'Devoting brain and heart': in his acceptance speech, the Chief outlined some of the issues facing veterans today as well as organizational challenges ahead

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2003 by Edward S. Banas, Sr.

Our organization must stay focused on achieving excellence in all of VFW's founding principles--caring for veterans, advocating a strong defense, promoting patriotism and providing community service.

Of course, caring for the health needs of veterans leads the list. Right now, more than 100,000 veterans are waiting six months or more to see a VA doctor. Moreover, all who served are entitled to a full continuum of care--including long-term care and affordable prescription drugs. Mandatory funding is the only way to assure that the system stays solvent.

The Capital Assets Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program is a necessary step. But this fundamental overhaul of the VA system must be carefully analyzed for quality before being implemented.

VFW itself can play an instrumental role in ensuring an equitable realignment of resources. Our new training and quality assurance division within the National Veterans Service will guarantee accountability and professionalism among VFW service officers and thus enhance efficiency.

VA national cemeteries are another major concern. With veterans dying at a rate of 1,800 per day, every effort must be made to provide them with a dignified resting place. They and their families deserve nothing less.

For those who serve today--whether active, National Guard or Reserve--VFW supports you all the way. When it comes to pay, housing, health care and education, you rate the best the country has to offer. We recognize your duty in Iraq and Afghanistan is not only arduous, but is often deadly.

VFW is an organization in transition. It is time for some critical self-examination and evaluation. In our quest for new and younger members, it is vital that we be innovative and downright groundbreaking. Our concept to this end is known as Team VFW, and it will be the catalyst for change.

We must be willing to change with the world around us. That means openly accepting the ideas only a new generation of vets can infuse into the organization. So when they return from overseas theaters of conflict, offer them camaraderie. Welcome them back home in grand VFW style.

One last thought--please keep in mind that the 2004 presidential primaries provide an ideal opportunity to flex our collective political muscle. By mobilizing VFW members at the grassroots, we can exert tremendous influence on the outcome of the election. This applies equally to Congress as well as the executive branch. So be active and vote when the time comes.

Most of all, this will require conviction--the belief that what we do has genuine meaning. Then it will take the courage to act upon those beliefs. This is what I call "devoting brain and heart." Failure to do so will have dire consequences for all of the nation's veterans. This, however, is not a concern at VFW. I know I can count on all of you to join me in making VFW vibrant and in protecting the rights of veterans, present and future.