The 123rd VFW National Convention just concluded at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City Missouri. It was the first time the convention has been back in full swing since 2019. One of the new things was an exhibit sound stage in the exhibit hall where #StillServing Podcast Host Rob Couture had the pleasure of interviewing sponsors, exhibitors, comrades, and special guests.
Ryan Gallucci, Director of the VFW’s National Veteran Service
Ryan describes all of the available services at the convention including the Claims Clinic and Health Fair provided by the NVS. [2:29]
The delegates function as the governing body but each VFW member has a voice in how decisions are made. [7:55]
Joe Bailey, President of Bridgestone’s BRAVO Employee Research Group
Firestone Direct is a new program that offers on-site mobile services directly from mobile specialists. [15:48]
Clayton Smith, Senior Director for Sales at Twisted X
Clayton spoke at the convention in place of Twisted X’s President, Prasad Reddy. [20:50]
In 2005, Twisted X morphed from cowboy gear to lifestyle and casual styles. [23:17]
To be more sustainable, Twisted X developed a fabric made from discarded plastic water bottles. [24:54]
Twisted X is a proud sponsor of the voice of democracy scholarship program and the Tough Enough to Wear Pink program. [28:43]
Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
During the convention, Denis discussed the partnership VA has with the VFW organization. [31:35]
Kelly McKeague, Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
Kelly vehemently thanks the VFW for the time and effort they put forth finding, identifying, and recovering POW/MIA military members. [37:28]
Kelly describes the various methods that connect families to the remains of their beloved service members. [43:01]
Aaron McCoy, Regional Veteran Executive for Humana
Humana donated $25,000 to the VFW’s Unmet Needs Program and helps educate veterans about their medical benefits. [49:52]
At the convention, Humana sponsors two booths to show their gratitude to the VFW organization. [53:16]
Humana also partners with the service officers of the NVS to enhance their veterans’ service offerings. [55:40]
To address food insecurity, Humana joins forces with the VFW for the Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign [57:15]
Chris Ward, Public Affairs Manager for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
Teddy Robb, country music recording artist
Leaving football behind in Akron, Ohio, Teddy got his recording career started in Nashville, Tennessee. [1:10:15]
In his song, “Heaven on Dirt,” Teddy reached out to the VFW to promote the Unmet Needs program. [1:14:12]
For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
VFW Podcast Page
@VFWHQ on Twitter
VFW on Facebook
@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook
VFW Unmet Needs Program
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story
National Veterans Services — Claims Help
Firestone Direct
Apply My Exchange Website
Find out more about the VFW National Convention
