Published Jul 30, 2026, 2:24 PM EDT
Cory Geisler is a U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin who becomes the new national face of the longtime organization.
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Published Jul 30, 2026, 2:24 PM EDT
Cory Geisler is the new commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), overseeing approximately 1.3 million members. The Hartland, Wis., native was elected July 29 during the organization's 127th National Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Nevada, making him the veterans' service organization's 118th commander-in-chief. His election, approved by thousands of delegates who represent the millions of VFW and auxiliary members nationwide, is part of national efforts to put in place leaders and to establish the organization's legislative priorities for the coming year. Geisler, the Iraq War veteran and life member of VFW Post 721 in Waukesha, Wis., served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2012, earning his VFW eligibility through his combat service. Succeeding Carol Whitmore as the organization's commander-in-chief, Geisler will serve as the VFW's chief advocate before Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American people. During his acceptance speech, Geisler called on every member of the VFW to embrace a common purpose centered on a national theme: "One Team. One Mission. Veterans First." "These six words are more than a motto," Geisler said. "They are a commitment. They remind us that regardless of our differences, we are united by a single purpose...to serve veterans, their families and our communities. The strength of the VFW has never come from its buildings or its canteens. It has always come from its members."
