Jan 12, 2022
WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce the naming of retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) John Wayne Troxell as the VFW’s new National Ambassador.
“John has a tremendous record of more than 37 years of uniformed service to the Armed Forces,” said VFW National Commander Fritz Mihelcic in a video announcement. “He will now bring that same commitment to the VFW as he works to help promote VFW programs and services to new audiences, often active-duty military, all across the country.”
A native of Davenport, Iowa, Troxell began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1982 as an Armored Reconnaissance Specialist, graduating from One Station Unit training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. During his 38-year career, Troxell served across the country and around the world at almost every position of leadership within the Non-Commissioned Officer corps, to include command senior enlisted leader at the battalion, brigade, regimental, corps, major command, sub-unified command and combatant command levels. His combat experiences span over three decades, with service in Operations Just Cause in Panama, Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Iraqi Freedom in Iraq twice, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Troxell’s career culminated as the top enlisted service member in the entire Department of Defense, serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, now retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., from Dec. 2015 – Dec. 2019, before retiring from active service in April 2020.
“It’s an honor for our organization to have such a distinguished leader and fellow comrade champion our cause and tell our story,” said Mihelcic.
Since retiring, Troxell has not slowed his pace as he is still in high demand. Active-duty units, installations and veteran focused non-profit organizations frequently request his attendance as motivational speaker at events, focusing on leadership, readiness, and health and fitness. He has been a guest on many veteran podcasts and co-hosts a few himself. He also serves as advisor and brand ambassador for many nonprofits, such as the Hiring Our Heroes, Allied Forces Foundation and Our Community Salutes. Adding the title of National Ambassador to his already extensive resume, Troxell will engage with audiences of service members, veterans and influencers alike about the benefits and services the VFW offers, such as claims representation for those leaving the military.
“What an honor to be named as National Ambassador for the VFW,” said Troxell. “I tell transitioning service members all the time of how a VFW Service Officer took care of me as I retired. Now to officially represent an organization that helped me and carry the message that truly ‘No One Does More For Veterans’ is such a privilege."
Troxell lives with his wife Sandra in Lakewood, Washington, but is a VFW Life member of Post 10281 in Vine Grove, Kentucky. He also made a couple appearances as a guest on #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, promoting health and wellness, as well as sharing personal stories and experiences with VFW assistance. By naming Troxell as National Ambassador, the VFW will be able to leverage his enthusiasm for the organization with current and new veterans going into the future.
"I am fired up to get out and get after it,” said Troxell.