VFW Hears From Marine Commandant

The VFW Washington Office attended a luncheon yesterday afternoon at the National Press Club to hear Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos speak on a number of issues important to the Corps. Leading the list was the continuing success of combat operations in Afghanistan and the transfer of responsibilities over to Afghan national security forces, as well as the ongoing concern over recent "green on blue" attacks.

To view C-SPAN’s coverage of the luncheon in its entirety, click here.

Twelve American service members have been killed by members of the Afghan National Army in the last month alone. Amos said that on a recent trip to Afghanistan, he spoke about the incidents with his field commanders and his Afghan military counterparts.

Both American and Afghan commanders acknowledged to Amos that as the ranks of the Afghan National Army grew, so did incidents of “green on blue” attacks. However, the Marine commanders responsible for those serving alongside Afghan troops reassured Amos that despite the incidents, they continued to have confidence in the capabilities of their fledgling Afghan allies.

Following his remarks, Amos fielded questions from the audience on a variety of military quality-of-life and force readiness issues ranging from fiscal responsibility and budget constraints on the Marines Corps, to women serving in combat, suicide, and sexual assault.

When asked about potential across-the-board cuts to the Defense budget, Amos said he believed the Marine Corps would be hit disproportionately hard, considering the size of the force and the value it delivers to the U.S. military. Amos also said that the greatest challenge for the Corps moving forward would be ensuring the force remains balanced through a period of fiscal austerity.

When discussing women serving in combat roles, Amos clarified that the Marine Corps’ plans to integrate certain military occupations, but unit leaders must set the conditions allowing women to meet the Marine Corps standards, and that any planned integration demanded facts; rather than “hyperbole, intuition and instinct.”

Amos also took the time to address the issue of military suicide, pointing out that Marine Corps initiatives implemented by non-commissioned officers at the ground level had a positive impact, but more work needed to be done.

Amos is the 35th Commandant of Marines and the first aviator to hold the post. He commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004, and served as Assistant Commandant prior to becoming Commandant in October 2010.

(Image: Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos speaks at the National Press Club during yesterday's luncheon. Photo by Ryan Gallucci.)

Field Report: Sen. McCain Visits Ohio VFW to Support Local Veteran

On Monday, Sen. John McCain spoke at VFW Hilliard Memorial Post 4931 in Colombus, Ohio, voicing his support for a local veteran, Josh Mandel, who hopes to represent Ohio in the United States Senate.

Mandel, a Marine Corps reservist who served two tours in Iraq, currently serves as the Ohio State Treasurer and is running as the endorsed Republican candidate against incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

Post Commander Charles Adkins, Jr., had the honor of welcoming and leading all in the pledge of allegiance prior to the comments of the invited speakers.

Though the VFW is prohibited from endorsing specific candidates, the VFW has a long tradition of encouraging its members to actively engage in the political discourse and encouraging posts to open their doors to hear directly from political candidates on veterans' issues. McCain's visit to speak alongside Mandel is just another example of how the VFW can foster constructive political discourse among candidates.

To submit your Field Reports for consideration on the VFW’s Capitol Hill blog, simply fill out our online form here, or send photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org. Information for this story was provided by Ohio VFW Legislative Chairman Larry Moore.

VFW Marine Completes Walk to Arlington

On Monday afternoon, VFW member and Marine Corps veteran Justin Kuhel walked onto the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and into the arms of his mother, Nancy, completing a 17-day, 400-mile trek from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to help raise the nation's awareness of wounded veterans.

Kuhel, an active member of VFW Buckeye Post No. 1598 and a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, set out on the journey as a way to raise funds to support wounded veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project. Kuhel's goal was to raise $10,000 to support his brothers and sisters-in-arms, and surpassed his goal shortly after arriving at Arlington with a $2,000 pledge from Azalea Charities in Fairfax, Va.

VFW Washington Office staff were on hand to greet Kuhel as he reached his destination, and accompanied the Marine to Section 60 so he could pay his respects to a fallen comrade.

In order to successfully complete the journey, Kuhel walked about 25 miles each day, followed closely behind in a car by fellow Marine veteran Steve Stucky. Family, friends, veterans and supporters came out at points all along the journey to cheer on Kuhel, who proudly carried the American flag along his route.

Kuhel chronicled his journey via Facebook, posting photos and messages along the 400-mile route.

(Image: Marine Corps veteran and VFW member Justin Kuhel hugs his mother, Nancy, upon his arrival at Arlington National Cemetery, completing his 400-mile walk to support wounded veterans. Photo by Joe Davis.)