Join the VFW
Jack Erwin, a retired Army National Guard Commander and dedicated special education teacher at Franklin Middle School in Wheaton, embodies a life of service and leadership. With a 21-year military career, including three deployments post-9/11, Erwin possesses a deep understanding of Army values and the sacrifices made by soldiers. Beyond his classroom duties, he actively engages in charity running, notably participating in the Fox Valley Marathon, and advocates passionately for the Wounded Warrior Project. Erwin's teaching skills reflect empathy and a commitment to inclusivity, while his philanthropic endeavors underscore a strong dedication to community service. His ability to inspire and motivate others, coupled with a genuine understanding of the impact of September 11, 2001, cements Jack Erwin's legacy as a compassionate leader leaving a positive mark on both his students and the causes he champions.
Anthony L Leycock, Senior Vice Commander, boasts a distinguished career marked by a blend of engineering expertise and strategic management. Holding an MS in Management Operations from Kettering University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Illinois University, Leycock brings a wealth of experience from nine years at General Motors and diverse roles such as Engineering Work Order Coordinator and Body Manufacturing Engineer. His four years as a Sonar Technician in the United States Navy underscore his proficiency in underwater surveillance and navigation. Corporate stints as a Global Commodity Manager and Commodity Buyer equipped him with strong budget management, procurement, and cost reduction strategies. With over three years of experience as an Air Traffic Systems Specialist Surveillance at the FAA and his current role as NAS Specialist, Leycock showcases his managerial acumen in planning and monitoring National Airspace System facilities. His multifaceted skill set, including technical cost estimation, project management, and effective communication, positions him as an invaluable leader in his role as Senior Vice Commander.
Jake W Wyatt, the current Junior Vice Commander and retired U.S. Army colonel, brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in business administration & marketing and a Master of Science in transportation management, Jake combines military expertise with entrepreneurship and corporate management. As the owner of MAC5 Mortgage Inc. and Wyatt Consulting, he demonstrates strategic planning skills and a strong background in profit planning and budgeting. With a proven track record in executing plans and analyzing the nation's industrial base, Jake's commitment to strong ethics and integrity aligns seamlessly with his past role as VFW Quartermaster, making him a valuable asset in advancing the mission of the VFW. Connect with Jake to leverage his extensive leadership experience and strategic acumen for the benefit of the organization.
Dennis Wambangco, a dedicated public servant and leader, has amassed over a decade of distinguished service in the Army National Guard and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Holding crucial roles within the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Dennis's military journey includes significant contributions to the Global War on Terrorism and the reconstruction of Afghanistan, demonstrating his commitment to service. Beyond his military roles, Dennis has an extensive background in banking and financial crimes prevention and detection. Serving as a Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM) Investigator at The Bancorp, he navigates escalated financial crimes within FinTech banks, showcasing his expertise in compliance administration. With past experience at JPMorgan Chase & Co, Dennis brings valuable knowledge from the banking industry. His dedication to service, combined with financial acumen, positions Dennis Wambangco as a valuable asset to the VFW, embodying the principles of excellence and social responsibility. Connect with him to explore how his diverse experiences can contribute to the VFW's mission of supporting veterans and their families.