Frank Correa is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a dedicated chaplain with decades of service in the military, healthcare, and ministry. A proven leader, educator, and counselor, Frank has invested his career in strengthening the VFW chaplaincy at every level: Post, District, Department, and National. He is committed to his calling to serve veterans and their families through communication, education, and compassionate spiritual support.
VFW Eligibility & Service
- Life Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Eligible through service in Operation Restore Hope (Somalia) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq)
- Member, National Chaplains Training Committee
- Chaplain, VFW Department of California
- Chaplain, VFW District 3
- Post Chaplain, VFW Post 4089
- Past District 3 Surgeon
- Served on Department Bylaws Committee
- Organizer of joint chaplains meetings and contributor to Chaplains National Training curriculum and publications.
My Message
"Communicate and Educate”
From the moment I was first elected as a District Chaplain, I recognized how inconsistent training, mentorship, and communication were among chaplains. I made it my mission to change that. Today, I am proud to have helped build what is now a national monthly training program for chaplains across the VFW.
My military, healthcare, ministry, and academic background have uniquely prepared me to continue this work. Equipping and training others has always been central to my vocation, whether in uniform, in the classroom, or in pastoral service. As your National Chaplain, I will remain focused on strengthening communication, equipping chaplains, and expanding suicide prevention training and support across the VFW.
Contact FrankExperience & Qualifications
- USAF LtCol (Retired); Chief, Aeromedical Standardization/Evaluation
- Flight Instructor & Evaluator, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
- Head Hospital Chaplain, developed programs, policies, and training
- Pastorate – 20 years (ordained minister)
- Professor of Theology, Chaplaincy, and Counseling
- Chief Academic Officer overseeing 3 colleges
- Lead Paramedic & Educator, Los Angeles City Fire Department
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, LAFD
- Degrees: BS nursing, 2 masters and 1 doctorate seminary degrees, Air Command and Staff College
Military Service & Awards
- Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal
- National Defense, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Southwest Asia Service, Global War on Terrorism, Humanitarian Service, and Kuwait Liberation Medals
Endorsements
"Frank is passionate about the mission and the service of the VFW Chaplaincy. I truly believe that he is an extreme asset to the VFW and will represent the morals and values necessary to do the job. I fully endorse Frank Correa to serve as Western Conference Chaplain and National Chaplain 2027–2028."
Frank retired from the Air Force attaining the rank of LtCol and earned his VFW eligibility serving in Somalia and Iraq. During his service, he was awarded several awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, and several others.
Frank has been ordained for over 20 years and has earned 3 seminary degrees; 2 masters degrees and a doctorate. He has applied his knowledge not only as a head hospital Chaplain but also in the VFW. He has been a member of our Chaplain Training Committee where he has provided training materials, new content, and revisions to the Chaplains Handbook and the VFW-CA website.
"Frank has consistently proven an unwavering commitment to the spiritual and emotional well-being of his fellow comrades. He is attentive, approachable, and deeply committed to strengthening our Chaplain Corps. His leadership in suicide prevention and chaplain training has already saved lives and strengthened our community. I urge my fellow comrades to support Frank Correa for National Chaplain."
"Throughout his service as California Department Chaplain and Western Conference Chaplain, Frank Correa has demonstrated integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. His counsel and reliability have enriched our mission and strengthened our chaplain community nationwide. I fully endorse Frank Correa for National Chaplain."
Additional Endorsements
- Dave Frei – Past National Chaplain
- Deborah Halter – Past National Chaplain
Contact Frank
Email: fcorreavfw@gmail.com
