History
Learn about our organization's history, mission, and achievements. Discover how we got started, what we have accomplished, and what we stand for. We invite you to explore our chronicles and learn more about the impact that Veterans for America First has had on our Nation's politics and communities.
Veterans for Trump History
Veterans for Trump
Trump Campaign
Trump Campaign Coalition
Trump 2016 Campaign
Trump 2024 Campaign
Admiral Kubic
Vlad Lemets
Josh Maciaus
Stan Fitzgerald
Angie Wong
Jared Craig
Tom Homan
Part 1: Veterans for Trump: A Grassroots Movement is Born
In the summer of 2015, the United States was gearing up for one of the most contentious presidential elections in its history. The political establishment was in turmoil, with the rise of outsider candidates and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo. Among the many candidates vying for the presidency, one name stood out: Donald J. Trump.
Trump’s candidacy was unlike any other. He was a businessman, a reality TV star, and a political outsider. He spoke in a way that resonated with many Americans who were tired of politicians’ double-talk and empty promises. His message of America first, bringing back jobs, and securing the border hit a nerve with many, including a group of Veterans who would later come together to form Veterans for Trump. The seeds of the movement were planted in the hearts of Veterans who were concerned about the crisis on the southern border. Many of them had served as border patrol agents, and they knew firsthand the challenges faced by those on the front lines of securing the nation’s borders.
Trump’s outspokenness about the border crisis and his promise to secure the border resonated closely with their hearts. Closest to both of their hearts (Trump and the Veteran) was the loss of lives both inside and outside of the Veterans Affairs Department. The staggering numbers of veterans taking their own lives, with over 22 deaths per day, and the hundreds of thousands dying due to inadequate care, demanded immediate action. In 2016, a group of veterans, who would later become prominent leaders of the organizations, were successful in mobilizing fellow veterans to come out and support Donald Trump. They sensed that he was the first candidate from either party to mean it when he said he cared about Veterans and intended to fix the failed system of Healthcare being managed through the Veteran’s Administration.
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump recognized the dire situation that many veterans were facing in terms of mental health and inadequate medical care. He connected with the “why” behind the issue of veteran suicide, understanding that the loss of so many lives on U.S. soil was not just a tragedy, but a failure of America to honor the sacrifices of those who had served their country.
Trump’s message of support for veterans resonated with many of them, and they became some of his most passionate supporters. He made a point of attending events focused on veteran issues, including the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally, and promised to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better serve those who had served their country. Through his outreach to veterans, Trump showed that he understood the depth of the issues facing them and that he was committed to making a real difference in their lives. This message resonated with many veterans, who saw in Trump a leader who could help bring about real change for their community. Donald Trump was the first candidate to genuinely care for the issues faced by veterans and military personnel, as opposed to just using them as props for political gain.
As the election season heated up, Veterans who supported Trump began to organize and volunteer. They rallied together alongside Trump immediately as it became clear that Trump loved Veterans and would stand with them in #VAReform. With the message of the Veteran’s plight at the forefront of every presidential debate, they came in as his honored guests. They then started to spread the word about their support for the candidate online. In 2015 under the leadership of Corey Lewandowski (the first Trump campaign manager) created the first Veterans for Trump Coalition in Virginia making Joshua Macias the Chairman. Among the very first organizers were Mike Kelly, Vladimir Lemets, and Thomas Dillingham, who worked to establish the Veterans for Trump Facebook pages and websites.
Joshua quickly got to work in building a strong organization of Veterans who supported Trump’s candidacy. He opened a campaign office in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and began organizing rallies and events to support then-candidate Trump. In December 2015, Joshua Macias established the Veterans for Trump Coalition and started expanding it to include states like Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Joshua worked to create executive positions within the Coalition and established a database of volunteers to train as delegates for state conventions. He also began coordinating with national 501c3 Veteran groups to create opportunities for them to join the movement. One of Joshua Macias’s key accomplishments was his use of social media to spread the word about the Veterans for Trump movement. He was one of the first to use hashtags like #Vets4Trump and #VetsForTrump, which quickly gained traction among Veterans who supported the candidate. He aligned Tony Porta as the spokesman for Veterans for Trump and worked to create a VetsForTrump Media team focused on social media and Veterans within the movement.
Veterans for Trump, under Joshua Macias’s leadership, connected the Student Veterans of America to Trump volunteer teams and worked to oppose false statements of the media and others attacking Trump. With photographs of events, including military hashtags from years of use to pull in Veterans. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in building a grassroots movement of veterans who supported Donald Trump’s candidacy in the 2016 election.
In the early days, the movement was small but passionate. Veterans and patriots who supported Trump came together to share their stories, swap ideas, and brainstorm ways to get involved in the campaign. In March 2016, efforts were focused on registering Veterans as delegates for the state convention, and delegate training was provided within the volunteer database through the 2nd district. In Fayetteville with the Launch of VetsForTrump Tony Porta conducted an interview of DJT, regarding Veteran concerns as a VIP exclusive interview with Sean Hannity.
A Fox News segment on the movement went viral, leading to a surge in the VetsForTrump cause pages from 12K to 200K, surpassing Bernie Sanders’ cause page, which was currently at 100K. The Vets4Trump Media emerged, focusing on social media and veterans within the movement. Ray Reynolds joined the team as a volunteer photographer, and the Vets4Trump Twitter account was started. Support for the movement also came from notable names like Pastor Mark Burns as well as from Diamond and Silk during this time.
After the merger with the G.O.P one of the first group photos (SEE BELOW) of Veterans and patriots who came together to support Trump is a testament to the movement’s beginnings. It included Mike Kelly, Al Baldasaro, Trinna Phillips, Joshua Macias, Tony Porta, Alice Butler-Short, and Matt Miller, all of whom would play key roles in shaping the movement’s future
As the movement grew, so did it’s digital presence. Vladimir Lemets, an early organizer and supporter of Trump recognized the power of social media in spreading the message. He took charge of the group’s messaging in order to create a strong and united movement of Veterans and patriots who were passionate about supporting Trump’s candidacy. Vladimir Lemets played a major role in uniting many emerging Trump coalitions, pages and enclaves across the nation into one cohesive coalition under one banner. His work during that pivotal time allowed the movement to expand and become more impactful than ever before.
The early days of Veterans for Trump were marked by passion, energy, and a deep sense of patriotism. The movement would grow to become a major force in the 2016 presidential election and beyond, shaping the political landscape and helping to usher in a new era of American politics. The story of how Veterans for Trump was born is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the enduring spirit of American patriotism.
Part 2: The Rise of a Patriotic Movement - From Grassroots to National Force
More and more supporters joined their cause, the movement grew into a powerful force for change, organizing rallies and spreading its message across the Nation. As the movement continued to rapidly expand it began to attract the attention of notable individuals who shared its values and its vision for the future of America. One of the most prominent figures to join the movement was Admiral Chuck Kubic, a highly respected military leader, and former naval officer who became the organization’s national spokesman.
RADM Charles R. Kubic (right), Commander, 1st MEF Engineer Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Headquarters Group, leads Seabees down one of the many hills of a 7-mile march near Camp Commando, Kuwait. U.S. Navy photo by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Duarte (RELEASED).
Admiral Chuck Kubic is a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and a former commander of the legendary SEABEES. He is also the author of the book “Bridges to Baghdad,” which tells the story of the SEABEES’ critical role in the Iraq War. In the book, Kubic outlines how the SEABEES, America’s premier expeditionary construction force, raised the bar of the “Can Do!” tradition set by their World War II forefathers during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
During the war, Kubic and his SEABEES worked alongside the First Marine Expeditionary Force (1 MEF) in Iraq. Task organized into three regimental-sized formations under division-level command, the SEABEES maneuvered, built, and fought their way to Baghdad. Despite encountering some of the fiercest adversaries since Vietnam and one of the world’s harshest environments, the SEABEES carried out their primary missions of building bridges and roads along the attack route.
The SEABEES also conducted Civil Military Operations in the face of a cunning, often hidden enemy. In addition to building military bridges during the historic march to Baghdad, the SEABEES also worked to create cultural bridges during the subsequent reconstruction of a liberated Iraq.
As an expert in military construction and infrastructure, Admiral Kubic’s experience has been invaluable to the Veterans for America First movement. His leadership and expertise have played a crucial role in the movement’s efforts to support America’s veterans and advance the America First agenda.
Already a Trump Surrogate and a member of the National Security Council with the addition of Admiral Kubic’s leadership and expertise were invaluable in helping to shape the movement’s message and strategy. (It’s worth noting that Admiral’s company – Kubic Engineering Group played a significant role in the construction of the southern wall. Over the next four years, his company built approximately one-third of the entire wall. Veterans for Trump are grateful to have Admiral Kubic as a friend and leader who has contributed immensely to our national security.)
In addition to Admiral Kubic, the movement also gained the support of other notable individuals, such as Ambassador Quinn Nii, who became the organization’s first ambassador. Flag officers Sean Kilbane with GOP and Thomas Speciale, a former senatorial candidate also joined the movement, bringing extensive military experience and leadership skills to the cause. And in Florida, the movement gained the support of Julio Martinez, a Vietnam combat veteran and former mayor of Hialeah, who became the organization’s Florida director.
It is noteworthy to say a few things about Julio. Julio J Martinez is a former Hialeah mayor and Vietnam combat veteran who made history as the first Republican mayor in the 200-year history of the city. Under his leadership, Hialeah saw a massive increase in new police officers and a cleanup of the city, making it a stronghold of one of the largest Latino Republican populations in Dade County. Julio is a strong proponent of the America First agenda and President Trump.
Julio is also the founder and president of the largest Latino Republican club in the state of Florida, with over 400 members. The club, which was founded almost 20 years ago, operates out of a 4,000 square foot studio called American Freedom Network. The studio broadcasts patriotic messaging to the local Latino community and serves as the headquarters for the Veterans for Trump movement. (photo of HQ/studio attached)
In addition to his political and grassroots activism, Julio is a boxer and is in the boxing hall of fame. He boxed in the U.S. Army while serving with the 25th Infantry Division and had 39 fights. His fighting spirit has made him a valuable addition to the Veterans for Trump team, and his grassroots mobilization efforts were instrumental in delivering victory to Trump in Miami Dade in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Julio was also one of the first people on the scene when Andrew Gillum was found with an overdosed male escort, which is not surprising given that he led an aggressive campaign to prevent Gillum from becoming Florida’s governor. Overall, Julio’s leadership and dedication to the America First movement and the Veterans for Trump cause make him a highly respected and influential figure in Florida politics.
Martinez was instrumental in flipping Miami-Dade red in the 2020 election. His grassroots volunteers and mobilization efforts played a crucial role in achieving this feat. As a Vietnam combat veteran and the founder and president of the largest Latino Republican club in the state, Julio had the skills and expertise to galvanize support for the America First movement and President Trump. His leadership and strategic planning helped mobilize a massive grassroots army that knocked on doors, made phone calls, and rallied voters to the polls.
Julio’s contributions to the Veterans for Trump movement have been invaluable. He helped expand the grassroots mobilization efforts tenfold, proving that he is a true Freedom Fighter in every sense of the word.
As the movement continued to expand, it began to collaborate with other national grassroots organizations that shared its values and goals. The diverse coalition included TPUSA, Bikers for Trump, Bikers for Trump – Boots on the Ground, Gays for Trump, Latinos for Trump, Women for Trump, Blacks for Trump, Muslims for Trump, and Asians for Trump. Movement formed strong relationships and worked together to promote the interests of all Americans. Together, they stood as a united front, committed to upholding the principles that make America great and ensuring a better future for all.
Joshua Macias was a key figure in the early days of the Veterans for Trump movement, particularly when it came to organizing volunteers to provide security for then-candidate Trump before the Secret Service became involved. He saw a need to protect the future president from potential harm, and he was determined to make it happen. The individuals tasked with this were often veterans themselves, and they brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the task at hand. The augmented security team provided valuable support to the campaign during a critical time. Joshua’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that Mr. Trump was able to campaign effectively and safely.
In December 2015, Joshua Macias played a significant role in the opening of then-candidate Trump’s event in Manassas, VA, representing Veterans for Trump alongside other Virginia leaders. He assisted in articulating the Veteran plan which Trump then incorporated into every one of his public speeches. Macias’ plans for Veteran reform became a staple and a key part of Trump’s campaign from that point on.
CHECK OUT VIDEO WHERE JOSHUA OPENED FOR THE PRESIDENT
Following this event, Trump continued to bring the Veteran Team everywhere he went, demonstrating his commitment to supporting and advocating for veterans. Macias and the Veterans for Trump organization remained dedicated to promoting American values and supporting the America First agenda, working tirelessly to advance the causes they believed in.
Led by Admiral Chuck Kubic, Joshua Macias, and Vladimir Lemets, this grassroots movement quickly gained momentum. They saw the potential for real change and a return to traditional American values, and they were determined to make it happen.
At the heart of their mission was a focus on veterans’ issues and border security. These were two issues that they felt were being overlooked by the political establishment. They knew that America’s veterans had made tremendous sacrifices for their country, and they deserved better support and care. They also believed that securing our borders was essential to preserving our national security and the American way of life. Supporters from all across the country joined together to form a powerful force for change. They organized rallies and worked tirelessly to spread their message.
As the 2016 presidential election approached, the movement continued to gain momentum. Donald J. Trump emerged as a candidate who shared their values and their vision for the country. He recognized the importance of supporting our veterans and securing our borders, and he was committed to making America great again.
On November 8, 2016, the American people spoke. Donald J. Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States. It was a historic moment, and the movement that had helped to propel him to victory was celebrated in a way that only true patriots could.
Following the inauguration of the new administration, the Veterans for Trump movement continued to develop and transform. It was recognized as a group committed to advocating American values and championing an America First policy. Members of the organization remained steadfast in their efforts to promote the issues they were passionate about, and they took great pride in being part of a movement that was effecting change
Part 3: Vision of the Unified Veterans for Trump Movement
Vladimir Lemets, a combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq during Operation OIF 06-08 and 09-10, was one of the key figures in the early days of Veterans for Trump. Lemets was born in Ukraine and raised in Russia before immigrating to the United States.He recognized the importance of bringing together individuals who shared his love for country, patriotism, and service. He recognized the importance of building a community of supporters who could mobilize and work together to advance the shared goals of the movement.
Lemets was instrumental in mobilizing veterans and helping them get involved in the political process. He recognized that veterans had a unique perspective and skill set that could be valuable in advancing the America First agenda. He worked tirelessly to help veterans connect with each other and get involved in grassroots efforts to support Donald Trump. Throughout the campaign, Lemets was a constant presence, working behind the scenes to help build the movement. He was a skilled organizer and communicator, and his efforts were critical in helping to build the momentum that ultimately propelled Donald Trump to victory.
As Veterans for Trump continued to evolve after the election, Lemets remained an important figure in the movement. He continued to work tirelessly to promote the shared goals of the organization and to mobilize veterans to get involved in the political process. His commitment to the cause and his passion for service and patriotism were an inspiration to many, and he remains a respected and admired leader in the veteran community.
As an envoy of the movement, Lemets played a pivotal role in uniting various smaller groups and enclaves across the nation under one banner and branding. Vladimir Lemets went above and beyond in his efforts to unite the movement. He didn’t just focus on creating an online presence, but he also sat down with leaders from various groups to ensure they were aligned with the unification process. His strategic leadership was essential in bringing the movement together and expanding its reach. Vlad is widely recognized as the person who ultimately unified the movement, and his contributions continue to be appreciated by Veterans for Trump community today.
As the organization grew in strength and numbers, Vladimir Lemets continued to play a critical role in shaping it’s direction and strategy. His leadership helped to guide the group’s focus on grassroots activism and community engagement. Thanks to the team effort, the Veterans for Trump movement became a powerful force in American politics, embodying the very best of American values and inspiring millions of Americans to stand up and fight for the future of our great nation. The team quickly recognized the potential of the grassroots movement and the importance of uniting veterans and patriots from across the country.
Part 4: Hard Lessons Learned: Patriots Were Never in Control
Due to his soft skills and strategic thinking, Vladimir Lemets was able to play a crucial role in organizing and unifying the various veterans’ groups under the Veterans for Trump banner. As newly appointed Chief Strategist for the organization, Lemets was responsible for developing and implementing the group’s messaging, strategy, and tactics. He worked tirelessly to expand the movement’s reach and influence, building relationships with other grassroots organizations and political leaders.
As the 2018 midterms approached, Vlad Lemets expressed his apprehension about the possible outcome. Despite the presence of strong candidates with excellent strategies and a pool of volunteers, the establishment was determined to inject weaker contenders into the race. They showered these candidates with vast sums of money and secured the Trump team’s endorsement for some of them. Vlad pointed out that while the Democrats were gearing up and consolidating their position, the conservatives were being fed propaganda that “Patriots are in Control.” This messaging was aimed at pacifying American patriots, implying that they could rest easy as the government was once again in control. Vlad’s warnings, unfortunately, were met with opposition from the America First community and even from the organization he had helped build. Some accused him of paranoia because of his background growing up in Communist Russia.
However, Vlad’s concerns were not baseless. The 2018 midterms turned out to be a fiasco, despite the initial promise they had shown. It was evident that the GOP had intended to forfeit those crucial seats to the Democrats. Vlad realized that if the midterms were a precursor to the 2020 election, it would be snatched from Trump. He prophesized this immediately after the midterms. Vlad stressed that the Democrats had mobilized effectively and were working across party lines to undermine Trump by using rhino Republicans. They were also beginning to take down smaller targets, such as grassroots organizations and conservative groups around the country, through character assassinations, vexatious litigations, and other methods. Once again, Vlad was dismissed as being paranoid, and was told to sit back and enjoy the show, as “Patriots are in control.”
As the presidential election neared, it became increasingly apparent that the Democrats were not going to play fair. When the election was stolen from President Trump, it became evident that Vlad’s warnings had been accurate all along. There was a missed opportunity to take decisive action, and the consequences were severe.
Despite Vlad’s reservations about the direction the movement was taking, he fulfilled his duties as appointed and led the team in producing a commercial showcasing the achievements of the movement under the 45th President of the United States. The commercial was completed three weeks before the 2020 election and included several prominent patriots and influencers, an open letter of endorsement to President Trump from 286 Generals and Admirals read by General Don Bolduc, and a display by over a hundred volunteers spelling out “Vets for Trump” with their bodies, all recorded using a drone. The credit for producing the video goes to Miles Rahimi, a Navy veteran and a former Oklahoma congressional candidate. Miles is known for his patriotism and is recognized as a force of nature. He deserves credit for producing this video.
WATCH COMMERCIAL VETERANS FOR TRUMP CREATED 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ELECTION
As the 2020 election approached, the nation was more polarized than ever before, with the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests dominating the headlines. The Trump campaign was confident of victory, but Vlad Lemets’s prediction that the election would be stolen was still ringing in the back of many people’s minds. The night of November 3, 2020, started with a strong showing for President Trump, but then the tide suddenly turned in favor of Joe Biden. The mainstream media declared Biden the winner, despite numerous reports of irregularities, voter fraud, and glitches in the electronic voting systems.
Vlad’s earlier warning about the 2020 election being stolen by the Democrats was not just a wild prediction, but a reality that played out before our very eyes. The widespread allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and illegal activity during the election have been dismissed by the mainstream media and many in the political establishment.
However, the truth remains that the election was not conducted fairly and squarely, and that the results are questionable at best.
Part 5: Rise from the Ashes: Veterans For America First / VFAF
In light of the 2020 election outcome, Vlad’s vision for a National Grassroots movement that upheld America First principles beyond Trump’s presidency gained more significance. The conservative groups were left shattered and disbelieving, and Vlad emphasized that unity was crucial to move forward. This led to the birth of “Veterans for America First / VFAF,” which was initially proposed by Vlad. As a combat veteran and skilled strategist, he was the ideal choice to lead the movement, and he was unanimously elected as the Executive Chairman of the organization.
Vlad played a crucial role in VFAF, just as he did before in Veterans for Trump. His focus was on building alliances and creating a new website for the organization with a social media element. He successfully recruited over three dozen new ambassadors, including conservative Hollywood celebrities like Kevin Sorbo, Stacy Dash, and Antonio Sabato Jr. Other notable patriots who joined as ambassadors to champion the America First agenda inspired by Vlad include Seth Keshel, General Don Bolduc, Pastor Mark Burns, Christopher Prosch, Craig Sawyer (with Veterans for Child Rescue), Bradley Johnson (with Americans for Intelligence Reform), Dick Heller (who played a significant role in securing the Second Amendment through the Heller vs. DC case), Anthony Aguero (with Border Network News), Bianca Gracia (with Latinos for Trump / Lations for America First), Pat Scopelliti (author of MAGA Manifesto), Major Ed Pulido (a combat veteran and a major fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation), and Michael Johns of the Tea Party, to name the few.
Over the past few years, Vlad has been dedicated to streamlining and standardizing various aspects of the organization. He focused on creating an endorsement process, an ambassadorship program, volunteer coordination, and expanding the network of patriots. Among his significant accomplishments is the establishment of a community social media website and serves as a platform for veterans and first responders to interact.
Under the leadership of Vladimir Lemets, Veterans for America First (VFAF) organized two trips to the Southern border wall. During these trips, Admiral Kubic showed several dozen America First political candidates, as well as dozens of veterans, portions of the wall that he and his team had built. They also saw what the “Obama” wall looked like prior to Trump’s presidency. These trips were important in demonstrating the progress that had been made on the wall and the need to continue supporting border security efforts.
During one of these trips, VFAF and Veterans for Trump worked alongside Latinos for Trump to donate meals to border patrol agents. The effort resulted in over 200 meals being delivered to those who watchfully protect our borders. This gesture of support was greatly appreciated by the border patrol agents and helped to strengthen the relationship between the agents and the communities they serve.
On the second trip, VFAF and volunteers organized and held hands from one side of the unfinished wall to the other, essentially finishing the wall with their bodies as a statement. This action demonstrated the commitment of VFAF and its volunteers to securing the border and supporting America First values.
Overall, these trips were successful in promoting VFAF’s mission of supporting America First values and promoting strong border security. Through these efforts, VFAF was able to demonstrate its commitment to supporting those who protect our borders and continue to advance the values of the America First movement.
In addition to these accomplishments, a network of patriots expansion, Vlad also recognized the importance of bringing on effective and notable leaders to the organization. He recruited individuals like Darin Gaub, a multi-bronze star recipient who brought a wealth of military and leadership experience to the table. Another key member was Stan Fitzgerald, a former police detective who quickly proved to be a reliable and capable asset with a deep understanding of politics.
Moreover, Vlad’s creation of a community social media website that operated similarly to Facebook was a game changer, as it allowed private groups to emerge and to start coordinating their outreach and volunteer efforts in a simple and friendly manner. Beyond that – it provided a platform for veterans and first responders to communicate, share their experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals across the country. This helped to create a sense of community and solidarity among those who shared a commitment to America First principles.
Vlad’s strategy of surrounding himself with top talent helped ensure that Veterans for America First was well-equipped to carry out its mission. With a team of dedicated and experienced individuals, the organization was able to endorse over 150 America First candidates running for office in the 2022 midterm elections. This was a significant accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the organization.
Vladimir’s social media expertise played a crucial role in the growth of the organization’s online presence beyond its own platform as well. He worked tirelessly to create engaging content, build a loyal community of supporters, and leverage the power of social media to spread the message of the organization.
Vlad’s efforts paid off, as the organization’s Facebook following grew rapidly and surpassed the 300K mark. This online community became a hub for like-minded patriots to connect, share ideas, and mobilize around issues and causes that aligned with the America First principles.
However, Vlad knew that grassroots and online engagement alone was not enough to make a real impact. He recognized the need for the organization to have a strong political presence and know-how, aside from community engagement. This realization led Vlad to collaborate with the board about the organization taking a more active role in politics and empowering new leaders within the organization who have the aptitude for long-term political engagement.
As a result of these discussions, a vote was held to elevate Stan Fitzgerald, the former political director, to the position of president of the organization. Stan, a former police detective and well-versed in politics, proved to be a reliable and capable asset from day one. Vlad and Stan worked shoulder to shoulder to advance the organization in two parallel directions – through both community engagement and organization and political engagement.
Together, Vlad and Stan led the organization to new heights, building a powerful and effective grassroots movement that embodied the America First principles. Their collaboration and dedication to the cause set a new standard for what could be achieved when like-minded patriots come together to work towards a common goal.
Part 6: Empowering New Leaders and Advancing on Two Fronts
Stan Fitzgerald’s effectiveness in the political field can be attributed to his extensive background and experience in law enforcement and business. As a retired police detective, he developed strong leadership skills, an understanding of the legal system, and the ability to analyze complex situations. He also has experience running his own business, which has given him valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face.
Additionally, Stan is a persuasive communicator and an effective organizer. He has used these skills to build coalitions and mobilize support for the causes he believes in. For example, as President of Veterans for America First, he organized Trump bus tours and helped to streamline the process of endorsing candidates and individuals to become ambassadors for the movement. His efforts played a significant role in energizing supporters and spreading the message of the movement across the country.
Stan’s dedication to the movement earned him personal invitations to Bedminster and Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump. In June 2021, Trump personally thanked Stan and Donna for their political efforts during remarks he made at a diner honoring Jody Hice. This recognition from the former president demonstrates the significant impact that Stan has had on the America First movement.
Furthermore, on November 29th, 2022, Trump posted the VFAF endorsement for his presidency on his Truth Social account. This accomplishment is a testament to Stan’s leadership and influence within the movement, as he played a significant role in making this happen.
Moreover, Stan’s leadership style is characterized by inclusiveness and collaboration. He works closely with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and he values their input and ideas. This approach has helped him to build strong relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations across the political spectrum.
One of his notable contributions to the movement was his work in organizing Trump bus tours. During these tours, Stan traveled to various places to spread the message of the movement and energize its supporters. He was able to effectively communicate the organization’s goals and vision to a diverse range of audiences, including veterans, business owners, and supporters of President Donald Trump. His efforts helped to increase visibility and raise awareness of the VFAF, which in turn helped to attract new members and supporters.
In addition to his work on the bus tours, Stan was also instrumental in endorsing candidates and individuals to become ambassadors for the movement. He proved effective in identifying and empowering new leaders in the movement, and his efforts were successful in raising up new leaders to promote the movement’s values.
Thanks to the close collaboration between Stan Fitzgerald and Vladimir Lemets, the long-ago-conceived vision of establishing state chapters for the VFAF became a reality. By combining their complementary skill sets and resources, they were able to make it happen, leading to the creation of the first three state chapters in Florida, Virginia, and Georgia This was a significant achievement as it allowed the movement to have a more prominent impact in those states and gave local activists the opportunity to organize and take action. Stan’s ability to work with others and bring people together was instrumental in the success of the VFAF’s state chapters.
Stan’s dedication to election integrity was a significant aspect of their involvement in the America First movement. They hosted a fundraising event in September 2022 in South Carolina for three Secretary of State candidates, Mark Finchem, Jim Marchant, and Kristina Karomo, with the goal of supporting national election integrity efforts.
Stan had previously taken part in an investigation of suspected fake ballots being transported from Arizona to Georgia, showing his commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections. He also ran an election integrity forum in Georgia with Garland Favorito, YG Nyghtstorm, and Jeff Zink, the AZ Audit Manager. Additionally, he sent a public letter on behalf of VFAF to the Georgia Secretary of State with concerns on the reported flipped election results in the 2022 GA Primary.
As a leader in the movement, Stan was involved in various operations that cannot be discussed. He worked with Mike Daugherty on challenging the 2020 Georgia Senate runoff results, taking on Perkins Coie. Stan Fitzgerald also hosted numerous America First fundraising efforts and was listed as host for Tudor Dixon at a Georgia event.
It is worth mentioning that Stan Fitzgerald’s remarkable contributions to the America First movement are greatly complemented by his spouse, Donna Fitzgerald. Together, they have played a vital role in organizing events, endorsing candidates, and promoting the movement’s values.
Donna Fitzgerald’s support for the movement has been evident in her unwavering commitment to its goals. Her involvement in the VFAF has been invaluable in helping to advance the organization’s mission of promoting America First policies. As a team, the Fitzgeralds have demonstrated strong leadership skills, an unwavering dedication to election integrity, and a commitment to inclusiveness and collaboration.
As a team, the Fitzgeralds have hosted numerous America First fundraising efforts and have been listed as hosts for Tudor Dixon at a Georgia event. Their contributions to the movement have been invaluable, and their dedication to promoting America First policies has been unwavering.
Part 7: What the Future Holds: Prospects and Possibilities
The successful realization of Veterans for America First’s (VFAF) vision, as outlined by Admiral Kubic, Vladimir Lemets, and Joshua Macias, can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of all four leaders, with Stan Fitzgerald now being a permanent member of the VFAF Family and serving as it’s President. Today, VFAF – Veterans for Trump boasts a formidable team with promising prospects for the future. Their unwavering commitment to promoting the America First movement’s values and principles, coupled with their strong team dynamics, positions VFAF to continue making positive impacts in both grassroots activism and the political sphere.
The organization’s dedication to national security, election integrity, and support for America’s veterans and active-duty military members remains a top priority. The VFAF team is also actively working to identify and endorse candidates who align with the organization’s values, ensuring that the America First movement continues to gain momentum and support across the country.
Given the organization’s rapid expansion, it is more than likely that Veterans for America First – Veterans for Trump will have a state chapter in every state before the 2024 election. This kind of growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its leadership and members, and bodes well for the organization’s ability to make a significant impact in future elections.
Looking ahead, it seems that Veterans for America First – Veterans for Trump is confident in its ability to help re-elect Donald Trump. The organization’s support for the former President, coupled with its commitment to advancing the America First movement, suggests that it will be a formidable force in the 2024 election and beyond.
Overall, the prognosis for Veterans for America First – Veterans for Trump is positive. The organization has a strong leadership team in place, a clear vision for the future, and a proven track record of success. As it continues to grow and expand its reach, it will no doubt play a major role in shaping the political landscape and advancing the values of the America First movement.
