NEW COMMANDER CALLS CUTS IN BENEFITS "UNCONSCIONABLE"
VFW ready for battles that lie ahead ...
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"We fully understand the difficult fiscal decisions our nation must make," acknowledged newly elected Commander-in-Chief, Richard L. DeNoyer, in his acceptance speech. "But the programs and benefits veterans and military families have earned and deserve have already been paid for through their honorable service and sacrifice."
A resident of Middleton, Massachusetts, DeNoyer was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States during the organization's 112th National Convention. The Convention was held August 26-September 1, 2011, at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
"Regrettably, even though our all-volunteer military has shouldered a multi-theater war all by themselves for almost 10 years, even as we meet some in Congress have proposed plans that would leave America's military and her veterans to shoulder more of the national debt," he said.
DeNoyer served in the Marine Corps from 1960-1982. Upon his military retirement, he began a career in veterans advocacy, initially serving as a national service officer for American Veterans of World War II. In 1988, he began working for Paralyzed Veterans of America as a national service officer, senior benefit advocate and national field director, as well as supervising the Boston office and nine offices in the Northeast.
In 1981, he joined VFW Post 1012 in Medford, Massachusetts, where he maintains his life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department (state) levels culminating with his election as Department Commander in 2000-2001. He also has served on numerous national committees and as chairman of the Eastern States Conference.
DeNoyer's address came near the conclusion of the annual convention and followed three days of notable guests' appearances, productive VFW workshops and the renowned "VFW Patriotic Rally." Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry met with attendees at VFW's Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans Workshop and was later honored at the Rally. Petry received the nation's highest military award on July 12 in a ceremony at the White House.
Gov. Rick Perry, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) greeted attendees at the Joint Opening Session on Monday. On Tuesday, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addressed convention delegates, as well as Deputy VA Secretary Scott Gould.
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Sean P Eagan
Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans
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