Cory Geisler understands the challenges ahead for the broader military community but remains cautiously optimistic that good policies will help drive the next era of veterans. On July 29, Geisler became the 118th commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), overseeing approximately 1.3 million members. The Hartland, Wis., native said during his speech at the organization's 127th National Convention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Nevada that he intends to stand up for veterans across America, advocating their needs to Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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. Geisler spoke to Military.com about how he plans to lead millions of veterans in the days and months ahead, in the realms of mental health treatment, attaining benefits and limiting federal bureaucracy, legislation on Capitol Hill, and galvanizing the younger era of veterans from Middle East conflicts whose presence is overtaking Vietnam-era veterans.
Geisler's Nontraditional Military Path and Deployment
Geisler served seven years in the United States Army, from 2005 to 2012. He was a 31B, or military police. His enlistment differs from many others, in that it wasn't necessarily the traditional military service route. While many service members enlist after they graduate high school or are within that 19-20 age range, Geisler graduated not only high school but college and was already employed in sales at a company called Generac Power Systems. He was there for over six years. While employed, the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred and "it really affected me in a way that I felt I should be doing something," Geisler recalled. While he knew individuals who were joining different causes, it wasn't until Geisler reached a point in 2005 that he knew he had to make a major decision—otherwise, he would never join the military.
