OFFICERS

The 2026-27 VFW Department officers and District leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Michigan represent a dedicated team of veterans committed to serving those who have served. Comprised of experienced leaders from across the state, they work collaboratively to uphold the mission of the VFW by advocating for veterans’ benefits, strengthening local posts, and fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Through their combined service, leadership, and continued commitment, they ensure that the voices of Michigan’s veterans are heard and that their needs remain a top priority.
 
Scroll down after the VFW Department Officers and Directors and meet the dedicated 2026-27 Department Auxiliary Officers.

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

Larry Thayer

State Commander - Navy - Post 9455

Ben Light

State Sr Vice Commander - Army - Post 4659

Scott Taylor

State Jr Vice Commander - Army - Post 1075

Barry Walter

Adjutant / Quartermaster - Army - Post 4005

Terry Kunst

State Chaplain - Army - Post 3033

Michael Eckmyre

Surgeon - Navy - Post 9455

Dann Todd

Judge Advocate - Marines - Post 10194

Butch Ogden

Inspector - Army - Post 6464

Aaron McClung

Chief of Staff - Marines - Post 8964

Reinold Yahnka

Past State Commander - Air Force - Post 6056

Kevin Conklin

National C of A - Army - Post 6248

Michael Peter

Big Ten Delegate - Navy - Post 7731

DISTRICT OFFICERS

William King

District 4 Commander - Army - Post 1888

Chris Templeton

District 5 Commander - Army - Post 1669

Doug Brinker

District 6 Commander - Army - Post 423

Scott Holmes

District 7 Commander - Navy - Post 5319

Marilyn Munro

District 8 Commander - Army - Post 827

Eric Calley

District 9 Commander - Marines - Post 4646

Reese Pero

District 10 Commander - Army - Post 1452

Mindy Taylor

District 11 Commander - Army - Post 1075

Barbara Locke

District 12 Commander - Army - Post 1329

Michael Peter

District 13 Commander - Navy - Post 7731

Jason Wallner

District 14 Commander - Army - Post 3165

Andrew Rowe

District 15 Commander - Navy - Post 3900

DEPARTMENT PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Robin Bailey

Activities Evaluation Director

Ronald Amend

Audit Committee Chairman

David Miller

Budget Committee Chairman

Mike Martin

All-State Program Director

Kevin Conklin

Bylaws & Resolutions Committee Chairman - Post Post 6248

Nathan Moran

Americanism-Loyalty Day-POW/MIA Director

Marilyn Munro

Buddy Poppy Director

Shane Houghton

Cancer Program Director

Tracy Nagy

Community Service Director

Arthur Krievi

Day of Challenges Director

Barbara Locke

Homeless Veteran Director

Michael Eckmyre

Hospital Program Director

Derek Blumke

Legislative Director

Donald Smith

Pool League Director

Jason Wallner

Safety Director

Douglas Brinker

Veterans & Military Service Director

Mike Martin

VOD / Patriot's Pen / TOY Director

Reinold Yahnka

VTS Director

Aaron McClung

Webmaster

Dane Bezemek

Youth Activities / Scouting / JrROTC

Stephen Eernisse

National Cemetery Representative - Ft Custer

Dane Bezemek

National Cemetery Representative - Great Lakes

Garrett Sieloff

Camp Trotter Director

MILITARY ORDER OF THE COOTIE

Tracy Nagy

Grand Commander of Michigan - Army - Post 1136

AUXILIARY OFFICERS

Jason Manke

State Auxiliary President - Auxiliary 5319

Jan Gelder

State Auxiliary Sr Vice President - Auxiliary 4005

Kris Griffith

State Auxiliary Jr Vice President

Denise Arnold

State Auxiliary Chaplain - Auxiliary 3033

Ann Backhurst

State Auxiliary Conductor

April Lowery

State Auxiliary Guard

Edna Kiviniemi

State Auxiliary Secretary

Cathy Sasse

State Auxiliary Treasurer - Auxiliary 3033

Della Stegge

State Auxiliary Chief of Staff - Auxiliary 4005

Debbie Scheetz

State Auxiliary Past President

Annie Geiger

District 4 Auxiliary President

Sandra Kleven

District 5 Auxiliary President

Angela Wood

District 6 Auxiliary President

Michelle Decker

District 8 Auxiliary President

Jennifer Winnie

District 7 Auxiliary President

Robert Klockziem

District 9 Auxiliary President

Roberta Reid

District 10 Auxiliary President

Cathy Sasse

District 11 Auxiliary President

Diana Herrick

District 12 Auxiliary President

Angela Crawford

District 13 Auxiliary President

Scott Collins

District 14 Auxiliary President

Judy Fell

District 15 Auxiliary President