Here's what national VFW says about anti-Pride Month comments from Kansas VFW leader

National Veterans of Foreign Wars said they don't agree with anti-Pride Month comments from a Kansas VFW leader.

The Facebook message, apparently written by Commander James Langley of the Department of Kansas of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, was sent over the VFW Department of Kansas Facebook page. It read as follows:

"LBGQABC what ever is the jerk letter is next gets an entire agenda jammed down our throats. But, Veterans get 1 day. that's BULLSHIT. YOU NEED TO PUT A STOP TO THIS AGENDA!!!!"

The message was reportedly sent by Langley to state Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, on June 25 in response to the Democratic legislator's attendance at an Pride Month luncheon at Fort Leavenworth on June 21 hosted by the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. Maj. Karmalita Irlmeier told Fox 4 KC that it was the first ever Pride Month celebration at the installation.

Copies of the message were sent by Ken Romine, president and CEO of Rapid Response Charities, a Lansing-based group primarily focused on serving homeless veterans. Romine also serves as Pittman's campaign treasurer.

Pittman didn't respond to a request for comment.

Veterans advocate questions Kansas VFW leader's ability to lead after comments

Romine urged state VFW officials to remove Langley from his leadership position.

"I urge you to take swift and decisive action to address this matter," he said in an email sent to VFW leaders and media. "The VFW is a respected organization with a long history of serving veterans. It is important that the organization uphold its values of respect, inclusion, and diversity. The LGBTQI+ community has served our country with honor and distinction, and they deserve our respect."

Langley didn't respond to a request for comment.

"I inadvertently commented about the pride month while on the Kansas vfw page," Langley said in a message from his personal Facebook account provided by Romine. "That was my personal opinion not the opinion of the KANSAS VFW."

National leaders distanced themselves from Langley's comments.

"The National Organization does not agree with Mr. Langley's personal opinions," said Dan West, the national VFW adjutant general.

Commander James Langley won't oversee Kansas VFW Facebook page

West said any potential disciplinary action would be at the discretion of the state-level council of administration, though he confirmed Langley had relinquished administration of the Facebook page. The state VFW group didn't return an email seeking comment.

"The National Organization leads by example and would hope all chartered organizations and affiliates would embrace every opportunity to recognize those who comprise our veteran and military populations despite race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, etc.," West said.

Langley's comments come after the national VFW recognized LGBTQ+ veterans during Pride Month.

"The 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute all LGBTQI+ veterans, past, present and future, and say 'thank you' for your service to our great nation," the VFW said in its June 1 news release.

The organization's news release noted that Pride Month has been recognized by President Joe Biden, as well as former presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

"The VFW and its Auxiliary salute ALL veterans," West said. "It's the diversity among this very population that makes our country stronger."

Kansas VFW leader still invited to national convention

The anti-LGBTQ+ message comes ahead of the VFW national convention in Phoenix, Arizona, which starts this weekend. Department commanders have a luncheon on July 25.

West said that as of Monday, Langley is still invited to the luncheon.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas veteran and VFW leader criticizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month