Aug 12, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has selected Army Desert Storm Veteran Belinda Boldoe as its 2024-2025 John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year. Awarded annually, the Biedrzycki Award is presented to a VFW Accredited Service Officer who has demonstrated exceptional achievements in support of the VFW’s veterans’ service mission and related programs.
“Service to veterans is as ingrained in the VFW as the word veteran,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “Every day, our global cadre of accredited representatives works tirelessly to ensure our government Honors the Contract and this award, which Belinda Boldoe so rightfully deserves, exemplifies and honors the very best of the best.”
Boldoe, who serves as both the Georgia Department of Veterans Service Appeals Officer and VFW Department of Georgia Service Officer among other roles, assisted more than 2,500 veterans and family members and facilitated the recovery of more than $800,000 in veterans benefits in 2024. A resident of Stone Mountain, Georgia, she is highly regarded by her colleagues, clients and comrades for her professionalism, technical expertise and genuine, honest and teamwork-oriented nature.
VFW Accredited Service Officers are legally recognized and authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prepare, present and prosecute VA benefits claims. Importantly, VA-accredited representatives never charge for assistance with VA disability compensation claims. In 2024 alone, the VFW’s Accredited Service Officer network has secured more than $14.6 billion in compensation and pension on behalf of veterans and eligible family members, and every dollar has gone to beneficiaries.
“It is always an honor to recognize a professionally trained, VFW Accredited Service Officer who exemplifies our values in every action she takes on behalf of the veterans, family members and survivors we represent,” said VFW National Veterans Service Director Mike Figlioli. “Belinda consistently delivers results not only for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, but for the entire VFW. It is only fitting that we take the time to recognize her achievements and dedication.”
Originally from Washington, D.C., Boldoe served in the United States Army for more than 11 years as a signal communication officer, earning her VFW eligibility during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Throughout her Army career, she held several critical positions including company commander, theater communication manager during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and project manager for testing and procuring new Signal Corps equipment.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year for 2024-2025,” said Boldoe. “This is not a job for me; this is my heavenly assignment from my Lord and Savior to take care of his people.”
Boldoe maintains her Bronze Legacy Life membership at Henry County GA VFW Post 12180 in Stockbridge, Georgia, where she serves as the Post quartermaster. She has two children — one of whom she is proud to call a fellow VFW member.