2022 Mid-Winter Conference

2021-22 Texas VFW Mid-Winter Conference

January 20-23, 2022

by Lupita M. Perez, State Adjutant

THE 2022 ANNUAL MID-WINTER

CONFERENCE was once again held at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel as well as aboard the USS Lexington for the Awards Banquet which recognizes the “Top Ten” Voice of Democracy (VOD) winners, three Teacher winners, and the Patriot’s Pen winner from across the Great State of Texas. At the time of the Awards Banquet, all the VOD students in attendance have no idea who will be the first-place winner. It’s always a joy to watch the expression on the first-place VOD winner when his or her name is announced!

In attendance at the Conference were VFW National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento and Past National Auxiliary President Sissy Borel. Each provided inspiring speeches about the importance of what the VFW and Auxiliary do every day to help support veterans in communities across the United States and overseas. In addition to the National VFW guests of honor, there were also four out-of-state guests in attendance who were given a little taste of Texas hospitality. They were Don Reber, Sr. Vice Commander-Dept. of Louisiana VFW; James Bassett, State Commander-Dept of Oklahoma VFW; Jeremy Owen, Sr. Vice Commander-Dept of Oklahoma VFW; and Erica Traxler, Jr. Vice Commander-Dept of Oklahoma VFW. Duane Sarmiento, National Junior Vice Commander-inChief, was presented with a Texas cowboy hat to take home with him to New Jersey.

With around 800 people in attendance, the Conference was a huge success with numerous training sessions and seminars. The “behind-thescenes” efforts of both the VFW and Auxiliary were successful as they accommodated fellow members during sessions throughout the weekend. State Quartermaster Ben Lowrance stated “The position may be split this year, but the mission remains unchanged. The staff of our organization has gone above and beyond to bring this event together.” Starting early Wednesday morning with the Foundation Board meeting and ending at the close of the Banquet Saturday night, the staff did an amazing job keeping the events on schedule as planned.

The Awards Banquet was a big hit again aboard the USS Lexington. Many comments were provided from the Patriot’s Pen student and VOD students and their parents about how interesting it was to be on the World War II, 16-deck aircraft carrier and what a truly special evening it was. When I as State Adjutant was asked about the big shoes I had to fill emceeing such an event, I simply said, “I am excited and a little nervous, however, I have no problem speaking in large crowds of people and feel comfortable and at home around Veterans.”

Texas VFW would like to thank the tireless efforts of the USS Lexington staff as well as the Omni staff for helping make this an event to remember. H