WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007--President George W. Bush has accepted an invitation to speak at the 108th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., which starts this weekend in the hometown of the VFW’s national headquarters, Kansas City, Mo.
“It is a time-honored tradition for our nation’s leader to address the national convention of America’s oldest and largest organization of combat veterans,” said VFW Commander-in Chief Gary Kurpius, a Vietnam veteran from Anchorage, Alaska. “We are grateful to President Bush for taking the time to speak to us on issues that are vitally important to our nation.”
Approximately 10,000 VFW and Ladies Auxiliary delegates will represent the 2.3 million-member organization at the annual weeklong convention. Their mission will be to approve new national priorities that will guide the organization as it lobbies Congress on issues important to the nation’s 24 million veterans, two million servicemembers, and their families. The issues include national security, military readiness, homeland security, and military and veterans’ healthcare, benefits and Quality of Life programs.
Convention delegates will also elect a new VFW national commander and recognize prominent individuals for their support of America’s veterans and military personnel.
