Veterans for America First

Veterans for America First, abbreviated as VFAF, is a grassroots political advocacy organization founded in 2015 by Joshua Macias, a Navy veteran 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]

Veterans for America First

Abbreviation	VFAF
Formation	2015
Founder	Joshua Macias
Type	Political advocacy organization
Purpose	Promoting America First policies and endorsing political candidates
Headquarters	Newnan, Georgia, U.S.
Location	United States
Website	vfaf.us

The group maintains a Facebook page that was hijacked in 2019 by North Macedonian operators. Co-founder Vlad Lemets appealed to Facebook for months to regain control. This event highlighted vulnerabilities in social media platforms used by political groups.^[3] The organization contributes to fundraising efforts.^[4] The group endorses political candidates such as Bryan Taylor for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. It highlights his 22 years of military service as an Iraq War veteran and Bronze Star recipient who focuses on expanding veterans' treatment courts in every Alabama county to provide services and avoid unnecessary incarceration for those with service-related issues.^[5] The organization supported Dick Brewbaker for Alabama's second congressional district.^[6] The group has been involved in Virginia politics by hosting events like a dinner at L&B Pizzeria in Woodbridge attended by Corey Stewart who was a candidate for governor to build local support.^[7][8] The organization joined a counter-protest in Rapid City, South Dakota to counter opposing views.^[9] Veterans for America First contributed to poll watching in Virginia by deploying observers as part of the "election integrity" initiative. Joshua Pratt served as the group's statewide director who noted that separate trainings helped equip about 400 volunteers to monitor voting processes for fairness.^[10] The group endorsed critics of Tammy Duckworth by accusing her of failing to defend George Washington in a statement from co-chair Scott O'Grady who highlighted her comments on historical figures to mobilize support among veterans.^[11] The organization produced a documentary featuring testimonies from veterans and political experts to highlight the organization's mission. It offered the documentary for free to reach a wider audience.^[12][13] Veterans for America First endorsed John Reid for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia by emphasizing his lifelong Virginian status and Baylor University education as qualities that align with the organization's values to promote strong leadership in state government.^[14] The organization endorsed Rachel Moyer for Pennsylvania's 102nd district by challenging incumbent Russ Diamond with support from ambassador Teddy Daniels who highlighted her commitment to local issues to gain voter support.^[15] The group achieved an 85%-win rate in 2025 Georgia GOP elections as stated by Stan Fitzgerald to demonstrate the organization's effectiveness in political campaigns and influence on election outcomes.^[16]

Formation and early activities

The initial coalition was announced in New Hampshire.^[17][18] The group's Facebook page was hijacked in 2019 by North Macedonian operators. Co-founder Vlad Lemets fought for months to regain access.^[19]

Leadership

Joshua Macias co-founded the organization that later became Veterans for America First.^[20][21] Vlad Lemets co-founded the group's Facebook page and worked to regain control after its hijacking in 2019 by foreign operators.^[22] Scott O’Grady serves as co-chair of the organization and has issued statements criticizing political figures like Senator Tammy Duckworth to mobilize support.^[23] 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.^[24] 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.^[25] 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.^[26] 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.^[27] Malcom Chakery, founder of Texas Back The Blue, joined Veterans for America First as an ambassador to support law enforcement and veteran causes.^[28]

Political endorsements and advocacy

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.^[29] The group supported Dick Brewbaker in the Alabama second congressional district primary, highlighting his background and alignment with pro-veteran policies.^[30] The organization criticized Senator Tammy Duckworth for her stance on monuments, accusing her of failing to defend George Washington.^[31] 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.^[32][33] 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.^[34][35]

Controversies

The initial 2015 coalition faced scrutiny, prompting the campaign to defend the legitimacy of its membership claims.^{[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48]}