The National Home is pleased to announce the results of the 2022 election for new trustees in District 6 (KY, LA, MS, MO, TN) and District 10 (AR, NM, OK, TX). 

Our District 6 Trustee Elect is Michael Rhew. Michael Rhew, U.S. Army retired, served from September 1977 to May 1998 with the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Military Policeman, Platoon Sergeant, Electronics Instructor, and First Sergeant. Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal.

He is a Life member of Tennessee VFW Post 684. Mike was a Post Fundraising Chairman since 2009 and his Post members raised and donated over $65,000 to the National Home. Donations went towards a handicap accessible bus, National Home Museum, Guest House, Tribute Park & Bricks, daycare tricycle path, and a complete renovation of the Tennessee Home.

As Department Chairman for the National Home in 2010-2014, Mike co- led a life membership drive in 2010-2011 resulting in the Department recruiting 226 new life members.

Mike holds a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology with over 32 years of Information Technology & Cyber Security experience with the NSA and Internal Revenue Service managing budgets and collaborating on multimillion-dollar projects.

Mike served as All-American State Commander in 2018-2019, Tennessee National Legislative Committee member 2019-2022, and 14 years as Post Commander. Mike promotes team accomplishments and places people and the mission first.

Our District 10 Trustee Elect is Shirlee Frias. Shirlee Frias is a life member of George O’Breece Auxiliary No. 401 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She joined in 2001 under the eligibility of her husband, Donald Frias, a Gulf War veteran, and became a VFW National Home Life Member a year later.

She served as Department President of NM Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 2005-2006, Auxiliary/District President, Western Conference Youth Activities Chairman 2014-2015, National Dept. of NM Recruiter 2014-2015, VFW National Home Department Chairman, and Junior Girls advisor. The bright yellow Golf Cart “cruising” around the National Home was her president’s special project.

Shirlee was appointed as the Interim District 10 Trustee and is currently serving on the Program Committee and Redistricting Committee. She possesses a Masters of Educational Leadership (2001), Masters of Business Administration (2011), and a Bachelor’s of Administration (1991) from New Mexico State University.

Currently, in her 24th year of teaching, she is a High School English/Movies Instructor. She volunteers with Best Buddies, Popejoy Hall, and is a member of the M.O.C.A. having held Grand President, Grand Hospital, and Grand/Supreme National Home Chairman. Shirlee and her husband have been married for 27 years, have two adult children, and reside in Rio Rancho, NM.

Both Shirlee and Michael are welcome additions to the National Home’s Board of Trustees and we look forward to working with them!