
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
NATIONAL COMMAND GROUP
2020 - 2021
NATIONAL COMMAND GROUP
2020 - 2021
2019 - 2020 National Command Group
Hal Roesch II Commander-in-Chief Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Hal Roesch II from Hampton, Virginia, was installed as the 112th Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on July 24, 2020, in Kansas City, Missouri. Hal is a 20-year U.S. Air Force retiree serving from 1982 to 2002. He earned his VFW eligibility during his combat service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and overseas service as part of Southern Watch. Roesch is a recipient of three Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Air Force Achievement Medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three campaign stars, and numerous other awards and decorations. He joined the VFW in 1991 at VFW Post 3034 in Sumter, South Carolina, and became a Post Commander at VFW Post 4542 in Spring Lake, North Carolina. He now maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership at VFW Post 3219 in Phoebus, Virginia. Hal has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as VFW Department of Virginia Commander from 2008-2009. On the national level, he has served on the Council of Administration from 2010-2012 and as the Inspector General from 2016-2017. He is currently a financial advisor with First Command Financial Planning. He received his Associate of Arts in avionics system technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Hal is a Life member of Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, American Legion, Military Order of the Cootie, and the VFW National Home for Children. He has one daughter and son-in-law; Sara and Jason Tricker, and two grandsons, Max and Owen. Hal is married to his beautiful bride, Beth, and they reside in Hampton, Virginia. -vfwH Matthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic succeeded the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief position of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 24, 2020. Fritz served in the United States Air Force Air National Guard from 1989 to 1999 with the 131st Tactical Fighter Wing. Activated for federal service, he served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991 as a security policeman. In recognition of his service, he received the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V (Valor) Device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two devices, and the Kuwait Liberation Medals from both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Additionally, he received numerous state and federal awards and decorations. He joined the VFW in 1991, and currently maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership at Post 2698 in Sparta, Illinois. He served as Judge Advocate for the Department of Illinois from 1999 to 2011, the Department of Illinois Commander from 2013 to 2014, in which he achieved All-American status, multiple terms as the National Parliamentarian, and served four separate terms as National Judge Advocate General. He is also admitted to practice law in several state and federal jurisdictions. Fritz received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in 1982. He graduated from the St. Louis University School of Law in 1985. He retired as a senior information law attorney with the United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Society of American Magicians, and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Fritz and his wife, Megan, reside in Columbia, Illinois, along with his service dog, Mama Cass. -vfwM
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