VFW Auxiliary Cancels 2020 National Convention
The convention was scheduled for July 18-23 in Reno, Nevada
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 20, 2020) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 121st National Convention scheduled to take place July 18-23, 2020 in Reno, Nevada, has been cancelled. Therefore, the 107th VFW Auxiliary National Convention has been cancelled.
Thousands of VFW and VFW Auxiliary Delegates were expected to gather to represent the organizations’ combined total membership of more than 1.6 million at the weeklong event. The decision comes as public-health concerns and social-distancing mandates are expected to span into the summer months.
“We support the VFW’s decision as the health of our members, partners and supporters is of primary concern,” said National President Peggy Haake. “Convention or not, our members will continue to serve others during this time.”
Per Section 710 of the VFW Auxiliary Bylaws, the VFW Auxiliary National Council of Administration is responsible for making decisions and representing the body between Conventions. Sections 808 and 809A of the VFW Auxiliary Bylaws address the offices of President, Senior-Vice President and Junior-Vice President directly.
As the organization’s Bylaws address the ascent of only these offices, National President Peggy Haake has appointed a committee to make recommendations to the National Council of Administration for how to handle the ascent and election of the remainder of the organization’s Officers. Once the recommendations are decided upon, the National Council of Administration will be provided with the options and recommendation of the committee on how the election will take place. The National Council of Administration will have the opportunity to vote on which recommendation to follow.
The decision of the National Council of Administration will be provided to the organization’s membership on or before May 1, 2020.
Despite the cancellation of National Convention, VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters remains fully operational. VFW Auxiliary members continue to offer unwavering support for veterans, service members and their families, and communities across the country during this unprecedented time.
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The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who have served in overseas combat. We have nearly 475,000 members representing all 50 states who volunteer millions of hours and give millions of dollars to support veterans, military service personnel and their families.
We are a voice for veterans on Capitol Hill and are instrumental in assisting the VFW pass or block legislation that impacts veterans and their families. We are one of the top ten providers of volunteer hours in the VA medical system. Every year, members raise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families. We also provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for our nation’s youth. With nearly 3,800 Auxiliaries, there is likely one in your area working to improve the lives of America’s uncommon heroes. Learn more at www.vfwauxiliary.org.