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 Roesch assumes command of the oldest combat
veterans service organization boasting approximately 1.5 million
members, including its Auxiliary.
“I stand before you, humbled, elated and ready to selflessly serve
the 1.5 million members and its Auxiliary as we continue the
tradition of serving America’s veterans, service members and
families worldwide,” said Roesch.
Roesch is a 20-year U.S. Air Force retiree serving from 1982 to
2002. He earned his VFW eligibility during his combat service in
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and overseas service as
part of Southern Watch. Roesch is a recipient of three Meritorious
Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Air Force
Achievement Medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor,
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service
Medal with three campaign stars, and numerous other awards and
decorations.
Roesch joined the VFW in 1991 at VFW Post 3034 in Sumter, South
Carolina, and became a Post commander at VFW Post 4542 in Spring
Lake, North Carolina. He now maintains his Gold Legacy Life
membership at VFW Post 3219 in Phoebus, Virginia.
Roesch has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post,
District and Department levels, culminating with his election as VFW
Department of Virginia commander from 2008-2009. On the national
level, he has served on the Council of Administration from 2010-2012
and as the inspector general from 2016-2017.
Roesch said the VFW is preparing to build a 20/20 Vision For
Veterans and it begins with re-educating and reintroducing the
organization to its communities and local and national leaders.
“We are the pillars of our communities,” said Roesch. “We represent
the strength of our nation. And we will lead the charge into 2021
and beyond in protecting the very benefits and entitlements that our
service members, veterans and military families have earned through
their sacrifice, commitment and selfless service in defense of
freedom.”
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 Roesch said the VFW is more vital and instrumental
today than it’s ever been because of the veterans serving at Posts
around the globe.
“Our VFW remains the resilient force it has always been,” said
Roesch. “We are stronger today because of you. Together, our voices
will continue to be a dominant force in our communities, on the Hill
and within the halls of the White House.”
He also reinforced the organization’s commitment to inclusivity
stating, “Our doors are open to ALL eligible veterans, and today I
stand here before you and personally invite all eligible veterans to
join our organization.”
Roesch replaced William “Doc” Schmitz as national commander.
Watch or
read his acceptance speech. About the
VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's
largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899,
the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible
veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and
Reserve forces. With more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members
located in over 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans
service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR
VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service,
legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.
For more information or to join, visit our website at vfw.org.
[Laurie Emmer
Commander, Department of Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars]
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