ROCKY HILL, CONN. (June 15, 2025)—The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Connecticut elected their first Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran to lead the largest and oldest war veterans organization in the state.

Charles M. Pickett, an English teacher at The Sound School in New Haven, was elected and installed at the 104th annual convention, marking a generational transition from largely Vietnam War-era leadership. Furthermore, fellow Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) veterans John A. Kennedy was elected Senior Vice Commander, Steve A. Evangelista as Jr. Vice Commander, and Domenic M. Guiliano as Quartermaster were also elected to lead the 10,000 member state division of the veteran organization.

In his acceptance speech, Pickett said to the Vietnam veterans who stood to be recognized, “You represent the generation of veterans who welcomed the GWOT generation into the largest and oldest war veteran service organization in America. You brought us to the table, this table, and provided this great organization and great opportunity for my brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you and welcome home.”

Additionally, delegates passed two consequential resolutions. The convention unanimously adopted the 2025 VFW Connecticut Bylaw Revision (Version 11.2) which reduced the foundational governing document down from 21 pages to seven. Delegates also adopted the Save Our Cemetery (SOC) resolution, calling on Connecticut elected and appointed leaders to expand the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown before it runs out of capacity.