."

   Drawing on lessons learned during military service, Geisler emphasized that teamwork remains the foundation of the VFW's success.

   "During our military service, success depended on trusting one another. We learned that no one accomplishes the mission alone," Geisler said. "That lesson did not end when we took off the uniform. It lives on in every VFW Post, every District, every Department and every National program."

   He challenged members to keep veterans at the center of every decision the organization makes.

   "When we plan programs, Veterans First. When we recruit new members, Veterans First. When we advocate for legislation, Veterans First. When we support military families, Veterans First," Geisler said. "If we remain faithful to that principle, we will never lose sight of why this organization exists."

   Geisler also called on members to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of veterans, encouraging comrades to support one another through fellowship and meaningful connections.

   "Sometimes the greatest act of service is simply checking in on a fellow comrade, inviting them to a meeting, sharing a cup of coffee or taking the time to listen," Geisler said.

   Looking toward the future, Geisler stressed the importance of membership growth and developing the next generation of VFW leaders.

   "Membership is important, not simply because numbers matter, but because every new member brings new experiences, new ideas and new opportunities to serve," Geisler said. "The veterans returning from today's conflicts are looking for connection. They are looking for purpose, motivation and direction. The VFW has everything they are searching for, but they need to know we are here."

   He encouraged every VFW member to take personal responsibility for recruiting eligible veterans and mentoring future leaders, noting that leadership is measured not by rank or title but by a willingness to serve others.

   Geisler then reaffirmed the enduring mission that has guided the VFW since its founding 127 years ago.

   "Our service does not end with military service. It simply takes on a new form," Geisler said. "Together we preserve our traditions. Together we advocate for veterans. Together we strengthen our communities. Together we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Together we build an even stronger Veterans of Foreign Wars."

   Geisler concluded by urging members to "lead with integrity, serve with humility, support one another and welcome the next generation," reminding delegates that "if we remain united in purpose, there is no challenge we cannot overcome and no goal we cannot achieve."

   Geisler closed with an emphasis on the words he intends to define his year as commander-in-chief.

   "One Team. Working together in a spirit of service and respect. One Mission. Supporting veterans, their families and our communities with honor and dedication. Veterans First. Always."

   Before his election as commander-in-chief, Geisler served as VFW senior vice commander-in-chief and Department of Wisconsin commander. He has also held numerous leadership positions at the Post, District and national levels since joining the VFW in 2008.

   Geisler and his wife, Beth, and daughter, Laura, reside in Hartland, Wisconsin.

   In addition to Geisler, delegates elected Glenn R. Umberger Jr. of Pennsylvania as senior vice commander-in-chief and Bobby Lovergne, of Louisiana as junior vice commander-in-chief. Adjutant General Dan West and Quartermaster General Marc Garduno also reassumed their national offices.

   Watch or read Geisler's acceptance speech.

2. VFW Presents Acclaimed John A. Biedrzycki Award

   RENO, Nev. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has selected Army veteran Colin Anderson as its 2025-2026 John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year. The annual honor is presented to a VFW Accredited Service Officer whose dedication, leadership and advocacy have made an extraordinary impact on veterans and their families. Anderson received the award today during the VFW's 127th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

   "Colin Anderson's commitment to veterans is evident in every aspect of his work," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "Colin has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their families. His accomplishments reflect the very best of the VFW's National Veterans Service program and we are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor."

   As director of Veterans Service for the Department of New York, Anderson oversees the Department's service officer program across Albany, Buffalo and New York City while leading initiatives that have significantly expanded access to VA benefits and services. Under his leadership, the Department of New York partnered with the New York City Department of Veterans Services to establish the Vallone Veterans Initiative, an effort that dramatically increased the availability of accredited service officers for New York City veterans. He also spearheaded an expansion of the program that more than doubled the number of VFW Accredited Service Officers serving the city and laid the groundwork to assist more than 200,000 underserved veterans.

   Beyond expanding services, his leadership has contributed to a substantial increase in claims filed on behalf of New York veterans while helping secure millions of dollars in benefits for veterans and their families. Anderson also played a key role in developing legislation supporting New York's 100% property tax exemption for qualifying service-connected disabled veterans. His efforts exemplify the VFW's mission of ensuring no veteran navigates the benefits system alone.

   Anderson is a Bronze Legacy Life member at John W. Tiffany VFW Post 53 in Jamestown, New York.

3. Uniting for Veterans Marks Most Successful Year Since VFW-Humana Collaboration Began in 2018

   RENO, Nev. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Humana today announced the most successful year in the history of their joint veteran support initiative, Uniting for Veterans, which provided more than 1.6 million meals and 359 nights of housing support for veterans and military families during the 2025-2026 campaign year. The results were shared during the 127th VFW National Convention and mark the first full year under the program's expanded mission and new name.

   Formerly known as Uniting to Combat Hunger & Homelessness, the initiative evolved in 2025 to become Uniting for Veterans, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the diverse and evolving needs of veterans, service members and their families. The expanded mission enables local communities to respond more flexibly to the challenges veterans face while continuing the program's longstanding work combating food insecurity and housing instability.

   During its first full year as Uniting for Veterans, the initiative generated:

   • 1,600,423 meals provided to veterans and military families
   • 359 nights of housing support for homeless veterans

   These results represent the strongest annual performance since the relationship was established in 2018 and reflect the collective efforts of VFW Posts, Auxiliaries, volunteers, Humana employees and community partners across the country.

   "When we expanded this initiative to become Uniting for Veterans, our goal was to give VFW Posts and Humana representatives the flexibility to meet veterans exactly where they are," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "These record-breaking results prove just how powerful that localized approach is. Providing over 1.6 million meals and hundreds of nights of shelter in a single year is a testament to the unstoppable synergy between the VFW and Humana. We aren't just addressing critical needs; we are restoring dignity, building stronger communities and showing our veterans that we will always have their backs."

   The record-setting year demonstrates the impact of broadening the initiative's mission while remaining focused on issues that directly affect veterans and military families. While food insecurity and housing instability remain important priorities, Uniting for Veterans gives local communities the flexibility to respond to emerging needs and deliver support where it can make the biggest difference.

   Since launching in 2018, the program has provided 8 million meals, 684 nights of housing support, and has positively impacted nearly 20 million lives, helping strengthen local communities and improve the well-being of veterans and military families nationwide.

   "The success of our first full year as Uniting for Veterans demonstrates why this expanded mission was so important," said Cara Brown, National Director of Key Relationships at Humana. "By working together with the VFW and local communities, we're able to respond to veterans' changing needs and connect them with meaningful resources and support their individual needs."

   The initiative is rooted in the belief that health and well-being are influenced by more than healthcare alone. Access to nutritious food, stable housing, community support and trusted local resources all play important roles in helping veterans and military families thrive. Through Uniting for Veterans, the VFW and Humana work alongside communities across the country to help reduce barriers and connect veterans with the support they need.

   Since launching in 2018, the relationship has continued to evolve alongside the needs of America's veterans. The first full year of Uniting for Veterans represents an important milestone in that journey and reinforces both organizations' commitment to ensuring veterans and military families have access to the resources and support they need to live healthier, more secure lives.

   About Humana
   Humana (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health - delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

4. VFW Commemorates 73 Years of the Korean Armistice Agreement

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On July 27, the Veterans of the Foreign Wars (VFW) will pause to solemnly commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement and pay tribute to the immense sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought, bled and died on the rugged terrain of the Korean Peninsula while defending a line that remains a vital vanguard of global democracy.

   On July 27, 1953, military commanders from the United States, North Korea and China signed the Korean Armistice Agreement at Panmunjom, bringing three years of brutal, unyielding combat to an end.

   While the ceasefire halted active hostilities after the longest negotiated armistice in military history, a permanent peace treaty was never realized. The cost of holding that line was staggering: 36,576 American service members laid down their lives, and more than 92,000 others were wounded in action.

   Today, fewer than 730,000 Korean War veterans remain with us, and while the Korean War is tragically referred to as the "Forgotten War," to the veterans who served, the Gold Star families who carry on the memory of our lost and the families who still keep the flame of hope alive for the nearly 7,400 POW/MIAs who remain unaccounted for, this war is anything but forgotten.

   This anniversary serves as an urgent and poignant reminder of our sacred duty to preserve their legacy. On behalf of the 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we salute the millions of U.S. military personnel who served in the Korean theater of operations from 1950 to 1953, as well as the millions of guardians who have stood the watch in the decades since. We join a grateful nation in vowing that your sacrifice will never grow dim, and your valor will never be forgotten.

5. VFW Rolls Into Reno for its 127th National Convention

   RENO, Nev. -Tomorrow, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary will begin welcoming attendees to the VFW's 127th National Convention. Each year, thousands of VFW and Auxiliary members representing VFW Posts, Districts and Departments from around the globe join together to reconnect, learn and conduct the official business of both organizations to include electing and installing new leadership, and affirming the resolutions that drive the VFW's operations and advocacy efforts for the coming year. This year, the VFW's national convention will run from July 25-29, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

   "I could not be more excited for this reunion," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "As a VFW team and family, we have accomplished so much this past year, and I look forward to ensuring each and every member knows how proud I am to have led this incredible organization as their Commander-in-Chief."

   VFW accredited representatives will be on site Saturday, July 25, through Tuesday, July 28, hosting a VA claims clinic, which will be available to convention goers and local veterans who require benefits assistance. Interested veterans should note that the clinic runs from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday through Monday and 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Also returning this year, the VFW will host special guests to its exhibit hall stage on Saturday and Sunday to discuss topics including grassroots advocacy, Combat Tested Gaming, storytelling for mental health and healing, and the solemn mission of recovering our missing from past conflicts. Those attending convention can attend in person while those online can tune in by visiting the VFW's YouTube channel.

   While the convention itself is open exclusively to VFW and Auxiliary members, business sessions taking place Monday through Wednesday will be livestreamed on the VFW's convention webpage.

   Interested media, including reporters from bona fide news organizations, verifiable independent journalists and established, vetted influencers and content creators, can view the daybook here for coverage opportunities. To request media credentials to cover the 127th VFW National Convention, please complete our request form here.