POST 8616 Officers 2024-2025
Post 8616 Commander 2024
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Dan is one of two Post 8616 Service Officers. Dan is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, but now has over 14 years total living on Oahu while in his military and civilian capacities. Retiring from Active Duty in 2022 as an Army Lieutenant Colonel (O5), Dan has served over 27 years as a commissioned officer and was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement. While commissioned, he notably completed nearly 20 years specifically in support of the Indo-Pacific (INDOPACOM) theater with over 6 years working on Combatant Command Joint Staffs between INDOPACOM and US Forces Korea (USFK). Additionally, Dan served over 2 years enlisted time with Pennsylvania Army National Guard and US Army Reserves prior to his commissioning in 1995. Dan qualifies for VFW membership due to his multiple tours (4 years total) stationed on the Korean Peninsula as well as being a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. In addition to being a VFW Life Member, Dan is also a Life Member of the VFW National Home.
Following his military retirement, Dan was initially employed by the Department of Washington VFW Headquarters as an Accredited Veteran Service Officer before returning to Oahu in April 2023 and rejoining Post 8616. Since his return, Dan has been employed as a contracted military advisor and program analyst on Camp H.M. Smith and Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.
In addition to his roles within our Post, Dan is active and an elected officer in multiple other veteran and military heraldry organizations to include: Association of the US Army (AUSA), Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW; Commander, Hawaii Command), Hawaii Sons of the American Revolution (HISSAR; Chaplain and Veterans Chair), The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and American Veterans (AMVETS). Dan specifically enjoys supporting the cultivation of military science across Honolulu County to on-island Cadets with the presentation of awards, certificates, and scholarships from the VFW and other above organizations to the ROTC, JROTC, and the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge programs.
Following his military retirement, Dan was initially employed by the Department of Washington VFW Headquarters as an Accredited Veteran Service Officer before returning to Oahu in April 2023 and rejoining Post 8616. Since his return, Dan has been employed as a contracted military advisor and program analyst on Camp H.M. Smith and Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.
In addition to his roles within our Post, Dan is active and an elected officer in multiple other veteran and military heraldry organizations to include: Association of the US Army (AUSA), Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW; Commander, Hawaii Command), Hawaii Sons of the American Revolution (HISSAR; Chaplain and Veterans Chair), The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and American Veterans (AMVETS). Dan specifically enjoys supporting the cultivation of military science across Honolulu County to on-island Cadets with the presentation of awards, certificates, and scholarships from the VFW and other above organizations to the ROTC, JROTC, and the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge programs.
John Chilcott served on active duty in the US Navy from 1986-1993 as a submarine nuclear-trained electronic technician. He graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, Orlando, FL in 1987 and Naval Nuclear Prototype Training, Idaho Falls, ID in 1988. John served on the fast-attack Los Angeles-class submarine USS Omaha in the Reactor Controls division home-ported out of Pearl Harbor, HI from 1988-1993 completing two WestPacs, one EastPac, and two SpecOp deployments. During his active and reserve duty John was awarded the Submarine Warfare Breast Insignia, Deterrent Patrol Pin, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. John joined the VFW in 2016 as a member of the UH Manoa Student Veterans Organization while completing his Master of Accounting degree. He is a Life Member of Post 8616, the VFW National Home, and Pup Tent 10 of the Military Order of the Cootie. Currently John works for the Washington Army National Guard USPFO at Camp Murray as a CPA responsible for the Resource Management Quality Assurance internal control program.
Post 8616 Judge Advocate 2024
Daniel Westphal Daniel Westphal joined the US Marine Corps enlisted in 1979 as an Aviation Support Equipment Electrician. He served as an enlisted Marine from Pvt through the rank of SSgt and in 1990 was appointed to the rank of Warrant Officer as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. While serving as a Chief Warrant Office 3 he was selected for an appointment to Captain as a Limited Duty Officer continuing his aircraft maintenance duties. His active duty service culminated as a Lieutenant Colonel serving as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Marine Forces Pacific Maintenance Office in 2011. Daniel served in all 4 USMC Aircraft Wings during his 31 years of active service. He also served as a Drill Instructor 1987-1989 graduating 538 Marines. Daniel was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary and Combat Action ribbons for his service during Operation Restore Hope at Somalia Africa. Daniel joined the VFW in 2019 and is a Gold Legacy Life Member of Post 8616. Daniel continues to work with US Marine Corps Aviation at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Hawaii as a MV-22 Configuration Manager and Subject Matter Expert for the Marine and Sailors who are following in his footsteps.
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