Jump to content

Veterans for America First

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Veterans for America First
AbbreviationVFAF
Formation2015
FounderJoshua Macias
TypePolitical advocacy organization
PurposePromoting America First policies and endorsing political candidates
HeadquartersNewnan, Georgia, U.S.
Location
Websitevfaf.us

Veterans for America First, abbreviated as VFAF, is a grassroots political advocacy organization founded in 2015 by Joshua Macias, a Navy veteran. It advocates for issues relevant to veterans and aligns with principles such as border security and national defense.[1][2]

Formation and early activities

[edit]

The initial coalition was announced in New Hampshire.[3][4] The group's Facebook page was hijacked in 2019 by North Macedonian operators. Co-founder Vlad Lemets fought for months to regain access.[5]

Leadership

[edit]

Joshua Macias co-founded the organization that later became Veterans for America First.[6][7] Vlad Lemets co-founded the group's Facebook page and worked to regain control after its hijacking in 2019 by foreign operators.[8] Scott O’Grady serves as co-chair of the organization and has issued statements criticizing political figures like Senator Tammy Duckworth to mobilize support.[9] Joshua Pratt serves as the statewide director for Virginia and helped organize poll watcher trainings to support election integrity efforts by equipping volunteers with knowledge.[10] Kartik Bhatt was appointed Deputy Political Director of the Veterans for America First Georgia State Chapter as an Indian American community leader to strengthen local advocacy and engagement.[11] Teddy Daniels, a combat veteran, serves as an ambassador for Veterans for America First Pennsylvania by endorsing candidates and promoting the organization's goals to build grassroots support.[12] J. Shayne Snavely serves as an ambassador for Veterans for America First Virginia by endorsing candidates like John Reid for Lieutenant Governor to expand the organization's influence in state politics.[13] Malcom Chakery, founder of Texas Back The Blue, joined Veterans for America First as an ambassador to support law enforcement and veteran causes.[14]

Political endorsements and advocacy

[edit]

Veterans for America First endorses candidates, such as Bryan Taylor for Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, emphasizing his military service and dedication to the rule of law.[15] The group supported Dick Brewbaker in the Alabama second congressional district primary, highlighting his background and alignment with pro-veteran policies.[16] The organization criticized Senator Tammy Duckworth for her stance on monuments, accusing her of failing to defend George Washington.[17] The group endorsed Addison McDowell for U.S. Congress in North Carolina's 6th District, praising him as the true candidate who will work to secure the southern border.[18][19] The group produced a documentary directed by Stan Fitzgerald, featuring testimonies from veterans and political experts to document the movement's formation and advocacy for policies.[20][21]

Controversies

[edit]

The initial 2015 coalition faced scrutiny, prompting the campaign to defend the legitimacy of its membership claims.[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Isaac Stanley-Becker (September 17, 2019). "The Facebook page 'Vets for Trump' was hijacked by a North Macedonian businessman. It took months for the owners to get it back". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  2. ^ "Veterans For America First". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  3. ^ Ben Jacobs (July 25, 2015). "Veterans named as Donald Trump supporters say they were not consulted". The Guardian. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  4. ^ Michael Crowley (September 4, 2015). "Donald Trump's 11 worst foreign policy gaffes". Politico. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  5. ^ Isaac Stanley-Becker (September 17, 2019). "The Facebook page 'Vets for Trump' was hijacked by a North Macedonian businessman. It took months for the owners to get it back". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  6. ^ "Armed men arrested near Philadelphia vote counting location". Associated Press. November 6, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  7. ^ Mark Berman (November 6, 2020). "Two charged with carrying weapons near Philadelphia vote count as the city braces for more unrest". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  8. ^ Isaac Stanley-Becker (September 17, 2019). "The Facebook page 'Vets for Trump' was hijacked by a North Macedonian businessman. It took months for the owners to get it back". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  9. ^ Shia Kapos (July 8, 2020). "TRUMP CAMP TARGETS DUCKWORTH — KANYE DUMPS TRUMP — PRITZKER TO TESTIFY ON COVID — A BOYCOTT FOR DIVERSITY". Politico. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  10. ^ Laura Vozzella (October 27, 2021). "An army of poll watchers — many driven by GOP's 'election integrity' push — turns out across Virginia". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  11. ^ "Indian American community leader Kartik Bhatt appointed Deputy Political Director of Veterans for America First Georgia Chapter". The Indian Panorama. October 17, 2025. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  12. ^ "Rachel Moyer endorsed by VFAF Veterans for Trump challenging incumbent Russ Diamond PA 102". FOX40. January 23, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  13. ^ "John Reid for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia endorsed by VFAF Veterans for America First said J. Shayne Snavely". FOX5 San Diego. September 16, 2025. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  14. ^ "Malcom Chakery Texas Back The Blue Founder issues Trump endorsement and joins VFAF Veterans for Trump as Ambassador". FOX2. December 14, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  15. ^ Grayson Everett (February 15, 2024). "Bryan Taylor receives endorsement from Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Veterans for Trump". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  16. ^ Craig Monger (February 13, 2024). "Brewbaker endorsed by Veterans for Trump: 'There is another generation coming that needs an America to live in'". 1819 News. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  17. ^ Shia Kapos (July 8, 2020). "TRUMP CAMP TARGETS DUCKWORTH — KANYE DUMPS TRUMP — PRITZKER TO TESTIFY ON COVID — A BOYCOTT FOR DIVERSITY". Politico. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  18. ^ "Veterans for America First Endorses McDowell". LegiStorm. March 1, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  19. ^ "Veterans for America First VFAF sends three members to "Veterans and Military Families for Trump" Coalition". WCBD. May 29, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  20. ^ "'VFAF Veterans for Trump - the Movement' Documentary Film by Director Stan Fitzgerald of Georgia Veterans for America First Now Streaming on VFAF.US". FOX40. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  21. ^ "'VFAF Veterans for Trump – the Movement' Documentary Film by Director Stan Fitzgerald of Georgia Veterans for America First Now Streaming on VFAF.US". Newswire. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  22. ^ Ben Jacobs (July 25, 2015). "Veterans named as Donald Trump supporters say they were not consulted". The Guardian. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  23. ^ Michael Crowley (September 4, 2015). "Donald Trump's 11 worst foreign policy gaffes". Politico. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  24. ^ "Armed men arrested near Philadelphia vote counting location". Associated Press. November 6, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  25. ^ Mark Berman (November 6, 2020). "Two charged with carrying weapons near Philadelphia vote count as the city braces for more unrest". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  26. ^ "Vets for Trump co-founder remains jailed on gun charges, claims he's a 'political prisoner'". Military Times. November 11, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  27. ^ "'Vets for Trump' founder played 'central' role in January 6 insurrection, Philadelphia prosecutors allege". Business Insider. June 13, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  28. ^ "Joshua Macias, Veterans for Trump co-founder, could face jail over meeting with Proud Boys leaders". PhillyVoice. March 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  29. ^ "Trump supporters convicted of driving guns to Philadelphia spared more jail time". WHYY. March 4, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  30. ^ "Trump supporters get split verdict in weapons, election case". Associated Press. October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  31. ^ "Krasner seeks contempt charge for Vets for Trump cofounder". FOX 29 Philadelphia. June 13, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  32. ^ "Vets for Trump co-founder free on bail despite social posts". Associated Press. June 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  33. ^ "Texas butterfly sanctuary says it's forced to close from far-right threats". Business Insider. January 28, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Veterans_for_America_First&oldid=1355832610"