ROCKY HILL, CONN. (June 12-14, 2026)—Following a year of remarkable achievements, hundreds gathered at the Sheraton Hartford South for the 105th Department of Connecticut VFW and Auxiliary Convention. The three-day event combined business with celebrations of the year’s successes, including a popular repeat performance by the Coconuts during the Friday evening Bash.
This year, Connecticut led the nation in its percentage of All-American Posts and ranked third overall. An impressive 54 of 80 Posts (67.5%), alongside all six Districts and the Department itself, achieved All-American status. Furthermore, VFW Connecticut shattered previous records by surpassing 102% in membership for the second consecutive year.
The convention featured numerous group and individual awards, highlighted by the newly established State Commander’s Salute To Service Award. Considered the Department’s highest honor, it recognizes members for exceptional lifetime service and significant contributions to the community and the VFW mission. Linda Ciccone—Department Service Office Supervisor and Auxiliary Post 6123 in Windsor Locks life member—was the inaugural recipient.
During the convention, the following department officers were elected:
- John A. Kennedy, State Commander
- Steve Evangelista, Sr. Vice Commander
- Karl Steiner, Jr. Vice Commander
- Domenic Guiliano, Quartermaster
- Ken Hartline, Chaplain
- Sheldon J. Potesak, Judge Advocate
- Earl Colella, Surgeon
Additionally, Past Department Commander Stanley W. Borusiewicz Jr. received the Recruiter of the Year award, and subsequently the Past Commanderin-Chief Banas Award—in a poignant tribute to our recently departed comrade and VFW Past Commander-in-Chief.
2026 VFW State Convention Awards
VFW Connecticut Commander’s Salute to Service Award: Linda Ciccone, Smalley Brothers Memorial Auxiliary Post 6123 in Windsor Locks
Recruiter of the Year and Past Commander-in-Chief Banas Award: Stanley W. Borusiewicz Jr.
Letters of Commendation: Charise Hewitt, John Kennedy, JamesPeter Matthews, Bruce Messenger, Sheldon Potesak
All-State Posts (by convention): 603 Norwalk, 9460 Stratford, 10059 Trumbull, 10201 Brookfield, 7788 Milford, 9422 West Haven, 1926 Simsbury, 2083 East Hartford, 5849 Niantic, 9452 Preston, 1672 New Milford, 3336 East Haddam, 10690 Higganum
Past Commander-in-Chief “Pistol” Pete Walker Award: Class A, 201 Waterbury; (tie) Class B, 9452 Preston; Class B, 10201 Brookfield
Past Assistant Adjutant General Burnham Award: Class A. 201 Waterbury; Class B. 9452 East Hampton; Class C. 12150 New Haven
George S. French Award: Jennifer Williams, 3336 East Haddam; Roberto Reyes, 149 Danbury; Richard Bates. 2083 East Hartford; Karl Steiner. 201 Waterbury
Community Activities: 3273 Avon; 4908 East Killingly; 3336 East Haddam
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026
