Dr. Denise M. Gechas, DNP, was elected Surgeon of the newly re-established Veterans of Foreign Wars Anacortes, WA post in April 2023. 

 

Denise served in the United States Navy from 1991-2023, completing a tour as the Commanding Officer and Director of U. S.  Navy Hospital Sigonella, IT, and Naval Branch Health Clinics Bahrain and Souda Bay. Denise earned her VFW eligibility after deploying to Afghanistan in 2008 as an individual augmentee and Embedded Medical Training Team member with the 203rd Corps Afghan National Army. Over her 30 years of service, she earned a Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other personal and unit awards and ribbons.

 

Denise became a Life Member of the VFW in 2023 and is honored to continue serving. She resides in Anacortes with her husband Neil, mother Marilyn, and two dogs, Penelope MacDoodle and Finnegan Schnitzel.