Jerry joined the VFW as a Life Member of VFW Post 11281, Naples, Italy, in 1994 and has been an active member ever since.  He earned his VFW eligibility serving in Vietnam.  He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant from the US Air Force with 33 years of service.  He was a C-141 Instructor Flight Engineer with over 5000 flight hours.

 He has worked every Department elected and appointed position in the VFW. He was named Nevada Outstanding Veteran of the Year in 2011-12. He has personally recruited over 800 members into the VFW and was awarded Centurion Recruiter in 2011 – 2012 and 2018 - 2019.
 He is an "All-American” Triple Crown, Post and District and Department Commander.
He is a Gold Legacy Life member, Life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, and National Home for Children.

He is currently the Department of Nevada Past State Commander 2018 - 2019.