By Nestor Tamayao
The VFW’s 118th National Convention took place in New Orleans, La. July 22-26, 2017. It was attended by six post delegates and one alternate delegate. They were Commander Nestor Tamayao, Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger, Junior Vice Commander Joe Fitzgerald, Trustees Aaron Stoltz, James Williams and Russ Seelig, and Surgeon Dan Stokke.
While the initial business session occurred on Monday, July 24, there were plenty of events on the Saturday and Sunday before. In addition to registration, there was a health fair, various committee meetings, a Gold Star Families reception, membership workshop, VFW programs workshop, veterans’ benefits forum, Protestant service, Catholic Mass and a First Time Attendees Reception for members like Comrades Fitzgerald and Stokke.
At the Joint Opening Session on Monday, VFW and Auxiliary members attended the formal opening of the 118th National Convention by VFW Commander-in Chief Brian Duffy. A video was shown that recapped the many successes of the VFW in 2016-2017.
When the business session resumed after lunch, the hall seating was reconfigured by state. Each department commander put a placard bearing the state’s name on a pedestal. State officers, post delegates and members sat with their respective state.
The business sessions on Monday and Tuesday had various speakers and the awarding of honors to recipients who were active in VFW programs and to sponsors of the convention. Tuesday evening highlighted a patriotic rally.
On Wednesday, resolutions and by-law changes were introduced and voted on. The morning culminated in the election and installation of national officers for the ensuing year. As part of the installation process, elected officers parade throughout the large hall followed by delegations from each state with the department commander holding up the state’s name on a placard. The service song of each elected officer is played as the parade commences and is repeated until the parade finishes. It is quite the pomp and circumstance.
While the convention contains many work-related items, there was still some time for fun and relaxation. The hospitality rooms afforded a place where a member could relax, meet members from other states, and enjoy food and libations. There are many places of interest in New Orleans with its many museums, churches and restaurants with fine cuisines. The French Quarter was also a go-to destination. Some members opted for a boat swamp tour which gave a close-up look at a swamp as well as the resident critter: the alligator.
The annual National Convention is an integral part of VFW business and each VFW post is required to register one or more of their respective number of delegates each year. The hosting city considers the convention an economic boost as it can bring in up to 10,000 visitors. Next year’s National Convention will be in Kansas City, Mo. in July.
