Commanders and Comrades,

You’ve probably seen the recent Stars and Stripes article making the rounds — claiming veterans organizations like ours are fading and "losing relevance.”

This is the same tired story that’s been written over and over again … we know better because we are out in the trenches making a difference.

We know our VFW Posts around the world are in fact thriving — reimagining what service, camaraderie, and community look like today. From mental wellness efforts and e-sports leagues, to Day of Service and other community service events, and local advocacy — our Posts are proving every day that the VFW is still leading, still advancing, still serving.

Thankfully, the Stars & Stripes prides itself on accurate reporting and promptly responds to correcting errors.

Let’s educate the newsroom on what’s really happening within our organization.

I'm asking all Department leaders to send an email to letters@stripes.com informing it of your Posts relevance. Be sure to include your Department’s/Posts’:

• New or creative membership initiatives.
• Partnerships connecting with younger vets and the community.
• Facility updates or modern events that are bring people in.
• Wellness programs, family activities, or advocacy wins.
• Personal stories of how the VFW has given purpose and meaning to members.

Let’s ensure Stars & Stripes corrects their error. VFW isn’t stuck in the past or fading out — we’re defining the future of what it means to serve.  

The critics have their story. Now it’s our turn to tell our truth.

We are America’s Veterans of Foreign Wars and we are still leading, still advancing, still serving.

Dan West

Adjutant General

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

406 W. 34th Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64111

816.968.1110

www.vfw.org

Join at www.vfw.org/join/eligibility