Monthly Meetings
Normally, All Executive Committee (EXCOM) meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, location: Pawtuxet Rangers, 59 Remington St, Warwick, RI 02888.
2026 Meeting dates
January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17,and December 15
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Rhode Island Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars cordially invites you to ourRI NATIONAL GUARD (RING) of…
The Rhode Island National Guard is “Always Ready, Always There.”
Dear Veteran and Hereditary Companions, On behalf of the Rhode Island Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, I…
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A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER
My fellow MOFW Companions,
Our Commandery held its Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, May 8, at the Squantum Association, in conjunction with the 6-Society Joint Dinner (photos below). Please join me in congratulating Past Commander John Duchesneau on the successful completion of his tour of duty. Well done, John!
For those who may not know me, I became a hereditary member of our Order in March 2011. My ancestor, Lt. William Maynard, was wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill. I am an active member of several hereditary societies and have had the honor of serving in various leadership roles.
I’ve also been a member of the Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Historic Militia for 38 years, serving as Commander from 2004 to 2024. Additionally, I am currently the appointed Liaison from the Adjutant General, BG Chevalier, to the Rhode Island Historic Military Commands. My affiliations include several military-related organizations, among them the Military Order of the Purple Heart, where I am an Associate Member in honor of my father, who was shot down and captured during World War II.
As I step into this new role, I look forward to working closely with the Executive Committee to grow our Commandery, engage our membership, and increase active participation. On that note, I am currently seeking members interested in serving on the Executive Committee.
The commitment involves attending one meeting per month (about an hour) at the Pawtuxet Rangers Armory in Pawtuxet Village. If you’re interested, I would be honored to speak with you further.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication.
Fraternally,
Col Ron Barnes, RIHM
Commander
RI Commandery – Military Order of Foreign Wars
We welcome eligible candidates for membership in our two classifications of Companionship:
- Veteran, for officers, active, retired or honorably discharged, who have served in or during a foreign war campaign and/or expedition
- Hereditary, for direct descendants of officers with such service dating from the War of the Revolution to the present.
The Rhode Island Commandery was instituted on 28 February 1900 in Providence. The first Commander was RADM Steven Luce USN, a veteran of the Civil War and founder of the U.S. Naval War College.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels.
Learn about one of the oldest Veterans’ and Hereditary Associations in the Nation.