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Continue the VFW MISSION

As the first Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran to lead the VFW Department of Connecticut (2025-2026), I advanced the VFW mission, led the department as 54 of our 80 Posts (67.5%) achieved All-American status, and strengthened our commitment to the foundational goals of the oldest and largest war veterans service organization in America.

ABOUT CHARLIE

– ACCOMPLISHMENTS –

Veteran Leadership

  • Inducted into the 2025 Class of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.
  • Inducted into the 2026 VFW Triple Crown Class (for achieving All-American honors as Post, District, and Department Commander)
  • Organized and Co-Chaired CTVets250 (2025-present)
  • Organized and Chaired the Save Our Cemetery (SOC) Campaign (2024-present)
  • First Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran to be VFW Department of Connecticut Commander (2025-2026)
  • Municipal Veterans’ Representative, City of New Haven
  • Chartered American Legion New Haven Post 210
  • Chartered VFW New Haven Post 12150

JVC ENDORSEMENTS

✅ SEE FULL LIST

Endorsement

ALL VFWCT Districts

2023

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

Edward S. Banas

2003-2004

Past commander

Ken C. Hartline

2020-2021

Past commander

David Greene

2019-2020

Former Staff Sgt. Charles M. Pickett operates an MKII Bridge Erection Boat on the Helmand River in Afghanistan in April 2011 while deployed with the 814th MRBC in support of OEF.
Former Staff Sgt. Charles M. Pickett operates an MKII Bridge Erection Boat on the Helmand River in Afghanistan in April 2011 while deployed with the 814th ENCO in support of OEF.
Pickett was among a select group of Connecticut veterans invited to declare New Haven, CT the pizza capital of the United States.
Pickett was among a select group of Connecticut veterans invited to declare New Haven, Connecticut the pizza capital of the United States.
In Nov. 2025, Pickett organized and chaired The Save Our Cemetery (SOC) Campaign to endure a dignified final resting place for our state’s military heroes in Connecticut.

In Nov. 2024, Pickett organized and chaired The Save Our Cemetery (SOC) Campaign to ensure a dignified final resting place for our state’s military heroes in Connecticut.

STAY CONNECTED