- Date:2026-10-22
- Department:Department of Veterans Service and Assistance
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Commander Donald Kelley and Philippines Post Commander Janet Alford visited the Veterans Affairs Council (VAC) on October 7, accompanied by Taiwan Post Commander Kowatch. Deputy Minister Chen Chin-kuang warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of Minister Yen Te-fa. He expressed his hope that the VFW would maintain close contact with the VAC and further strengthen exchanges and cooperation to promote the well-being of veterans and their families.
Delegation Attends National Day Celebration
Commander Kelley and his delegation were also invited to attend the National Day celebration in front of the Presidential Office on October 10. They said they felt deeply honored and excited to take part in the event.
Headquartered in Guam, the Department of Pacific Areas comprises U.S. veterans living in nine countries and territories, including the Republic of China (Taiwan), South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Guam. Commander Kelley qualified for VFW membership through his deployment to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. After leaving military service, he became a contractor supporting the U.S. Army’s 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade in South Korea.
At the welcoming meeting, Deputy Minister Chen said that the VAC and the VFW share a longstanding friendship and have maintained a fraternal relationship for 46 years. The Department of Pacific Areas and its posts have long helped the VAC maintain contact and exchanges with veterans overseas, making them important VAC partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
In his remarks, Commander Kelley thanked the VAC for its warm hospitality. He expressed his hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two organizations would continue to deepen and grow stronger in the years ahead.
Deputy Minister Chen presented Commander Kelley with the VAC Medal of Honor and a certificate in recognition of his efforts to strengthen friendship between the two organizations and promote services and care for veterans on both sides. VAC Secretary-General Yang Chang-cheng and the heads of relevant departments attended the presentation.
During the visit, the VAC also arranged for Commander Kelley and Commander Alford to visit the Taipei City Veterans Service Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Taipei Veterans Home to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s medical care, residential care, and support services for veterans.
