Our Programs
Serving Those Who Served
Across Arizona
The VFW Department of Arizona stands with every veteran, service member, and military family in our state. We don’t just honor sacrifice — we fight every day to ensure it is recognized, rewarded, and never forgotten.
From the desert communities of Yuma and Quartzsite to the mountain towns of Flagstaff and Prescott, from Tucson to Kingman, our Posts are woven into the fabric of Arizona life. We are neighbors, advocates, mentors, and comrades — united by the oath we took and the mission that never ends.
With over 60 Posts and 10 Districts across the state, we are one of the largest and most active veteran organizations in Arizona. Every dollar raised, every hour volunteered, every voice raised in advocacy goes directly toward veterans and the families who stand beside them.
Commander’s Corner
A message from Department Commander Deuce Brandt
Brandt
VFW Dept. of Arizona
Congratulations on your election to Commander. Whether you are a first-time Commander, have previously held, or continue another year in command, I welcome you all and thank you for your continued service and support to the Post, District and Department. Together we shall succeed through proactive leadership, set the example for others to follow, work collaboratively, and communicate often while upholding the oath we took to continue serving veterans and families.
My Motto this year is “Advocacy with Integrity and Mentorship” or “A.I.M.” It is our pledge to focus our energy and daily work by putting the veteran, their families and our communities as our priority while using the utmost integrity. Legislatively ensuring every earned and deserved benefit is received, and that we ALL have the support we need from the lasting effects of service to our nation, will be a main lane of effort as well.
I hope you find this year both fun and fulfilling. If we work as a team and remain focused on the mission we can and WILL do many great things that will have a lasting effect beyond ourselves and this year.
True leadership is not defined by the rank you once held, but by the integrity you demonstrate every day as a volunteer. You provide a blueprint for the next generation to follow. Your commitment to mentoring others ensures that the values of discipline and loyalty remain steadfast, transforming your legacy from one of past duty into a living example of character that inspires everyone around you.
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1Earn All-State Honors.
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2Promote teamwork between the Post and its Auxiliary. Your word is your bond — say what you mean and mean what you say.
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3Promote teamwork between the VFW and other community groups and organizations. Be a leader, be positive, use integrity and mentor others.
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4Promote and support the Service Officer program.
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5Be up to date. Visit the Department and National websites regularly. Check your email often. Read and distribute the General Orders from the Department and National. Have an up-to-date Podium Edition of the VFW Congressional Charter Bylaws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual.
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6Ensure that your Post Officers and Chairpersons know their jobs and are fulfilling their duties. Mentor them, conduct school of instruction, and be the example.
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7Promote and support Youth Programs in your Post and District.
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8Promote and support the National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
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9Ensure Posts properly report Community Service activities through the Dashboard.
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10Be visible in your community — POW-MIA awareness, Loyalty Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Veterans’ Day, and other patriotic occasions.
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11Ensure Posts distribute Buddy Poppies at least twice per year.
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12Maintain current Post membership and actively recruit new members.
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13Stay informed on legislative needs and issues affecting veterans.
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14Post and District Commanders must have a representative at ALL Council of Administration meetings.
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Monthly Staff Calls — First Tuesday every month at Department HQ. Mandatory for all VFW Line Officers. Auxiliary Line Officers encouraged. May be held via Zoom when necessary.
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District Commander Zoom — First Tuesday at 6:00 PM. All District Commanders (Auxiliary Presidents welcome). Critical information, problem-solving, and key action items.
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Post Commander Zoom — First Tuesday at 7:00 PM. All Post Commanders (Auxiliary welcome). Open discussions are encouraged — every voice matters.
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Monthly Bulletins — The Department webpage and Facebook page are leveraged for event promotion and important updates. Leaders at all levels are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.
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I have an open-door policy — reach out. With the expectation that leaders at all levels are engaged and solve problems at the lowest level possible.
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If there is any police contact at a Post, District, or VFW event, the Department must be informed immediately.
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When making decisions consider: (1) Is it Legal, Ethical, and Moral? (2) What will it cost financially and personally? (3) What is the reality vs. the perception?
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Treat every member, veteran, and community partner with dignity and respect. Our reputation is built one interaction at a time.
“We are united by a common purpose: to serve those who have served. As One Team, we bring our unique skills, perspectives, and dedication together to meet the needs of our nation’s heroes. ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION, VETERANS FIRST.”
— National Commander-In-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States