National Officers

Keith E. Harman was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 26, 2017, at the 118th VFW National Convention in New Orleans, La.

Keith served in the U. S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He served in Vietnam as a crew chief and door gunner on UH-1 Huey helicopters. His decorations include the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citations, and the Aircraft Crewmember Badge.

Vincent “B.J.” Lawrence was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 26, 2017, at the 118th VFW National Convention in New Orleans, La.

B.J. served with the United States Army from 1983 to 1986, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Korea, where he earned the Korean Defense Service Medal.

William J. "Doc" Schmitz was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 26, 2017, at the 118th VFW National Convention in New Orleans, La.

Doc joined the United States Navy in 1966. He served in Vietnam as a corpsman attached to United States Marine Corps infantry and artillery. In recognition of his service, he received the National  Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.