NEW HAVEN, CONN. (April 14, 2024)–An extensive revision of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Connecticut bylaws–which reduces the governing document from 21 to seven pages–has been submitted through proper channels to the department adjutant.

The “2024 VFW Connecticut Bylaw Revision” offers a comprehension review and reduction of the rules document governing state-level VFW operations that includes the annual convention and the council of administration.

Most of the reduction comes from the removal of many redundant, word-for-word copies of whole sections from the VFW National Bylaws. The biggest changes are:

• 21 pages to 7 pages
• removal of the many redundant sections
• removal of section violating national bylaws (Article XVI)
• removal of ignored mandates (convention fund, Hugh Hoyt Scholarship Fund, etc.)
• creation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document
• updating portions to match national bylaws
• appointment of judge advocate and surgeon to match national
• change to “commander may appoint such chairmen and committees as deemed necessary to properly conduct the affairs of the Department” instead of 22 mandated standing committees (that are largely not staffed or understaffed)
• addition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” under procedural matter

This revision was reviewed by a parliamentarian–who offered a dozen edits that were incorporated into the submission.

The motion to endorse the “2024 Connecticut Bylaw Revision” resolution was adopted by VFW New Haven Post 12150 at the April membership meeting. It was further endorsed at the April 14, 2025 VFW District 2 meeting and submitted to the VFW Department of Connecticut Adjutant/Quartermaster Ron Rusko.