Shawn Watson served in the United States Air Force from 1988 to 1999, with deployments to Southwest Asia, Panama, and the Republic of Korea. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, and several campaign and service medals recognizing his dedicated service around the world.
VFW Leadership Experience
- Post: Commander (All American) x2, Adjutant, Quartermaster
- District: Commander (All American), Adjutant, Quartermaster
- Department: Commander (All American), Chief of Staff (All American) x3, Adjutant (All American) x4, Quartermaster (All American) x5
- National: Council of Administration (4 years), Inspector General
Other Public Service
- Chairman, Guam Veterans Council for Representative Madeleine Bordallo
- Member, Guam Veteran Commission
- Member, Veteran Administration Pacific Islands Health Care System
- Host, VetTalk Radio Show (7 years)
Campaign Priorities
Shawn’s campaign focuses on strengthening the VFW’s three core pillars:
- Community Support
- Legislative Involvement
- Service Officer Work
"While we are the leading Veterans Service Organization and excel in these areas, we must ensure that the VFW name is clearly associated with this work—from the national level down to every Post.”
Campaign Slogan
Self • Family • Veterans
Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Then we can all come together and take care of our veterans!
Endorsements
"He possesses not only the vision to help guide the VFW into the future, but also the proven operational experience to do so effectively.”
– Jack Farrell, Commander, Department of Pacific Areas 2025–2026
"I’ve watched Comrade Watson serve veterans with heart, consistency, and presence at every level of the VFW. He doesn’t just show up, he’s fully engaged, always listening, always working. His knowledge, experience, and genuine care for others set him apart. Shawn leads by example, and his commitment to the mission is real. I believe he’s exactly the kind of leader we need moving forward, and I’m proud to support him as our next Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Designee.”
– Jim Haddox, Commander, Department of New Mexico 2025–2026
"Shawn’s experience has served exceptionally in the Pacific Areas and in international relationships. I am proud to have him as the next Commander-in-Chief Designee.”
– Ronald A. (Cowboy) Hill, Department of California
"Shawn is exceptionally well prepared to lead our National Organization. He possesses all the characteristics of a good leader, to include a blend of traits and behaviors that foster positive relationships, drive success, and inspire others. Integrity, vision, adaptability, and empathy are but a few of his dominant personality traits, and I am proud to serve with him now—as I know we all shall be—as he leads us into the future.”
– Mike Lutman, Commander, Department of Pacific Areas 2024–2025
"Comrade Watson’s extensive experience, tireless drive, and vision, make him exceptionally well-qualified to serve in this vital role.”
– Robbie Normand, Supreme Commander, Military Order of the Cootie 2024–2025
Contact Shawn
Email: shawn.c.watson@gmail.com
