U.S. Veterans Of Foreign Wars concluded it’s 115th national convention at Kansas City, Mo., with the election of the new VFW National Commander, John W. Stroud. Stroud served in the US Air Force from 1976 – 1997, including a tour in Koria in 1992 – 1993 with the 51st fighter wing at Osan Air Base as flight Operations Superintendent. His decorations include four Meritorious service Medals, three Air Force commendations Medals, three Air Force Achievement Medals, the Korean Defense Service Medal and the National Defense Servic e Medal.
Stroud recounted his first experience with the VFW, stopping in Post 10047 In Las Vegas, Nev, after seeing a sign that read “active duty Military Welcome”. Dressed in fatigues, he entered the Post and was immediately welcomed. Surrounded by his comrades, he learned of the organization’s many programs and services, and he knew he wanted in.
He also stressed the importance of reaching out to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and educating them on what the VFW is all about. The camaraderie the VFW offers, as well as its service help ease their transition to civilian life. Further, the VFW fights to ensure Congress and the Administration keep America’s promise to care for them, long after their successful transition.
To this very day they don’t know that it was the VFW who led the charge to create a new GI Bill; a Family Caregiver act; Traumatic Injury insurance; a bullet –proff Stolen Valor Act; Concurrent receipt; a lower Guard And Reserve Retirement Age; and advanced appropriations for VA health care, he explained.
Stroud is also demanding the release of U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi who has now suffered more than 160 days in a Mexican jail. To circumvent the political bureaucracy involved with the U.S. State Department and America’s embassy in Mexico working the issue, VFW first wrote President Obama on June 6th of this year asking for his involvement. VFW requested President Obama simply speak with President Nieto on the issue. That conversation has yet to occur.
We can no longer rely on our government to bring our marine home. We’ve tried the politically polite route by twice asking President Obama to contact Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to no avail. Now, the gloves come off, I’m calling on America’s nearly 22 million veterans to boycott all travel to Mexico and the purchase of its goods… a total boycott.
Stroud is not only asking for the support of the members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries, but for the entire military and veteran community to rally for one of their own. VFW is asking American Veterans to take action by Flooding the White House with calls asking President Obama to secure Tahmooressi’s release, immediately. Call (202) 456-1111.
In addition, Stroud is asking veterans to voice their displeasure with the lack of resolution directly to the Embassy of Mexico in Washington. Call (202) 728-1600. Remember the Seabee Motto, “CAN DO”
For any veteran information and /or to join E-mail vfwBob516@aol.com or call 516 694-5539.
