ROCKY HILL, CONN. (June 12, 2026)–Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars Inc. Commander Charles M. Pickett delivered opening remarks at the Opening Session of the 105th Annual Convention at the Sheraton Rocky Hill on June 12, 2026.

Good morning, esteemed delegates and guests. I rise to report on our achievements over the past year and outline the path ahead. There are three noteworthy milestones we have achieved this year:

• In December, the Department increased the National Voice of Democracy “Department of Connecticut and Auxiliary Scholarship” from $2,000 to $3,000.
• Our non-profit corporation has officially surpassed $2 million in investments and liquid assets.
• And lastly, 54 of our 80 Posts—exactly 67.5%—are All-American eligible. This places the Department of Connecticut first in America, for All-American eligibility.

We open this convention at a pinnacle moment of organizational, fiduciary, and fraternal excellence. This marks our fourth consecutive year surpassing 100% in membership—a massive turnaround from the lean years before.

These sustained successes reside in the prudent leadership of the Past Commanders and staff who came before us (some who are here with us today).

Looking ahead, we are matching this historic success with increased financial oversight, vibrant membership marketing, and a relentless growth mentality as we…Continue the VFW Mission.