Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS, here for a live Q&A today at 4PM ET. What questions do you have for me?

2018-01-18T16:39:12-05:00

Joseph R. Chenelly was appointed national executive director of the nation’s fourth largest veterans service organization in May 2016. In this capacity, he administers the policies of AMVETS, supervises its national headquarters operations and provides direction, as needed, to state and local components. Joe previously served as AMVETS’ national communications director.

Joe Chenelly is the first veteran of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq to lead one of the nation’s four largest veterans service organizations’ staffs. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Joe enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998, serving with the 1st Marine Division, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in April 2006. He is a combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Kuwait, East Timor and the Horn of Africa.

Joe became a veterans advocate, a journalist, and a political adviser after his time in uniform. He covered military and veterans matters on staff with Leatherneck magazine, the Military Times newspapers, USA TODAY and Gannet News, reporting on operations in the Middle East, Southwest Asia, Africa, as well as disaster relief in the United States.

Joe was named one of the 100 “most influential journalists covering armed violence” by Action on Armed Violence in 2013. He was the first U.S. Marine combat correspondent to step into enemy territory after September 11, 2001, as a military reporter in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also reported from the front-lines with American and allied forces in Kuwait and Iraq as that war began. He was on the ground for the start of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Joe served as AMVETS’ national communications director in 2005, and for the past eight years as assistant national director for communications for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Washington, D.C. leading grassroots efforts through social networking and new media.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 18 at 2018 5:00 PM

2018-01-18T17:00:26-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly: I wear an AMVETS bracelet given to me by a Marine. It also has the phone number for the Veterans' Crisis Line: [login to see] .

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 8:04 PM

2018-01-18T20:04:55-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly I am a lifetime VFW member and donate to the DAV, so I am familiar with those organizations. What mission does AMVETS accomplish that is different than VFW or DAV?

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 19 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-01-19T10:33:42-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly we always donate clothing and other items to AMVETS - just the other day 8 - 20 gallon bags of clothing - and I'm just curious as to how and who is this helping? As well great to see a vet leading the way.

Response by MAJ Bill Rausch made Jan 21 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-01-21T09:34:14-05:00

Joe, thanks for joining us for a live Q&A! When in comes to advocating for members of our community, what lesson do you think we should take from previous generations of veterans that applies to us?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 21 at 2018 1:37 PM

2018-01-21T13:37:25-05:00

RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH SSgt Joe Chenelly on Wednesday, 24 January 2018.

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK SSGT JOE CHENELLY THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ROLE AS THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATION’S FOURTH LARGEST VETERANS ORGNAIZATION – AMVETS! I’M VERY EXCITED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH JOE AND AMVETS AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FOR VICTORY FOR VETERANS FOUNDATION AS WE TEAM UP WITH AMVETS FOR RIDE22 THIS 30 JUN 2018 – WE ARE RIDING TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE 22 SUICIDES OR MORE WE ARE EXPERIENCEING WITH OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS ON A DAILY BASIS & RAISING FUNDS TOGETHER THROUGH THIS GREAT NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN TO PUT AN END TO THOSE SUICIDES. THROUGH THE AMEVETS POSTS, AMVETS RIDER GROUPS, AND OTHER MOTORCYCLE RIDERS GROUPS AROUND THE COUNTRY, WE WILL BRING A GREAT AMOUNT OF AWARENESS TO THIS ISSUE. THANKS TO SSGT JOE CHENELLY & HIS LEADERSHIP AT AMVETS.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR SSGT JOE CHNELLY IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS ABOUT HIS LEADERSHIP ROLE AT AMVETS, ABOUT VFV AND AMVETS RIDE22 PARTNERSHIP THIS 30 JUNE 2018, HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE MARINES, HIS EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, AND HIS LEADESRHIP IN GENERAL.

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/joseph-chenelly-national-executive-director-of-amvets-here-wednesday-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT RIDEE22 WITH VICTORY FOR VETERANS AND AMEVETS!

https://victoryforveterans.org/events/ride22/

Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS, here Wednesday for a live Q&A. What...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 21 at 2018 2:50 PM

2018-01-21T14:50:38-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly Thanks for being part of the RallyPoint Q&A. I'm also looking forward to our great event in Jun 2018 RIDE22. I've got a couple of questions:

1. How do you keep the AMvet Post all on the same sheet music from the National level (or) do they run their own posts based on guidance from the National Level?

2. How can we communicate RIDE22 to all the AMvet Posts and AMVet Rider Groups in a short period of time and get them organized for the National Poker Run on 30 Jun 2018? I'd like to hear your ideas on communications and advertising?

Thanks,

Mikel

Response by Susan Foster made Jan 21 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-01-21T17:49:30-05:00

One of the best places to donate clothes and household items to! Great share, thanks.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 21 at 2018 8:25 PM

2018-01-21T20:25:25-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSgt Joe Chenelly Joe - thank you for this great post.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2018 8:41 PM

2018-01-21T20:41:04-05:00

Thank you Col., for this providing this Excellent tool for All of my HEROES to use during & after their transition !!! HOORAH !!!

Response by PO3 Tracy Sefcik made Jan 21 at 2018 9:08 PM

2018-01-21T21:08:38-05:00

I talked to Joe a few months ago about Cross Country Cycle 4 Vets and he sounded real excited about posting an article about what I was doing. Like so many others told me to email and never heard back. Even left 4 voice messages, no reply. So glad I donate $600 to Amvets when they called me for my brothers and sisters and always there to help and I am a lifetime member. Just happy that Illinois Amvets supports my cause 110%.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 22 at 2018 6:09 AM

2018-01-22T06:09:44-05:00

No questions, thank you for what your doing for veterans.

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Jan 22 at 2018 10:11 AM

2018-01-22T10:11:50-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly Semper Fi Brother Devil Dog thank you for all your doing to help Veterans.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Jan 22 at 2018 2:43 PM

2018-01-22T14:43:08-05:00

Thank you for the great information

Response by SGT Cody McCawley made Jan 22 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-01-22T14:55:43-05:00

I’m scepticl about giving you my ss# to join Rally Point!

Response by LCpl Timothy McCain made Jan 22 at 2018 3:32 PM

2018-01-22T15:32:30-05:00

Why would everyone in the Senate say that they support a permanent disability pay increase of 60%-100% for disabled veterans but not put it in legislation and why won't you hold their feet to the fire?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-01-22T17:03:10-05:00

Joe, I see that you and I have a lot in common. First let me congratulate you for being on RallyPoint and second as the AMVETS National Executive Director. It has been my pleasure serving AMVETS in Hawaii a few years back. In your position what can you see ahead with this new Military Retirement System? Also as retired Veterans and or Veterans how can we help stamp out Homelessness, drug abuse, and the lack of information on care throughout the VA Healthcare System. I’ve been retired from the Marine Corps now going on 24 years the end of this month. I’ve been an advocate for Veterans Benefits and their families since 1994 with numerous VSO’s. The last one being with the County of San Diego. I know that there’s little you can do about certain issues, but my concern is that are we getting the right information to Congress for our Veterans in Need. Past, Past and Future? Keep up the great work you do Marine and your folks do on a daily basis and say hello to my Marine Buddy’s at DAV, VFW, PVA American Legion, and AMVETS.
Semper Fi, James

Response by SPC Diana D. made Jan 22 at 2018 9:26 PM

2018-01-22T21:26:47-05:00

SSgt Joe ChenellyI live in an area where there is not an AMVETS office close by, is there anything that we can do to help with household donations to your organization?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 1:13 AM

2018-01-23T01:13:34-05:00

How do you recommend younger and/or recently ETS'd Vets contribute to such organizations and the Veteran community?

I've emailed the VA about such possibilities but didn't get much back. I write, podcast, vlog, and code. Surely, I can do something.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 10:45 AM

2018-01-23T10:45:56-05:00

In the news, we stand.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2018/01/22/amvets-says-nfl-censored-its-ad-against-flag-protests/

AMVETS says NFL censored its ad against flag protests

The veterans organization says the football league rejected a $30,000 program ad with the slogan #PleaseStand.

Response by Capt James Doermann made Jan 23 at 2018 3:15 PM

2018-01-23T15:15:28-05:00

Why is AmVets stoking racial and political animus by trying to get the hashtag #standup trending, and purposely getting a super bowl ad rejected for the sake of seeking attention from Fox News?
Did you sanction your coms director John Hoellwarth to make the spurious claim that NFL players exercising their constitutional rights by kneeling to bring attention to the social injustices faced by black americans is some how an insult to veterans?
Is it the official position of AmVets that black NFL players who want to use their presence and social capital are some how insulting veterans?

Thanks for addressing the issue,
JMD
Capt. USMC 2003-2008

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jan 23 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-01-23T18:23:26-05:00

SSgt Joe Chenelly, thanks for joining us on RallyPoint. With all the news about #PleaseStand and the NFL blocking AMVETS' Super Bowl ad, do you see this message getting more traction now than if they would have just let it run during the big game?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 23 at 2018 6:47 PM

2018-01-23T18:47:46-05:00

Joe, great to have you on! What does the current roadmap look like for the #PleaseStand movement as we head into the Super Bowl and the months following?

Response by PV2 Mark Zehner made Jan 23 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-01-23T18:54:42-05:00

I have donated heavily to AMVETS it's a great organisation ! Thank you Sir

Response by SGT John Meredith made Jan 23 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-01-23T19:22:40-05:00

My daytime hours don't start until 3-4 pm.I don't get to bed until 7 am. Perhaps one day my days and nights will go back to the average person.

Response by Cpl Tim Callahan made Jan 23 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-01-23T19:25:26-05:00

This has been a bad year for the NFL, with deflategate and then the kneeling protests. Since #PleaseStand isn't being allowed in the program for the Super Bowl, this has actually given you a larger awareness platform. What message do you want to convey?
Semper Fi,
Tim Callahan

Response by PO1 Barry Green made Jan 23 at 2018 9:17 PM

2018-01-23T21:17:15-05:00

The NFL blocking the AMVET single page ad probably was good business decision for the NFL. To run the ad would be like one presidential candidate endorsing another during the campaign. Here's my question. When does what's best for the country take priority?

Response by SPC Britanny Winnie Balthaser made Jan 23 at 2018 9:18 PM

2018-01-23T21:18:12-05:00

Mr. Chenelly,

thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to come chat with your fellow veterans and supporters. I recently read an article about how the NFL has chosen not to run an ad with #pleasestand and had asked AMVETS to rephrase their slogan. I think the NFL Has set in motion a problem that’s much wider spread than just standing, while standing is honoring not only veterans it’s also honoring our country and the long history of patriotism it has imbued. The NFL further drives home their lack of support for the American Way. growing up with a retired veteran for a father I know how important the flag, symbols, anthem are to the individual. What do you suppose we as veterans can do to share those values we hold quite sacred to a people (much of America) that has little care or concern about the lack of love for their own country and it’s people? Other countries require to an extent that everyone respect their flag and anthems yet America the land of the free we allow people to
Kneel, sit out and not participate. Do you think an all volunteer force, has ultimately created a ignorant and careless society?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 23 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-01-23T23:13:16-05:00

Thank you for the fortitude to try the #pleasestand campaign. Do you have any insight on why the NFL decided to restrict the AMVETS message?

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made Jan 23 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-01-23T23:13:44-05:00

LOVE THIS MESSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by PVT Justin McKay made Jan 23 at 2018 11:42 PM

2018-01-23T23:42:07-05:00

Is there still a need for Veteran's Service Organizations(VSOs)? If so, what should be our main focus/mission?

Response by SrA Fred Packard made Jan 23 at 2018 11:57 PM

2018-01-23T23:57:49-05:00

What reason did the NFL give for rejecting the #pleasestand?
What will you be promoting as response?

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Jan 24 at 2018 1:26 PM

2018-01-24T13:26:53-05:00

This really angers me. Veteran funds can't even change this mentality. http://newschannel20.com/sports/american-veterans-says-nfl-wont-run-please-stand-add-during-the-super-bowl

American Veterans organization: NFL won't run 'Please Stand' ad in Super Bowl program

A United States veteran's service organization said the National Football Leauge (NFL) turned down their request to run an advertisement in the Super Bowl LII program centered around the message Please Stand.The statement from American Veterans' ad is a c

Response by Miles Migliara made Jan 24 at 2018 4:09 PM

2018-01-24T16:09:00-05:00

Where can I find out more about AMVETS Americanism Program and how to Support your Organization?

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Jan 24 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-01-24T19:22:39-05:00

I was told by our state AMVETS administrator that the solicitation ads were sent to all the major veteran organization. Then this!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 3:39 PM

2018-01-26T15:39:50-05:00

Joe, thanks for all you do and your organization and thank you for your response. By the way I just got your AMVETS Newsletter and seen that Sherman Gulliums is now with you folks. I’ve know Sherman while he was with the PVA, at San Diego while I was with the County. I congratulated him on his new position and looking forward to working with you and him.

Semper Fi,

James

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Feb 8 at 2018 9:21 PM

2018-02-08T21:21:09-05:00

Thank you Joe Chenelly for your service. Next year let’s not try and waste our money on the Super Bowl because they do not deserve our support. Thank you again

Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS, here for a live Q&A today at 4PM ET. What questions do you have for me?

Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS, here for a live Q&A today at 4PM ET. What questions do you have for me?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 18 at 2018 5:00 PM

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 8:04 PM

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 19 at 2018 10:33 AM

Response by MAJ Bill Rausch made Jan 21 at 2018 9:34 AM

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 21 at 2018 1:37 PM

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 21 at 2018 2:50 PM

Response by Susan Foster made Jan 21 at 2018 5:49 PM

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 21 at 2018 8:25 PM

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2018 8:41 PM

Response by PO3 Tracy Sefcik made Jan 21 at 2018 9:08 PM

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 22 at 2018 6:09 AM

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Jan 22 at 2018 10:11 AM

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Jan 22 at 2018 2:43 PM

Response by SGT Cody McCawley made Jan 22 at 2018 2:55 PM

Response by LCpl Timothy McCain made Jan 22 at 2018 3:32 PM

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 5:03 PM

Response by SPC Diana D. made Jan 22 at 2018 9:26 PM

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 1:13 AM

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 10:45 AM

Response by Capt James Doermann made Jan 23 at 2018 3:15 PM

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jan 23 at 2018 6:23 PM

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 23 at 2018 6:47 PM

Response by PV2 Mark Zehner made Jan 23 at 2018 6:54 PM

Response by SGT John Meredith made Jan 23 at 2018 7:22 PM

Response by Cpl Tim Callahan made Jan 23 at 2018 7:25 PM

Response by PO1 Barry Green made Jan 23 at 2018 9:17 PM

Response by SPC Britanny *Winnie* Balthaser made Jan 23 at 2018 9:18 PM

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 23 at 2018 11:13 PM

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made Jan 23 at 2018 11:13 PM

Response by PVT Justin McKay made Jan 23 at 2018 11:42 PM

Response by SrA Fred Packard made Jan 23 at 2018 11:57 PM

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Jan 24 at 2018 1:26 PM

Response by Miles Migliara made Jan 24 at 2018 4:09 PM

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Jan 24 at 2018 7:22 PM

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 3:39 PM

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Feb 8 at 2018 9:21 PM

Response by SPC Britanny Winnie Balthaser made Jan 23 at 2018 9:18 PM