116th Congress, 2d Session House Document 116–165 PROCEEDINGS of the 120TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES (SUMMARY OF MINUTES) Orlando, Florida ::: July 20 – 24, 2019 116th Congress, 2d Session – – – – – – – – – – – – – House Document 116–165 THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 120TH NATIONAL CON- VENTION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES COMMUNICATION FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES TRANSMITTING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 120TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, HELD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA: JULY 20–24, 2019, PURSUANT TO 44 U.S.C. 1332; (PUBLIC LAW 90–620 (AS AMENDED BY PUBLIC LAW 105–225, SEC. 3); (112 STAT. 1498) NOVEMBER 12, 2020.—Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and ordered to be printed U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 40–535 WASHINGTON : 2020 U.S. CODE, TITLE 44, SECTION 1332 NATIONAL ENCAMPMENTS OF VETERANS’ ORGANIZATIONS; PROCEEDINGS PRINTED ANNUALLY FOR CONGRESS The proceedings of the national encampments of the United Spanish War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Veterans of World War I of the United States, Incorporated, the Disabled American Veterans, and the AMVETS (American Veterans of World War II), respectively, shall be printed annually, with accompanying illustrations, as separate House documents of the session of the Congress to which they may be submitted. [Approved October 2, 1968.] ii LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI September, 2020 Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Speaker U. S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Madam Speaker: In conformance with the provisions of Public Law No. 620, 90th Congress, approved October 22, 1968, I am transmitting to you herewith the proceedings of the 120th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in Orlando, Florida, July 20-24, 2019, which is submitted for printing as a House document. Sincerely, Kevin Jones Adjutant General iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 Call to Order.................................................................................................................... 1 Commander-in-Chief Gold Star Tribute .......................................................................... 1 VFW Auxiliary Draping of the Altar ................................................................................. 2 Advancement of the Colors ............................................................................................ 2 Invocation ....................................................................................................................... 2 Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, Posting of the Colors ....................................... 3 POW/MIA Tribute ........................................................................................................... 3 Memorial Roll Call........................................................................................................... 4 Memorial Roll Call Tribute .............................................................................................. 4 Symbolic Tribute ............................................................................................................. 6 Memorial Address........................................................................................................... 8 Benediction................................................................................................................... 13 JOINT OPENING SESSION MONDAY, JULY 22, 2019 Call to Order.................................................................................................................. 15 Introduction John Hamilton, Chairman VFW 120th National Convention Committee .................................................. 16 Advancement of Colors................................................................................................. 16 Invocation ..................................................................................................................... 17 Pledge of Allegiance...................................................................................................... 17 Introduction and Presentation of Official Convention Badge, Bell and Gavel To Commander in Chief Vincent “BJ” Lawrence............................................. 19 Remarks- Commander in Chief Vincent “BJ” Lawrence................................................ 19 Presentation of VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation To VFW Auxiliary National President Sandi Kriebel........................................ 22 Remarks-VFW Auxiliary National President Sandi Kriebel............................................ 23 Introduction of United States Congresswoman Val Demings....................................... 26 Remarks-United States Congresswoman Val Demings................................................. 26 Presentation of the VFW Accredited Service Representative of the Year Award To Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh.......................................................................... 30 Remarks-Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh.............................................................................. 31 Introduction of Nathan Naylor, Vice President of Veteran Healthcare, Philips North America ............................................... 31 Remarks-Nathan Naylor................................................................................................ 32 Introduction of David McIntyre, CEO, Triwest.............................................................. 33 Remarks-David McIntyre .............................................................................................. 34 v Introduction of Vice Minister Lu Chia-Kai Veterans Affairs Council, Republic of China ................................................... 38 Remarks-Vice Minister Lu Chia-Kai ............................................................................... 38 Introduction of Voice of Democracy Winner Christine Troll......................................... 40 Remarks-Christine Toll.................................................................................................. 40 Introduction of Major General Worthe Holt, Vice President And Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Humana................................................... 42 Remarks-Major General Dr. Worthe Holt..................................................................... 43 Introduction of the VFW National Home for Children Representatives....................... 47 Remarks-VFW National Home for Children Board President Mike McGrath...................................................................... 48 Remarks-Marie Strefling, 2008-2009 VFW National Buddy Poppy Child...................... 51 Remarks-Brooklyn Hekman 2019 VFW National Buddy Poppy Child ........................... 52 Introduction of Unmet Needs recipient Chris Blevins & Family ................................... 53 Remarks-Chris Blevins................................................................................................... 54 Introduction of Prasad Reddy, CEO, Twisted X Boots................................................... 55 Remarks-Prasad Reddy ................................................................................................. 55 Introduction of Joe Torres, Senior Affinity Account Manager USAA ............................ 56 Remarks-Joe Torres....................................................................................................... 57 Presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal and Citation to VFW National Home for Children Executive Director, Patrice Green............. 59 Remarks-Patrice Green ................................................................................................. 60 Presentation of the VFW James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award to Kenneth Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation .............. 60 Remarks-Kenneth Fisher............................................................................................... 61 Presentation of the VFW Armed Forces Award to Admiral Michelle J. Howard, United Stated Navy, Retired............................. 63 Remarks-Admiral Michelle J. Howard........................................................................... 65 Introduction of Honorable Michael R. Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State...................... 68 Remarks-Honorable Michael R. Pompeo...................................................................... 69 Howard E. Vander Clute Memorial Ride Check Presentation....................................... 76 Presentation of Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards ............................................ 77 Introduction of Bobbie Schamens, Elementary School................................................. 77 Remarks-Bobbie Schamens........................................................................................... 78 Introduction of Annie Martin, Middle School............................................................... 80 Remarks-Annie Martin.................................................................................................. 81 Introduction of Kevin Wagner, High School.................................................................. 83 Remarks-Kevin Wagner................................................................................................