State Convention Highlights

Choctaw Resort & Casino | Durant, Oklahoma

June 16-20, 2021

At the final Council of Administration meeting

for the 2020-2021 year, outgoing State Commander Dick Shawver recognized the entire Department for its outstanding performance under the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic and Emergency Orders issued by the Governor, which led to closure of our Posts. State Commander Shawver also lauded VFW leaders throughout Texas for their advocacy efforts during the 2021 Session of the Texas Legislature and perseverance and dedication under challenging conditions.

Prior to the joint opening ceremonies and throughout the Convention, attendees had the opportunity to purchase Texas VFW branded merchandise at the Texas VFW Store and from several vendors/sponsors: Captel from Team Mobile, CaptionCall, Combat Boots Jewelry, Honor Audiology, Humana, Lone Survivor Foundation, Military Order of the Cootie, Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Serenity Veterans Village, Texas VFW Motorcycle Group, U.S. Veterans Service Dogs, VFW National Home, and V-Sweeps. The Texas VFW is grateful to all the vendors/sponsors who were present at the Convention.

The Joint Memorial and Joint Opening were emotional and a huge success and welcome for all participants as these events did not take place at the 2020 Texas VFW State Convention due to very stringent COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. Following the Business Meetings that included reports from Committee Chairs, individual recruiting awards, and nominations for State Leadership positions, the Awards Banquet was held on June 18, 2021. State level awards were presented at the banquet and highlights included the presentation of the J.T. Rutherford Award, the highest honor in the Texas VFW, to Comrades Ben Lowrance, William Smith, and Eddie Terry.

Nominations and elections were held on June 19, 2021, with Norman Macey of Post 4816 in Porter, District 17, being elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2021-2022 year. Elected to the following State positions were: Senior Vice Commander — Lynn Toomer; Junior Vice Commander — Larry Sanders; Quartermaster — Dan West; Judge Advocate — Keith King; Surgeon — Gerard “Jerry” Greene; Chaplain — Foy Day.

At the VFW and VFW Auxiliary Joint Officer Installation Ceremony, State Commander Norman Macey announced his appointments and thanked his family and Posts who helped him in his VFW career. State Commander Macey extended his concern that all members travel home safely and protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus. He expressed his enthusiasm for a great 2021-22 and his motto “Build, Bridge, Belong.”

CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY HERE

Watch a short clip of Convention Check in HERE