8-06-2023 4:22pm

Roscoe VFW Post 2599 Commander Ruben Hernandez achieves All-American status

Roscoe VFW Post 2599 Commander Ruben Hernandez

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) national headquarters in Kansas City, MO recently announced that Ruben Hernandez, Roscoe Post 2955 Commander, has achieved outstanding All-American status as a District Commander.

District Commanders must meet strict requirements including exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and strong support of the VFW core programs: promoting patriotism, honoring military service, ensuring the care of Veterans and families and serving in the communities.

Commander Hernandez is a life member of Post 2955 in Roscoe, IL. He is one of 232 VFW District Commanders from around the world to earn the All-American Commander title.

Rick Butler, VFW membership director, said Hernandez’s hard work has been a fine example of VFW leadership, dedication to the mission and values of the VFW organization. “He has rightly earned this great honor.”

Hernandez can be found at Roscoe Post 2955 nearly every day. He has been filling the role of Post Commander for the past four years, and District Six Commander for two years. “I was approached about running again this year, but I decided against it. Robert Coulter will be the new District Commander. I will do what I can to help him.”

District Six includes VFW posts in Savanna, Galena, South Beloit, Dixon, Oregon, Rochelle, Freeport, Stockton, Belvidere, Roscoe, Hanover, Lanark, Rock Falls, Polo and Loves Park and Memorial Hall in Rockford.

The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), founded in 1899, is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans’ organization, according to Membership Director Rick Butler.

The VFW, as well as The American Legion, are dedicated to providing vital assistance and support to American service member, their families and communities. They provide transition support, educational opportunities and grants.

The VFW motto is "Honor the dead by helping the living."

Hernandez grew up near San Antonio, Texas. He served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-2009. Hernandez also served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

He and his wife Maria are parents of one son and grandparents of three. The family lives in Roscoe, IL.