VFW Magazine

The most important lesson Air Force veteran and VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” recipient Ivonne Jones learned was to never leave a comrade behind. Today, having worked nearly 15 years in the VA, that lesson pushes her to continue helping veterans every day. “I learned many skills while in the Air Force,” Jones said.

Members of VFW Post 6181 in Ashland City, Tennessee, celebrated America’s 250th birthday in July by launching its own golf tournament at nearby Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Held at the Cole Park Golf Course, an 18-hole championship facility in Fort Campbell, about 47 miles north of Ashland City, the tournament hosted more than 50 participants and raised $2,500 for programs for veterans at VFW Post 6181 and its American Legion counterpart. VFW Post 6181's 2026 golf tournament participants.

Earl Jackson, 48, reflected back on his work. The veterans he’s helped. The stories he’s heard. Plenty of clients came to mind for the VFW Accredited Service Officer. But one stood out. “I was helping a transitioning member overseas who thought he’d waited too long to start his claim,” Jackson said. “Months after we submitted it, he reached out. He received a favorable rating and said it gave his family peace of mind during a difficult time.

One VFW member gained attention at the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, with an app designed to ignite the motivation to complete tasks. Marine veteran and VFW Post 3559 member Alex Kruger-Dobrota wanted to find an interactive way for VFW members to get involved with their Posts, engage legislatively and build new bonds. VFW Post 3559 member Alex Kruger-Dobrota explains his web application Badger: Operation Gamify in July at the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

VFW Post 11999 in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, celebrated a successful Independence Day season, highlighted by the Post’s leadership role in the local July Fourth parade, continued support of visiting service members and the completion of its signature annual Mountain Assault retreat benefiting soldiers and their families from the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit.

Sub-zero temperatures. Running up to 15 miles a day. Shouldering 100-pound rucksacks across unforgiving terrain. It was all part of the job for Stevie Wonder Houston, 52. But after six years, the job took its toll. “Being in the Army, especially in Fairbanks, Alaska, is difficult on the body,” he explained. Army veteran Stevie Wonder Houston Today, Houston grapples with several service-connected conditions, including degenerative disc disease, tinnitus and sleep apnea.

While working as a non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the Army, VFW Post 467 member Jose Flores came to a powerful realization: “Every soldier has a story.” According to Flores, an integral duty of an NCO is to wholly care for soldiers. Throughout his 30-year career in the Army, he had a chance to connect with and listen to the personal journeys of hundreds of troops, which inspired him to pursue work in amplifying veterans’ voices through broadcasting.

Congratulations to all the All-American winners! The All-American program recognizes leadership, teamwork and accomplishment in membership growth and VFW programs. For those Posts, Districts and Departments reaching the All-American goal, the VFW Store offers commemorative items. You will find pins, name tags and rings when you click vfwstore.org/searchresults?q=allamerican.

WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are now accepting applications from student veterans interested in participating in the upcoming 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program. Since 2014, the fellowship has brought select student veterans, who must be VFW members or membership eligible, to Washington, D.C., to meet face to face with their senators, representatives and staff members.

Earlier this year, President Donald J. Trump bestowed the nation’s highest military award for valor on five veterans of U.S. conflicts that included World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan. On Feb. 24, during his State of the Union address, the President awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH) to Korean War veteran and retired Navy Capt.