VFW National Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore, the first female C-in-C for the VFW, chose the Department of Washington Convention here in Wenatchee as her last official event during her year at the helm. Having served for years at (now) Joint Base Lewis-McChord, returning to the Pacific Northwest was something Carol very much enjoyed.

On June 17th, Commander Whitmore, along with Washington Department Commander Drew James and Post 3617 Commander Brad Pieratt, were treated to a helicopter ride by our National Guard unit (Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 112th Airborne) immediately following her arrival here in town. Their flight on a Lakota UH-72/a took them around the Wenatchee area and up toward Dryden. Being from Iowa, Commander Whitmore appreciated seeing all of the orchards in the area. If there had been more time, they would have gone toward Chelan so she could see the vineyards as well.

Upon their return to the Army Aviation Support Facility 2, the unit gathered to observe 6 of their soldiers joining the VFW, with the oath lead by Commander Pieratt. Commander Whitmore distributed their VFW pins and welcomed them into our organization. The unit also presented Commander Whitmore with some souveniers to remember them by.

Throughout convention weekend, Commander Whitmore was present for the department business meetings and awards banquet. It was a pleasure and honor to host Commander Whitmore here in the Wenatchee Valley. From all of us at Post 3617 and across Washington state, thank you for visiting!

Gallery below includes photos taken by Comrades Connie Hill and Steve Johnson. Let us know if you have other photos to share!