Hawthorne resident John Stroud was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently at a ceremony in Louisville, Ky. (Courtesy photo)

Hawthorne resident John Stroud was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars recently at a ceremony in Louisville, Ky. (Courtesy photo)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – John W. Stroud of Hawthorne was elected Senior Vice Commander- in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on July 24 in Louisville, Ky.

Stroud served in the U.S. Air Force from 1976 to 1997, including a tour of Korea in 1992 to 1993 with the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base as a Flight Operations Superintendent. His decorations include four Meritorious Service Medals; three Air Force Commendation Medals; three Air Force Achievement Medals; the Korea Defense Service; and the National Defense Service Medal.

He joined the VFW in VFW elects Stroud as Senior Vice Commander 1996 in Las Vegas. He maintains his Gold Legacy Life Membership in Hawthorne. Stroud has served the VFW in many leadership positions, including Nevada Department Commander from 2006 to 2007. He has also served on numerous National Committees, including Chairman of the National Veterans Service Committee. He is a Triple Crown All American Commander Award recipient.

Stroud graduated with honors from Emby- Riddle Aeronautical University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics. He worked as the Mineral County Building Official and is now retired.

Stroud is a member of the American Legion; the Elks; is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Cootie; and the VFW National Home for Children.