Gary George Ellis died April 13, 2007 during his tenure as the Department of Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander. This website was one of his dreams for the VFW and it is through Gary's efforts that it has been established.

Gary was born December 28, 1943, in Sylia Kansas. He led a life of integrity and honor, serving proudly in the United States Army for 21 years. Retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel, his service included a tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. During his tour, he was awarded a Distinguised Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and five Air Medals.

Gary was a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was Deacon and Treasurer of the Hammett Idaho Community Church. He served as President of the Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce in 2004.

Gary's love of the Military and Veterans was evident from his membership in the Disabled American Veterans and a Gold Legacy Life Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He joined the VFW in 2001 and quickly became recognized for his outstanding community service and received a National VFW award for volunteering over 2000 hours in community service. In 2003, Gary received the State of Idaho's Volunteer of the Year award and was recognized in 2004 as Idaho's Mr. VFW.

In 2004, Gary was elected as the Junior Vice-Commander for the Department of Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars. His performance and Service as he progressed from Junior Vice to Senior Vice to Department Commander was beyound reproach. He was particularly effective in working legislative issues with the Idaho Congressional Leaders in Washington D.C. and with local legislatures. He reviewed and rewrote many of the Department's VFW procedures and guidelines that greatly improved the effectiveness of the entire Department of Idaho VFW.

This Website and a Department Newspaper are just two of the innovations that Gary has given us in his VFW legacy.

We are thankful that Gary chose to be part of our lives. We are all better due to his leadership and influence. God now has him in His hands and is providing him with the rewards he justly deserves. We miss our Comrade but know his accomplishments and influence will be with us as we strve to carry on his love and his work. e-mail webmaster