Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Iowa

VFW National Commander-in-Chief

Matthew M. "Fritz" Mihelcic

Matthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic was elected the 113th Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on Aug. 3, 2021, at the 122nd VFW National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

Fritz served in the United States Air National Guard from 1989 to 1999 with the 131st Tactical Fighter Wing. Activated for federal service, he served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991 as a security policeman. In recognition of his service, he received the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V (Valor) Device, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two devices, and the Kuwait Liberation Medals from both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Department of Iowa Elected Officers

State Commander: Michael Braman

State Senior Vice Commander: Ron Leber

State Junior Vice Commander: Denny Snow

State Quartermaster: Jerry Black

State Chaplain: Barb Kula

Past State Commander: Paul Arnold (PSC)

Iowa National Council Member: Carol Whitmore (PSC)

Appointed State Officers

Adjutant: Same as State Quartermaster

State Judge Advocate: Russell "Doc" Saffell (PSC)

State Surgeon: Scott McDonald

Chief of Staff: Carol Whitmore (PSC)

Inspector: Travis Holden

Sergeants-At-Arms: Gregory Allen, Jack Lingelbach, Don Fisher

Service Officer (Des Moines): Ben Dales

Service Officer (Iowa City): Richard Davis

Program/Committee Chairs

Buddy Poppy Chairman: Dennis Abel
Citizenship Education Chairman: Don Fisher
Community Activities Chairman: Jerry Huffman
I.T. Director: Russell Saffell (PSC)
Webmaster: Russell Saffell (PSC)
Department Outreach Chairman: Ben Dales & Michael Young
Emergency Disaster Chairman: Corey Bakalar
Fundraising Chairman: Herman Robinson

Fundraising Vice-Chairs: Dennis Spilman

Homeless Veterans: Jacob Gruber (PSC)
Hospital Chairman: Scott McDonald
Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs: Carol Whitmore (PSC)
Loyalty Day Chairman: Jerry Huffman
Membership Chairman: Travis Holden
National Home Chairman: Denny Snow

National Legislative Chairman: Brad Whitmore
National Home Chairman: Denny Snow
Marketing & Communications Director: Herman Robinson

Patriot’s Pen Chairman: Russell "Doc" Saffell (PSC)
POW/MIA: Todd Jacobus

Public Relations Chairman: Ben Dales & Michael Young
Safety Chairman: Jack Lingelbach
Scouting Chairman: Russell "Doc" Saffell (PSC)
Student Veterans of America Liaison: Jeff Hughes & Paul Arnold

State Fair Booth Co-Chairmen: Jack Linglebach & Mike Braman
State Legislative Co-Chairmen / State Lobbyists: Michael Young, Russell "Doc" Saffell

State Photographers: Dennis Appelhons
Teacher Award Chairman: Don Fisher
Veterans Service Chairman: Richard Davis
Veterans & Military Support Chairmen: Todd Jacobus
VFW National Legislative Representative / Federal Lobbyist: Brad Whitmore

VFW Riders Co-Chairmen / President: Larry Steele, Brad Whitmore
Voice of Democracy Chairman: Russell "Doc" Saffell (PSC)