What advice do you have for someone who is about to become a VFW Post Commander?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:55:50 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2025 5:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2025 17:16:22 -0400

Watch your books. Keep the recruiting drive active. Watch your books. And if I didn't say it yet, watch your books

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 6 at 2025 5:46 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 06 May 2025 17:46:51 -0400

Add to what MSG Private RallyPoint Member said.... Always act in the best interest of the WHOLE VFW (local,state, and National), not just your "clique" or "posse". The Bylaws are there for a reason. Make sure you use them correctly.

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made May 6 at 2025 9:08 PM

SFC Jo Ann Klawitter — Tue, 06 May 2025 21:08:38 -0400

Go for it
As long as your heart is in it

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 9 at 2025 2:12 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 09 May 2025 14:12:47 -0400

First off, go on you for stepping up. Two, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons because it can be stressful.

Bars are a big problem so if your post has one keep a close eye on it. When they work they do well. When they don't they are a massive drain on a post and can suck them dry and cause massive legal issues.

Keep a keen eye on your books and make that double if you have a bar.
Depending on State law you may be able to have gambling on site and I urge you to think twice before you let that in the door. Just like the bar it can be a double edge sword.

There are plenty of successful Posts that don't have either gambling or a bar so don't think you need them to survive. You don't.

The VFW is for all Veterans who are eligible to join. Don't allow little groups forms that will cause divides. The WW2 Vets did it to the Vietnam era folks back in the Day and you still see it happen today with GWOT vets walking in and older vets trying to gate keep and pick who they let through the door. The coolest thing about the VFW and other Vet groups is the diversity. You can have a group of different Vets from different branches and different era having a blast. We all get along if we don't get caught up in the macho BS of it all.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 18 at 2025 11:18 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 18 May 2025 23:18:06 -0400

Proper control over Post meeting, Hold meeting of the post Executive board. follow the VFW guidelines to include what is covered and te4h ceremony. Watch the expenditures and accounting. Communicate with Your membership as well as elected and appointed Post Officers. It's also good idea to have a script of the agenda for any post meeting and even keep a copy of the Bylaws and regulations on hand in case they need to be checked during any meeting. ( loose leaf note book would be a good place to use them at at a VFW Post meeting) Insure the Post Adjutant is recording and filing minutes of ALL meeting or the Post or Executive Board. Recruiting is also important and insure potential new applicants as well as new Post Members feel welcome.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2025 10:47 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:47:32 -0400

A good QM will help you take care of your finances. #1 factor for a Commander: the energy of your volunteers - the members who are willing to get involved in operating the Post. This determines what and how much your Post can do, both within the Post home, and in your community!! So it's not just about the 100% or 102% membership goal - it's about members who take seriously the commitment to service. #StillServing