Georgia VFW 1st District

08/19/2026

Warrior Wednesday – Nate Smith

Name: Nathaniel Smith

Current Position: Post Commander / District 1 Jr Vice Commander

VFW Post: 5262 (Canton, GA)

Service Branch: Army National Guard

Years of Service: 21

Rank: Master Sergeant

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): 31B (Military Police)

Eligibility for the VFW: Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge

Why are you actively involved in the VFW? Nate has a deep passion for serving his fellow veterans. Since retiring from the military, he has remained actively engaged in the veteran community, helping veterans successfully transition to civilian life and connect with meaningful employment opportunities. For Comrade Smith, the Veterans of Foreign Wars provides a natural home to continue that mission of service, build connections with fellow veterans, and make a lasting impact on the veteran community.

Hobbies: spending time with family, tennis, community engagement

08/02/2026

We are saddened to report that R D "Bulldog" Smith, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States most senior Commander-in-Chief passed away last night, July 31, 2026. Bulldog was the Georgia State Commander in 1962-63 and was the VFW Commander-in-Chief in 1976-77. We will share information on his services once they are known. Please keep Bulldog's family and friends in your prayers.

07/16/2026

Tomorrow morning, the US House is expected to place TCAVA on the Floor for a vote. If you are up late or up early, please consider participating in this all-important Call to Action.

With amendments, TCAVA fails veterans of today and tomorrow!

Tell your US Representatives and Senators to REMOVE Section 108 or vote NO on TCAVA.

Taking benefits from one group of veterans to pay for earned benefits in another group of veterans is bad business and goes against the contract all service members signed.

Veterans are harmed by Section 108 of this omnibus bill that is being marketed as the "Taking Care of American Veterans Act." that includes 62 different bills.

The VFW has and continues to fight for many of these bills directly, but we do not pull the ladder up behind us and take benefits from other current and future veterans.

Let's bring each individual bill forward for a floor vote, and let's not include offsets pulled from one group of veterans to pay for the earned benefits of another.

https://GeorgiaVFW.org/TCAVA

04/27/2026

What a crowd - approximately 80 VFW comrades and Auxiliary members gathered at VFW Post 2681 in Marietta, Georgia, for the annual District Convention. It was a great success. Posts from across the District gathered to conduct business, share camaraderie, and much more.

Officers for 2026-27 were elected and installed, District-specific resolutions were voted on, and upcoming events were discussed.

04/15/2026

Warrior Wednesday - John Brown

Name: John Brown

Current Position: Post Commander

VFW Post: 5376 (Calhoun, GA)

Service Branch: US Army National Guard (Active – AGR)

Years of Service: 15 years and counting

Rank: Sergeant First Class (E-7)

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): 13F, Forward Observer

Eligibility for the VFW: Afghanistan Campaign, Armed Forces Expeditionary

Why are you actively involved in the VFW? Being able to build a strong community among veterans, service members, and their families, and to truly be a part of it, is something unmatched. Equally rewarding is helping connect veterans to the services and support they’ve earned and deserve. There’s nothing better than bringing people together for fellowship, sharing a meal, or giving back to the community we’re proud to serve.

Hobbies: Surprisingly, John still enjoys hiking, camping, and simply spending time outdoors. His other hobbies include stepping into whatever character his little boy requests, building things, and working around the house.