Cory Geisler is the new commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), overseeing approximately 1.3 million members.
The Hartland, Wis., native was elected July 29 during the organization’s 127th National Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Nevada, making him the veterans’ service organization’s 118th commander-in-chief. His election, approved by thousands of delegates who represent the millions of VFW and auxiliary members nationwide, is part of national efforts to put in place leaders and to establish the organization’s legislative priorities for the coming year.
Geisler, the Iraq War veteran and life member of VFW Post 721 in Waukesha, Wis., served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2012, earning his VFW eligibility through his combat service. Succeeding Carol Whitmore as the organization’s commander-in-chief, Geisler will serve as the VFW’s chief advocate before Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American people.
During his acceptance speech, Geisler called on every member of the VFW to embrace a common purpose centered on a national theme: “One Team. One Mission. Veterans First.”
“These six words are more than a motto,” Geisler said. “They are a commitment. They remind us that regardless of our differences, we are united by a single purpose…to serve veterans, their families and our communities. The strength of the VFW has never come from its buildings or its canteens. It has always come from its members.”
Geisler’s speech focused on the importance of a collective message from coast to coast, where members of all ranks and backgrounds can coalesce at every post and department to help those in need.
They include those “who spend countless hours helping a veteran file a benefits claim,” or those who show up—whether it involves visiting hospitalized veterans, honoring the fallen at military funerals, supporting military families during difficult times, or mentoring youth through scholarship programs.
“Whether answering the call to volunteer in our communities or traveling to our nation’s capital to advocate for veterans’ rights, we proudly stand representing the values we all swore to uphold,” Geisler said. “Every act of service, no matter how small it may seem, strengthens our organization and honors the legacy of those who came before us.
“As veterans, we understand teamwork better than most. During our military service, success depended on trusting one another. We learned that no one accomplishes the mission alone. Every person had a role, and every role mattered. That lesson did not end when we took off the uniform.”
Standing in Unison
The words pontificated by Geisler had a simple overall message: “Veterans First.”
That translates to thinking about how decisions impact veterans in varied ways, whether in terms of planning, recruitment, advocating for legislation, or supporting military families across U.S. communities.
He also acknowledged that being “one team” does not equate to every member and official agreeing on every issue.
“Healthy organizations welcome different ideas and perspectives,” he said. “What matters is that we remain focused on our shared mission. We can disagree respectfully. We can debate thoughtfully. But when the discussion is over, we move forward together because our mission is larger than any individual opinion.”
The VFW has recently been the focus—and, in some cases, the ire of some lawmakers—as it pertains to legislation known as the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act that has for now stalled in Congress. The 60-plus bill package has drawn visceral reactions from myriad VSOs, some of which support the immediate passing of the legislation while others have specific major concerns.
There has been widespread support, including from the VFW, for provisions that include the Major Richard Star Act, the Love Lives On Act, caregiver program reforms, Department of Veterans Affairs modernization initiatives and combat-injured veteran expansions. But some VSOs, veterans and members of Congress have openly called for certain sections to be amended or stripped, notably one provision that critics believe will have nefarious effects on military service members who suffer from tinnitus and sleep apnea.
The VFW has had a very public spat with House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chair Mike Bost (R-Ill.), who earlier this month accused the VFW of inciting political violence when the VSO began showcasing online apparel with the phrase “Honor the Contract.”
Military.com asked the VFW whether Geisler has remarks specifically correlated to the TCAVA. No response was received before publication.
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