Dutch DeGroot
2nd Vice President
Dutch earned his eligibility for the VFW with service in the Army 1968-1970 deploying to Vietnam. He later served in the Air Force with duty in Operation Provide Comfort and deployment during OIF/OEF. He retired from the military in 2007. He has numerous awards and decorations.
A VFW Gold Life Legacy Member he serves as a Service Officer at the Post and District level. He served at the department level as Past Department Photographer, Past Legislative Chairman, Past Assistant Military & Veterans Support Director. Dutch was recognized as National Deputy Chief of Staff 2021-2022, National Aide-De-Camp 2019-2020 & 2022-2023, VFW Department of Illinois Member of the year 2020-2021, 2020 VFW National Security & Foreign Affairs Committee, 2021 VFW National Veterans Service Resolutions Committee. Recently honored as the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Foundation 2024 veteran of the year.
He is the current delegate representing the VFW Department of Illinois to the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council. He serves on the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County as 2nd Vice President.
Dutch is also an active member in other Military Organizations besides the VFW. Past National Commander Americal (23rd Infantry) Division Veterans Association, 440th Air Wing Alumni, American Legion, AMVETS, Military Order of the World Wars & Life Member DAV. He also is a volunteer fro ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve).
He resides in Mount Prospect with his wife of 52 years, Jan. They have three sons and eight grandchildren.
