Mission Viejo VFW Member Appointed National Aide-de-Camp

By John Carson, Commander VFW Post 6024

Ned Costa, Adjutant for the Mission Viejo Edward J. Kearns VFW Post 6024, representing the entire Saddleback Valley, received a letter from the National VFW Headquarters. The letter announced his appointment as National Aide-de-Camp to the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander in Chief. The letter reads in part… Your Department Commander recommended you for this honorary appointment due to your outstanding service to Posts and your Department. Ned Costa started the appointment process with his nomination from his Post Commander and approved by Ca. VFW District 2 Commander. Nest Ned Costa was chosen to have his nomination submitted by the California Department VFW Commander to the National VFW Commander in Chief for selection.

Ned Costa served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade, Casper Platoon – Helicopters, as a crew chief & door gunner stationed at Bong Son, LZ English in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Ned was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation, and several Air Medals and other honors. He has been the organizer of the Casper Platoon Reunions for 21 years. A Life Member of VFW Post 6024 Ned has taken over as the media committee chairman. He has redesigned the post’s website, http://www.vfwpost6024.org. Ned is responsible for the upgraded website, Facebook, X, Instagram, weekly e-blast, and other media platforms. As adjutant, he is the keeper of all records and is the assistant to the post commander. Ned Costa and Commander John Carson wrote and produced a video to honor California VFW veterans who had passed away last year and presented it at the VFW 103rd California State Convention. Ned also created a second video titled Welcome Home, highlighting the many services Post 6024 provides for veterans, Community, and Youth Development, in the Saddleback Valley of South Orange County, California. The video also Honors the VFW Post 6024 Combat Veterans and Welcomes them home. Ned helps California VFW District-2 with their website and media presentations. Ned Costa has always helped with the Buddy Poppy Campaigns and attends many of the post's functions and activities. He is a family man and finds time to enjoy life with his wife of 51 years, two children, and four grandchildren.

A National VFW Aide-de-Camp serves as an assistant to the National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars assisting in whatever administrative roles are needed for the benefit of its members. The National Aide-De-Camp program was established in 1920 by a group of World War I veterans who wanted to help their fellow veterans. The program has expanded to include more than 700 members who served in all 50 states and seven U.S. territories. Each member serves as an Aide-de-Camp for two years and must participate in monthly meetings with other Aide-de-Camps and their assigned veterans.

Aides-de-Camp provides support to veterans, helping them navigate the VA system, connecting them with resources they need, providing support, and advocating on behalf of their assigned veterans when needed.

To qualify for membership in the VFW, a veteran, besides being a US Citizen, must have received an honorable or general discharge, and have served in the armed forces. They must also have received a campaign medal for service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil, or hostile waters. Alternatively, the veteran must have received Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay; or served in the Republic of Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days to be eligible.

The VFW and Post 6024 are indeed honored to have Ned Costa named National Aide-de-Camp.

Commander John Carson

Edward J. Kearns VFW Post 6024