The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S. is pleased to announced John Rathke has achieved All-American status as a Post commander. To achieve this honor, Post Commanders must meet strict requirements in their role to include exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and strong support of VFW core programs.
Rathke, Commander of Schmitt, Manecke and Donner Post 1638 in Merrill Wisconsin, is one of 463 VFW Post commanders worldwide to earn the title of All-American Commander. Along with one of three Post Commanders in the State of Wisconsin, out of 263 total post in Wisconsin. His hard work played an integral role helping the organization experience its first membership growth in 27 years.
“Commanders like John Rathke are a fine example of VFW leadership, and it’s their hard work and dedication to the mission and values of our organization that has rightly earned them this great honor,” said VFW Membership Director Rick Butler.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans’ organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally-chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.6 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in 6,200 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at vfw.org.