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| While overseas, Commander Getz proudly distributed VFW Operation Uplink™ phone cards to troops. |
Raging sandstorms. An exhausting travel schedule. Incoming enemy mortar fire. Not even the most daunting challenges could prevent VFW Department of Pennsylvania state commander John Getz from supporting Keystone State troops stationed in Balad (Iraq), Baghdad and Kuwait, and reporting on their good work.
In March of 2008, commander Getz visited Pennsylvania troops serving in the Global War on Terrorism. Getz spent time at LSA Anaconda with the Pa. Guard’s 213th Area Support Group (Allentown) and the Reserve Command’s 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command based in Coraopolis, Pa. While in Kuwait at Ali Al Saleem Air Base, Getz was honored to stay with the Pennsylvania Guard 283rd Personnel Service Detachment which processes all the troops headed into and out of the Iraq theater.
Getz’s mission was clear: To gather reports on all the great things our troops are accomplishing, to generate positive news stories in the media and show them that VFW supports them one hundred percent. Three radio news stories and two newspaper articles covering his trip helped shine a bright spotlight on the positive contributions our troops are making in the war.
“We need to serve the newest wave of veterans well to gain their trust and to show them why the VFW continues to be the most elite veteran’s organization in the world,” said Getz. “The men and women serving our nation and the world should know that combat veterans from all wars support them and that we honor them for their service."
While in the Middle East, Getz kept a blog to share his experiences with fellow VFW members. The record of his trip emphasizes the dedication and skill of our citizen soldiers and their commitment to the mission at hand.
“Every soldier I have spoken to along the way here is upbeat and focused on his or her work — totally professional and doing their best,” Getz shared, noting that he handed out many free VFW Operation Uplink phone cards. “They believe in the mission. These outstanding Americans are continuing the fine tradition of our military defending freedom and bringing a better way of life to others.”
Getz also used his blog to encourage VFW members — and all Americans — to step forward in support of our defenders.
“As the total number of American troops killed in this war hits 4,000, I ask each of you to do something special today to honor the service of those who gave their lives to this worthy cause,” he said. “Please pray for those in harm’s way and support their families back home.
“We in the VFW family know what it is like to put our lives on the front line to defend and promote freedom, so let’s work extra hard to reach out to today’s troops, younger veterans and their families.” | 
