Comrades,

Recently, I had the honor of traveling to Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, a visit that left a lasting impression on me, both personally and professionally. I am especially grateful to Commander‑in‑Chief Carol Whitmore for inviting me to accompany her on this important visit. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to ensuring the VFW remains engaged with our veterans and service members, wherever they serve, made this trip possible, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

GTMO is a place few get to see firsthand, and even fewer truly understand. What I witnessed there was a remarkable display of dedication, professionalism, and resilience by the men and women who serve and support our nation in one of its most remote assignments.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting with the commanding officers of Joint Task Force Guantánamo, leadership from the Naval Hospital, representatives of the United States Marine Corps, and base leadership from multiple commands. In every meeting, one theme was constant: mission first, people always. Despite the isolation and unique challenges of the installation, the professionalism and morale of those serving at GTMO were outstanding.

Equally impressive was the work being done by the VFW Post 12225 Guantánamo Bay, led by Post Commander Matt Mayer and his team. Commander Mayer exemplifies what it means to lead from the front. His commitment to the Post, its members, and the broader GTMO community is nothing short of exceptional. Under his leadership, the Post continues to serve as a vital source of camaraderie, support, and advocacy for veterans and service members stationed there.

What struck me most is how much this Post accomplishes with so little external support. Resources are limited. Distance makes coordination difficult. Yet the members of this Post consistently step up, supporting morale events, assisting service members, engaging with the community, and upholding the values of the VFW. They do not ask for recognition; they do the work because it matters.

This visit reinforced something I have long believed: our Posts are strongest when they are visible, engaged, and accountable. That is why I want to emphasize the importance of accurately reporting our work through the VFW Community Service Reporting on our State Website. The hours we volunteer, the events we support, and the lives we impact tell the true story of the VFW. If we do not report what we do, it appears from the outside that we are doing nothing at all.

Community reporting is not just about numbers; it is about demonstrating our relevance, justifying funding and grants, strengthening our credibility, and ensuring the VFW remains strong at every level. The outstanding work being done at GTMO deserves to be seen, recognized, and counted, just like the work being done at Posts across Virginia and around the world.

This trip also reaffirmed the critical importance of membership. Membership is not simply a membership card; it is our lifeblood. Every member strengthens our ability to advocate for veterans, support our communities, and maintain Posts like the one at GTMO. Recruitment brings new energy, but retention is equally vital.

I urge every Post to focus on retaining our annual members. Too often, good members are lost simply because no one reached out. A personal phone call, a simple "how are you doing?" can make all the difference. Veterans want to know they matter. They want to know they are missed. And they want to feel connected to something larger than themselves.

If you are an annual member, I ask you personally: please renew your membership. Your continued involvement ensures that Posts can continue to operate, support their members, and represent the VFW with pride.

My visit to Guantánamo Bay reminded me that buildings or budgets do not define the VFW. It is defined by people, leaders like Post Commander Matt Mayer, dedicated members who serve without recognition, and veterans who remain committed to one another long after the uniform comes off.

We owe it to them and to the VFW to stay engaged, stay accountable, and stay united.

Yours in comradeship,