While the weather may be a bit too warm for some and not quite rainy enough for others, I don’t think too many of us on the mountaintop are complaining. All things considered, it’s been a beautiful stretch of days.
A big thank you to everyone who came out to play bingo last week. With our flash board up and running, it made the game much easier to follow, and we truly appreciate your continued support.
In a landmark moment, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has elected its first female National Commander in the organization’s 125-year history.
Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, Iowa, was elected as the new national commander during the conclusion of the 126th VFW National Convention held in Columbus, Ohio.
Over 10,000 VFW and Auxiliary members gathered to conduct organizational business, recognize outstanding service, and elect new leadership for the 2025–2026 term.
Whitmore becomes the 117th commander-in-chief of the VFW, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of roughly one million eligible combat veterans and military members from all six branches of the armed forces.
“Standing here today, surrounded by fellow veterans, families, and friends, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and humility,” Whitmore said during her acceptance speech. “This isn’t just about me—this is about all of us who’ve worn the uniform.”
Carol Whitmore enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1977 and went on to serve a distinguished 36-year military career.
She transitioned into the regular Army, served as an Army nurse, and rose to the position of first sergeant while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom—where she earned her eligibility for VFW membership.
Her commendations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, six Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, and numerous other decorations reflecting her decades of service.
Speaking to the crowd at the Greater Columbus Convention Center—and to thousands more watching via livestream—Whitmore reflected on her journey:
“My path may not have mirrored the traditional VFW experience, but I was driven by duty and the desire to serve something greater than myself. That choice changed my life in ways I never imagined,” Whitmore said.”
Whitmore also spoke passionately about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the VFW’s diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia during the 1990s.
“I may be the first female veteran elected to this role—and maybe even the first to wear a dress while doing it—but I will not be the last,” she said.
“As I’ve said throughout my campaign, I am your comrade—by mud, by blood, by dust, by dirt, by sand, by land, by sea, by air. I am a veteran first.”
We encourage all eligible veterans to consider joining the ranks of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. For more information, reach out to us at vfwpost1545@gmail.com or visit vfwnational.or
This week, we honor Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia of Buffalo, NY, for his extraordinary heroism during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 10, 2004.
Serving with the 1st Infantry Division, Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s gallant actions went above and beyond the call of duty. During an intense firefight, his squad was pinned down by enemy fire inside a house.
Without hesitation, he retrieved an automatic weapon, entered the house under heavy fire, and engaged the enemy to protect his fellow soldiers.
Bellavia single-handedly cleared the house of five insurgents in close-quarters combat. His courage and swift actions saved the lives of his squad members. His Medal of Honor citation reflects this incredible act of bravery, selflessness, and commitment to mission and comrades.
His heroic efforts are a shining example of the very best of America’s armed forces.
Let us continue to keep all who have served—and all who are still serving—in our thoughts and prayers and God Bless America
Marc Farmilette, PDC, Commander, Post 1545
SSG David G. Bellavia
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