Posted on Jan 18, 2018
Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS, here for a live Q&A today at 4PM ET. What questions do you have for me?
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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.
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.
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Q&A
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Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Leadership
Q&A SSgt Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Leadership
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 36
Where can I find out more about AMVETS Americanism Program and how to Support your Organization?
What reason did the NFL give for rejecting the #pleasestand?
What will you be promoting as response?
What will you be promoting as response?
SSgt Joe Chenelly
The NFL told us they did not want to take a stance on the issue. We believe they are taking a position by rejecting our ad. The media has become very interested in the process we went through and why we chose to rebuff the NFL's request to change our message. We will continue talking about this, empowering others to talk about it and to remain respectful of other people's opinions.
Is there still a need for Veteran's Service Organizations(VSOs)? If so, what should be our main focus/mission?
Sgt (Join to see)
PVT Justin McKay Yes. I became a life member of the VFW because a VSO helped me with my VA claim. The main focus of Veteran's organizations should be to help veterans and educate the public.
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Absolutely! Taking on the VA's disability claims process is like driving into a huge city without a map. The Service Officers are the map, able to help each veteran navigate through the massive red tape earned benefits are wrapped in. If you mean the organizations, they are also certainly needed. There are issues constantly needing attention by our legislative advocacy team here in Washington. Last year the proposed budget included cutting benefits for severely disabled veterans on retirement age. We took our team to Capitol Hill and visited every senate office in one day. By that night, the VA secretary called me and announced the proposed cut was off the table. Veterans wouldn't even have know about the proposal until it was too late if it hadn't been for the VSOs.
PVT Justin McKay
Sgt (Join to see) and SSgt Joe Chenelly - I agree. Thank you, kindly, for your responses!
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?
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Thanks for the question, Trevor. The NFL said our ad was political and they don't want to take a position. We didn't ask them to take a position, which they did anyway by rejecting our ad. We were intentionally respectful and straight-forward in our ad. Simply #PleaseStand.
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?
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?
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Well said, Winnie! A society that is not asked to sacrifice is a society that won't appreciate what they have. We need to find ways to close that gap between the veterans and non-veterans. Leading by example and showing pride in our service but not entitlement is key. I don't believe in compulsory service, as most who served in the draft era have impressed upon me. But we have a LOT of work to do in this. Educating through pop culture is a tall challenge but key. We at AMVETS have an Americanism program, as highlighted in this recent news coverage, which is aimed at teaching about patriotism, about our freedoms and how they've been won, developed and defended. I can go on about this for a long time, as it is so important. I really appreciate the question.
SPC Britanny *Winnie* Balthaser
SSgt Joe Chenelly - I am not really familiar with AMVETS, but I would be interested in learning more about the Americanism Program. Do you think an adoption of such a program with other organizations would ultimately educate where it is needed? My father if he is not busy spends Veterans Day (also his birthday) going to the local schools to teach about Veterans Day, Flag Customs, etc this might be something that the American Legion which he and my mother are officers of could also adopt.
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Your father was born on Veterans Day? Love it. My wife chose the Marine Corps birther day for our wedding day. I never have to worry about forgetting that! Your parents could certainly start a program like that within another organization, but we don't mind if they belong to multiple orgs. Check out http://amvets.org/Americanism
Americanism - AMVETS National Headquarters
#PleaseStand with us today! The NFL just rejected AMVETS’ #PleaseStand ad for the Super Bowl program! – Commandeer Polk’s letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell – Download a printable version of the ad: PDF ... Read More »
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?
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Great questions, Brandon. We were surprised by the rejection, so we've had to do a lot of thinking this week to form a new road map while also making a lot of major media appearances. We have been approached by thousands of people and companies of all sorts. Many are offering to help, many are trying to sell us ad space and services, but they all seem to want to help. We are looking to turn the grassroots loose on this. There is so much passion around this, that we know the issue deserves a lot more conversation.
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.
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.
SSgt Joe Chenelly
What a tremendous question, Jacqueem! We'd love to connect you directly with fellow veterans in your area and even with out national staff. Please email me at [login to see] so I can set something up. You with your skills can make a difference!
SSgt Joe Chenelly
More generally: While there are plenty of veterans who just want to get away from the military/veterans community when they get out, there are many more who want to continue serving but in a different way. First and foremost, find a local post or group. If there isn't one in your area, we at AMVETS National HQ are ready to help form one. There are often numerous veterans wanting to get together with fellow vets but don't know about each other. We also have programs in which veterans can volunteer helping other veterans, especially hospitalized vets. We have volunteer coordinators who can find these opportunities where you live. We are also developing two new programs that will empower veterans to tackle big needs in a meaningful way. Thanks again for this great question!
MSgt Rosemary Connolly
As a veteran and mother to two of the few, I paid their membership before the rates went up ($250 life back then). Now one of my sons is post commander.
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?
SSgt Joe Chenelly
Thanks so much for this question, Diana. We really appreciate the support. So we have partnerships with stores in more parts of the nation that most see. Here is a link to help you find where an AMVETS pick-up site, store or partner may be near you: http://amvetsnsf.org/Thrift-Stores/. If you cannot find what you're looking for on there, please me know. I will connect you. I am [login to see] . Thanks again!
Thrift Stores - AMVETS National Service Foundation
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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
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Americanism - AMVETS National Headquarters
#PleaseStand with us today! The NFL just rejected AMVETS’ #PleaseStand ad for the Super Bowl program! – Commandeer Polk’s letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell – Download a printable version of the ad: PDF ... Read More »
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