KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Hal Roesch II, of Hampton, Virginia, was installed as the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 112th national commander today during a change of command ceremony at the VFW National Headquarters.
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.”
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.