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Passing the Torch: A New Era for the VFW. The 126th VFW National Convention wasn’t just another gathering of veterans, leaders, and sponsors — it was the debut of something groundbreaking: the Parade Deck Experience (PDX) Stage.
For the first time, the convention floor transformed into a professional broadcast studio, drawing younger veterans, amplifying sponsors, and showing attendees a modernization of the VFW through an engaging, energy-driven experience.
Proof of Concept — Delivered
Parade Deck set out with a bold challenge: could a live-media stage energize the VFW Convention without overshadowing its core mission? The answer: a resounding yes.
The production ran with military precision. Staff reported at 6:30 AM, AV checks were complete by 7:00, and pre-show music and slides rolled by 7:30. Hosts Janae Sergio and Jamie Goldstein commanded the main stage, while Travis Johnson, Parade Deck’s Podcast Director, energized the side stage. With Event Coordinator Martha Macphee managing a minute-by-minute run-of-show, the event unfolded with the polish of a national television broadcast.
Rob Couture, VFW National Public Affairs: “The Parade Deck Stage completely changed the energy of the convention. I took a chance on them after seeing their work at the Military Influence Conference, and they delivered beyond expectations. Our leadership quickly realized this wasn’t just a stage — it was the future of how we connect with veterans.”Reach That Scaled Beyond the Floor
The metrics show just how far the PDX Stage reached. This wasn’t just a stage. It was a multi-platform distribution engine that reached far beyond the convention hall.
Main Stage (PDX Stage): 6,500 unique streaming visitors; 2,700+ viewing impressions; 3% click-through engagement rate.
Cornhole Tournament Livestream: More than 13,000 combined unique viewers across two days.
Social Media Reach: Over 250,000 impressions and climbing, powered by Parade Deck’s influencer network — including Lakeydra Houston, Jana Creel, Joel Del Rosario, Mike Little, Charlynda Scales, and Johnny Vargus.
Creator Network: 17 military influencers sharing media creatives, producing authentic, neighborhood-level storytelling that traditional ads can’t match.
Email Campaigns: With the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ weekly newsletter, the event achieved a 26% click rate from more than 15 million emails sent.
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The Modern Spirit of Veteran Leadership & Influence
Veterans Charlynda Scales and Lakeydra Houston embody the modern spirit of veteran leadership and influence. As social media creators, authors, podcasters, and keynote speakers, they are amplifying veteran voices across multiple platforms. Both took their oath and officially joined the VFW during the convention—showcasing how today’s veterans are finding their way to an organization that continues to evolve and serve their needs.
Tony Lowe, VFW Partnerships: “Working with Parade Deck was seamless from start to finish. Their organization, event planning, and ability to amplify the convention exceeded our expectations. More importantly, our partners were impressed by the professionalism of the stage and the visibility it brought to their brands.Arrow International, PDX Live Stream Sponsor
Arrow International, PDX Live Stream SponsorA Network Effect Already in Motion
With 154 plus million combined followers across its creator network, Parade Deck gave sponsors like Humana, Arrow International Inc., and Fiserv a powerful new way to be heard, seen, and understood.
Equally important, the Apple TV VFW Streaming Channel was received with enthusiasm. Many Posts have already expressed interest in installing devices in their halls to deliver custom VFW content, national-level messaging, and military/veteran creator programming streamed 24/7.
Beyond engagement, the channel introduces a new revenue opportunity: through Parade Deck’s advertising rev-share program, Posts can generate funds to reinvest in marketing, events, and community support.
This positions the VFW to become the nation’s first veteran-centered streaming network, with every Post serving as a local broadcast hub.
Why Streaming Matters for the VFW
- Executive-Level Reach & Engagement
Thousands of veterans who couldn’t attend in person tuned in virtually. A 3% sponsor engagement rate proved they weren’t just watching — they were acting. - Community Storytelling That Resonates
Featuring podcasters, influencers, and entrepreneurs gave the VFW direct access to the 21–45-year-old demographic — the future of the organization. - Sponsor Satisfaction & New Revenue Streams
Positive sponsor feedback confirmed that branded side-stage features and podcast integration present new monetization opportunities. - Scalable Technology Adoption
Apple TV devices installed across Posts transform them into content hubs — enabling national broadcasts, local programming, and revenue opportunities.
Active duty military content creators Joel Del Rosario and Johnny Vargas closed out the Parade Deck Experience with a powerful statement of what the future looks like. Both joined the VFW during the convention, leaning into the Commanders’ message of “Passing the Torch.”
Joel and Johnny represent the new generation of veterans—service members who are not only shaping the conversation online but also stepping into the legacy of organizations like the VFW. Their voices remind us that today’s creators deserve the same benefits, community, and advocacy that the VFW has delivered for generations.
Looking Ahead
The debut of the PDX Stage wasn’t just an experiment — it was proof that the VFW can evolve into a modern broadcast powerhouse without losing its traditions.
By combining storytelling, streaming, and technology, the VFW is reaching new generations of veterans, amplifying sponsor value, and building a future where every Post is a broadcast hub. The message is clear: the VFW has entered a new era — and the Parade Deck is leading the charge.
About Parade Deck
Parade Deck is more than a media company—it’s a movement designed to amplify the voices of military service members, veterans, and their families. Born from the need to give creators a trusted home where their stories are not only heard but celebrated, Parade Deck bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Through streaming channels, live activations, social media promotion, and partnerships with organizations like the VFW, Parade Deck creates opportunities for podcasters, influencers, filmmakers, and thought leaders to share their work with global audiences. At the Parade Deck Experience, that mission comes to life in a way that feels both familiar and revolutionary.
The stage becomes a professional broadcast environment, blending high-energy hosts, dynamic content creators, and real-time streaming that reaches thousands of viewers inside and outside the convention hall. What sets the Parade Deck Experience apart is its ability to showcase the next generation of veteran voices while honoring the legacy of those who came before them. Whether it’s active duty creators like Joel Del Rosario and Johnny Vargas taking their place in the VFW, or veterans like Charlynda Stokes and Lykendra Houston raising their hands to be sworn in, the Parade Deck Experience demonstrates that the veteran community is evolving, vibrant, and ready to lead.
This is not just about content—it’s about connection, empowerment, and modernization. It’s proof that when you combine the power of digital storytelling with the traditions of the veteran community, you create something unforgettable. Parade Deck stands as the amplifier, ensuring that military voices are not lost in the noise of the digital world but elevated, respected, and broadcast to every screen where they deserve to be seen.
Upcoming Parade Deck Experience Events:
Military Influencer Conference - Sept 21st-24th Atlanta Georgia
