Adapting to the `new realities': strengthening the organization requires a commitment in one's personal life as well as to the veterans movement. And pride is often the primary motivating factor, believes Commander-in-Chief Ray Sisk

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Richard K. Kolb

The South China Sea was a dangerous place in the late `50s and early `60s. It was the height of the Cold War and Communist China was flexing its military muscle in Southeast Asia. To stem the tide of Beijing's influence, the U.S. 7th Fleet was dispatched to the area.

Aboard the USS Midway was a young sailor named Ray Sisk. He was among thousands of Navy personnel afloat in the crisis-ridden Formosa (Taiwan) Straits during this confrontational era. That experience left an indelible impression on Sisk. It imbued him with a strong sense of what is most important in life--serving one's country honorably and with pride. Such values, he found, are every bit as critical in the civilian world.

Perhaps this is why he chose Service, Honor, Pride as his theme for 2002-03. "Yes, there are three reasons I selected these meaningful words," Sisk says. "Service represents serving country and fellow veterans, honor pertains to remembering those who didn't come home and pride is in America, VFW and self."

Establishing Priorities

The overriding concern of all veterans groups, naturally, is providing quality service to needy veterans. "No matter what the nature of their service," Sisk stresses, "anyone who wore the country's uniform and requires medical care is entitled to it by legal and moral obligation."

When it comes to active-duty troops, society's obligation is no less compelling. This includes a livable wage and adequate health benefits. It also entails a full accounting of Americans missing on the battlefield, a very real possibility in the ongoing war on terrorism. "This is a huge issue among VFW members," Sisk believes.

Speaking of the campaign against terrorists, it has rightfully taken center stage from the peacekeeping operations of yesteryear. While the service of GIs in the Balkans should be respected, the focus of concern has shifted back to defending U.S. national interests, unilaterally or otherwise.

"Relentless pursuit of those responsible for the despicable acts of Sept. 11 must be our nation's No. 1 priority," the Chief feels. "If Americans cannot feel safe and secure at home, then all of our most fundamental freedoms are threatened."

It is domestically, too, that VFW Posts have a vital role to play. Youth programs such as Voice of Democracy and Boy Scouts of America have a profound influence on society. Senior citizens, especially those who are hospitalized, also deserve sustained interest in their welfare.

"Our good deeds can be expanded overseas; after all, we are a worldwide organization," Sisk says enthusiastically. "This can take the shape of everything from tending to gravesites at Clark Cemetery in the Philippines to providing wheelchairs to South Vietnamese veterans in the former Saigon." Of course, in the latter instance, political obstacles have to be overcome at the Vietnamese embassy in Washington, D.C.

Time to Turn It Around

No doubt about it, many traditional associations in America find themselves demographically challenged. "All of us are disappointed in the downward trend in membership," Sisk points out. "But a turnaround can be effected by dedicated members in the field."

In some cases, though, this may require a revolution in thinking. "Change is a bad word for some," the Chief said. "Nevertheless, we must demonstrate to younger vets what the VFW can do for them. They have great ideas. In fact, my Post commander is a Persian Gulf vet."

But expanding eligibility is not a cure-all. "I don't see it happening at this point in the VFW's history," he says. "There are plenty of eligible veterans out there; it is just a matter of formulating the right appeals and using novel recruiting approaches."

In one area, however, there is room for eligibility expansion. Recipients of hostile and imminent danger pay were recently made eligible when Congress amended VFW's charter to allow them entry into the ranks.

Veterans who receive this special pay were placed in situations where they were subject to fighting overseas. Consequently, they meet the fundamental stipulations for a campaign medal. Over the years, particularly in the case of terrorist situations, a select few troops have fallen through the eligibility cracks. This measure will remedy that inequity.

Instructive Experiences

Sisk himself has an inkling of what it is like to be overlooked when overseas campaign vets are recognized. As a sailor in the Taiwan Straits crisis of 1958, he recalls few Americans remembering that service then was of crucial importance.

Sailing aboard the USS Midway, he served several months around Taiwan. "We knew it was for real when the Communist Chinese shells exploded in the water nearby," he recalls. Years later, in a show of appreciation, the government in Taipei awarded U.S. vets two medals for Quemoy/Matsu duty off China.

This tour, along with time in the Gulf of Tonkin, earned him the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The tour was part of his three seven-month Pacific cruises. As a machinist's mate 2nd class on the aircraft carrier, he worked as general quarters throttle man in the No. 2 Engine Room. "For a young gun in his 20s, seeing the countries of the Pacific Rim was quite a learning experience," he remembers.