Visionary, veteran and “militant” fundraiser, Michael Mitchel, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1 executive director and commander, is bridging the gap between veterans and the community.

“VFW Post 1 creates a place where veterans are never alone. There is camaraderie among the members,” Mitchel said. “Personally, what I am most proud of is how members step in for each other and for people they don’t know. Veterans who served in Afghanistan are giving rides to veterans who served in Vietnam — when you are part of Post 1, you are family and never alone.”

The VFW Post 1 is the first VFW in the world and the oldest VFW in existence. The first meeting took place in the Colorado state Capitol on Dec. 1, 1899, and the organization has been meeting every month since- as a completely volunteer-run organization. VFW Post 1 was in a much different place when Mitchel attended his first meeting in 2002. He describes the scene as a few men swapping war stories in a run-down bar, and the organization on the verge of bankruptcy. Mitchel seized the opportunity and began creating a different future for VFW Post 1 and Colorado veterans.

Fast-forward 14 years, and Mitchel has built “a culture where people want to get involved,” he said. “I saw an organization that just needed someone to harness the talent and passion of the members.”

Mitchel’s vision for the future of VFW Post 1 included bringing together a diverse group of leaders to build a permanent home for the organization, modernizing traditions and, most importantly, developing a sound business model. With membership meeting attendance on the rise and a strong leadership in place, the VFW Post 1 is well-positioned to grow.

Mitchel targeted Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District for Post 1’s new location because of the many community connections it provided members, and in 2014, the ideal location became available. Instead of a traditional VFW model of a dark, members-only bar, the bright gallery space features veteran art that the community can see during First Friday Art Walks and weekly programing is open to the public.

Although this new home needed renovations, Mitchel remained undaunted. He launched a capitol campaign and began working toward raising the necessary funds.

“When someone tells me no, I don’t back off,” he said. “I’m a militant fundraiser.”

Along with transforming the physical location of VFW Post 1, Mitchel also worked toward including groups who don’t always feel welcome at the table, including women and members of the LGBTQ community.

“These two groups of veterans served and should be welcomed into the VFW — they offer unique insight and perspective that positively contribute to VFW Post 1,” he said.

He developed programming that would appeal to veterans of all ages. From weekly yoga to mental health programs, there’s something for everyone at VFW Post 1. Most importantly, Mitchel is constantly looking for ways to help veterans and non-veterans better connect with the Denver community and feel comfortable calling VFW Post 1 home.

Mitchel saved a dying organization and transformed the oldest Post in the world for all veterans to call home. VFW Post 1 is a 21st-century model, providing the support veterans deserve, and Mitchel’s leadership was instrumental in achieving this accomplishment.

 

Michael Mitchel in a SNAPSHOT

Significant Accomplishments:

  • Leads an all-volunteer organization of over 900 members
  • Formed the VFW Post 1 Foundation
  • Increased VFW Post 1 membership by 23.6 percent in the last 24 months
  • Managing a $1.5 million building renovation project
  • Revitalized VFW Post 1 volunteerism and membership
  • Created partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance opportunities for veterans

Awards, Accolades & Community Involvement:

  • Seven Seal Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (2015)
  • National Veterans of Foreign Wars appointment to 116th National Convention (2015)
  • VFW Post 1 named Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Nonprofit of the Year (2014)
  • Colorado Institute of Leadership Training (2000)

Favorite Place in Colorado:

  • Palisade