KANSAS CITY, MO (JULY 3, 2026)–The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States released the roster of the VFW Triple-Crown Class of 2025-2026, which includes VFW Connecticut Past Department Commander Charles M. Pickett.
Recipients of the coveted Triple Crown have earned All-American honors as Post, District, and Department Commander, wrote Matt Nute, Associate Director, Membership Awards & Analysis at VFW National Headquarters.
Pickett earned his Triple Crown by achieving All-American status as Post Commander (2017, 2021, 2023); VFWCT2 District Commander (2023) and VFWCT Department Commander (2026).
Only two VFW Department Commanders from the Eastern Conference achieved this accolade this year, including Comrade Commander John J. Casey III of the Department of Europe.
The VFW All-American Program, created in 1976, is an elite leadership award in the organization. Only four VFW Department Commanders have achieved this recognition:
| 1971 – 72 | Dominic J. Romano * | 7330 | Oakville |
| 2022 – 23 | Mario J. Richards | 1265 | Pawcatuck |
| 2024 – 25 | Stanley W. Borusiewicz Jr., Bio | 201 | Waterbury |
| 2025 – 26 | Charles M. Pickett, Bio | 12150 | New Haven |
Live-stream recording on Vimeo: “Monday Business Session” zoom to 16:00 for VFWCT All-American Presentation and 54:36 for Triple Crown.
VFW Triple-Crown Class of 2025-2026
- Reinold E. Yahnka
- Laurie A. Charry
- Robert J. Hunt
- Rodney L. Wood
- John J. Casey III
- James R. Haddox
- Edward E. Beard
- Todd A. Haviland
- Kevin S. Hice
- Bill Miles
- Douglas E. Hoffman
- Charles M. Pickett
- Troy H. Junier
- David A. Walden
- James M. Prestenback
- Charles A. Magnant*
- Robert J. Lovergne Jr.
- William A. Pierce*
- Heath N. Silcox*
- Mark A. Decker*
- Kenneth R. Yount*
The Triple-Crown presentation will be immediately after the All-American awards during the VFW National Convention Opening Session on Monday, July 27, 2026.