Terrence Hayes is the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the VFW Washington Office. His duties include serving as national spokesperson for the more than 1.16 million-member organization on issues ranging from national security and foreign affairs, to the proper care and treatment of veterans, service members and their families.

Terrence, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2016, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2006 to March 2008, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. His numerous other awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (one bronze star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award).

Prior to his selection as director, Terrence served as a public affairs specialist and emergency response coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he was responsible for answering all national, regional and local media queries on behalf of Secretary Robert Wilkie.

Terrence also served as public affairs advisor to the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from November 2011 to January 2016. In this role, he served as principal public affairs advisor and official spokesperson for the Defense Department’s top enlisted service member.

Terrence earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Maryland Global College in Adelphi, Maryland, and a master’s degree in both strategic communication and management (organizational leadership) from Troy University in Troy, Alabama.

Terrence is a member of the U.S. Army’s distinguished Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, the National Association of Black Journalists, and Blacks in Government.