Donate
News

Annual Meeting of Life Members 2024

November 1, 2024


The VFW National Home Life Members recently gathered for their annual meeting, a significant event in which members reflected on the past year and planned for the future. This meeting provided an opportunity to express gratitude to the outgoing trustees whose terms have concluded, while also welcoming the newly elected officials who will take on important leadership roles.

During the meeting, Board President Keith Jackson, representing District 1, officially concluded his presidential term. He symbolically passed the gavel to his successor, Jerry Blake, from District 8, marking a transition in leadership. Along with Blake, several other key positions within the board were filled through a formal swearing-in ceremony. Sandi Kriebel from District 4 was appointed as Senior Vice President, bringing her experience to the role; Jodi Hollinger from District 3 assumed responsibilities as Junior Vice President; and Michael Rhew from District 6 was elected as Member at Large, ensuring a diverse representation within the board.

From left to right Jerry Blake, Sandi Kriebel, Jodi Hollinger,
Michele Rathke, Dennis Parizek, Barry Wickman

A noteworthy highlight of the meeting was the successful passage of a vote to ratify the updated Bylaws, a decision reflecting the collective voice of the membership.

In addition to these administrative updates, the Life Members were presented with a comprehensive update on the National Home, detailing initiatives and developments over the past year. The meeting also featured a Year-In-Review video, which encapsulated the achievements and milestones of the organization, reinforcing the importance of the community’s work.

Furthermore, the gathering included the installation of two newly elected Trustees. Michele Rathke and Dennis Parizek were appointed as Trustees for Districts 7 and 11, respectively. They will serve for a term spanning from 2024 to 2030, and their participation is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to the board’s ongoing initiatives and future projects. With these changes, the organization looks forward to continued growth and commitment to its mission.