Gregg Orto is responsible for the VFW’s Field Operations and Health Care Policy initiatives.  His Field Operations team ensures Service members and their families understand the benefits they are eligible for as they transition from active service military into veteran status. As such, Gregg evaluates benefit program effectiveness and works directly with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Labor to ensure their programs meet the needs of the military population as they transition from active duty.

His responsibility includes implementing the VFW’s pre-discharge claims assistance program on more than 27 military installations and military populated regions throughout the country, to include the National Capital Region/Military District of Washington.

Gregg is also responsible for the VFW’s health care policy initiatives related to VA health care, engaging with Veterans Health Administration leadership and Congress, providing input to shape current and future policies affecting Service members and veterans.  Gregg also oversees the VFW’s Tactical Assessment Center which provides veteran’s benefits referral, resource assistance and health care trends analysis of VA facilities and programs, and the VFW’s nation-wide participation in the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service and Community Volunteer programs.

Gregg serves as a member of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans, providing feedback and input to the Secretary on veterans’ transition from active service to civilian needs and integration.

Gregg is an Army veteran with 32 years active duty service.  He entered the Army in St. Louis, Missouri and trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a Forward Observer.  Later in his career he transitioned from Field Artillery to Army Public Affairs.  Throughout his military career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from squad leader to Command Sergeant Major.

In 2006, the Army authorized five Public Affairs Command Sergeants Major positions, a first in the history of the Army.  Gregg was selected as one of the first five.

His duty stations include Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Gordon, GA, Fort Meade, MD, Pentagon/Crystal City, VA, and overseas tours in Germany, Republic of Korea, Somalia and Iraq. During a tour in Germany, he earned a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician certification and volunteered after duty hours with the local military clinic’s ambulance system.

Gregg became a member of the VFW after his deployment to Somalia.  In 2014, Gregg took on the position of VFW Pre-Discharge Claims Representative in the Military District of Washington.  In 2016, he was promoted to Assistant Director and in 2021 Deputy Director.

Gregg’s civilian education includes an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Administration.