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Club News
Press
Release
30 AUG 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VETERANS OF THE LEAF OFFICIALLY OBTAINS 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT STATUS, ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF VOTL ASSOCIATION
Milestone designation elevates the national organization’s mission to combat veteran isolation, PTSD, and suicide through community, camaraderie, and targeted charitable giving.
[Tucson, Arizona] — [30 AUG 2026] — Veterans of the Leaf (VOTL), a national veteran and veteran supporter community, dedicated to mental wellness and fellowship through the shared enjoyment of premium cigars, today announced it has officially been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Moving forward, the organization will formally operate as the VOTL Association.
The 501(c)(3) public charity designation marks a transformative chapter for VOTL. Effective immediately, all contributions made to the VOTL Association are tax-deductible, allowing the organization to expand its fundraising initiatives, pursue corporate sponsorships, and scale its targeted charitable efforts supporting veteran PTSD relief, suicide prevention, and member hardships.
Built on the principle that " The bonds that are built here are genuine and help each of us fight our own demons.” VOTL combines the core military values of respect, honor, integrity, transparency, and accountability with the organic community atmosphere of the cigar lounge. VOTL builds a vital support network for military veterans and patriotic supporters, helping them in navigating anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
"This formal 501(c)(3) status isn't just a tax designation, it's a force multiplier for our mission," said Jason Albuquerque, Chief Communications & Social Media Officer
"Since founding VOTL, this has been the vision. I’m excited to expand our community and deepen our connections with lounges and veterans/supporters nationwide." Joey Hudson, Founder/Chairman of the Board
The VOTL routinely allocates proceeds from dedicated merchandise, member raffles, and co-branded cigar events directly toward vetted charitable initiatives. With 501(c)(3) status finalized, VOTL Association is actively seeking strategic partnerships with premium cigar manufacturers, retail tobacconists, veteran service organizations, and corporate sponsors who share their commitment to veteran health and wellbeing.
To learn more about VOTL Association, join the community, or to inquire about making a tax-deductible donation, visit veteransoftheleaf.org.
About VOTL Association
The VOTL Association (Veterans of the Leaf) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a resilient and supportive community for veterans and supporters. By uniting members around the shared tradition of premium cigars and core military values—respect, honor, integrity, transparency, and accountability, VOTL provides a sanctuary for healing, battling PTSD, and preventing veteran suicide. Guided by the motto Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam (“I will either find a way or make one”), VOTL turns camaraderie into active support through high levels of engagement, fundraising, and targeted charitable support.
Media Contact:
Jason Albuquerque, Chief Communications & Social Media Officer
VOTL Association Communications
Distinguished Achievement Award
May 2026
On behalf of Veterans of the Leaf, it is with great honor that we present the Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) to Ted “WrongOpedia” Goodman!
You have shown on many occasions, especially this past month how dedicated you are to connecting with all VOTL brothers. When someone “Pops Smoke” no matter the time of day, you are known to follow in right behind them and known to carry conversations at length. Ted, you are dependable, supportive, growth encouraging and just an overall fun guy. You check Discord frequently to see who may be on ensuring no one smokes alone or needs any VA help.
In the past few months, with what seemed to be a tough time in your life, you never skipped a beat. You ran towards the gunfire and brought laughter and random herf 5 Packs with you. Your occasional “Hear me out guys” in a herf brings laughter and maybe the occasional eye roll but all in good fun. Our Club and many people in it are in a better place because of you being here.
New
Member
Announcement
5 FEB 2026
On behalf of the Executive Board of Directors, it is an absolute honor to officially patch you in @"I dont miss" Eddie to the Veterans of the Leaf.
We don’t just consider this a club; it’s a sanctuary for those who have served, those that support those that served, and those who understand that the finest moments in life are often measured by the length of a slow burning cigar and the depth of a good conversation.
We know that for you, it’s about more than just the cigars—it’s about the brotherhood, the shared history, and the unique camaraderie that only exists among those who have walked the path. Your presence strengthens our ranks and adds another layer to the stories we share.
Eddie, pull up that recliner with the “worlds best” dad blanket, cut your favorite cigar, and spark it up. You’re home now.
Welcome!
Leader of
The Year
Award
15 JAN 2026
To honor this standard, the 2025 and 2026 leadership teams have established a new tradition:
The VOTL Leader of the Year award.
This honor recognizes an individual who does not simply fulfill their duties, but expands the very definition of what it means to be a leader and a "Brother of the Leaf." We are proud to announce that the inaugural recipient is:
Joey Hudson
Joey has served as a true "leader of leaders," consistently demonstrating excellence in the following areas:
* Visionary Stewardship: Identifying long-term goals that ensure the club remains a sustainable, positive force for veterans.
* Operational Excellence: Managing the vital "behind-the-scenes" work—from Discord oversight and financial auditing to social media—that allows our brotherhood to thrive.
* Legacy Building: Establishing new traditions like VOTL Trading Cards and "Christmas in July" that will define the club for years to come.
* Membership Support: Providing personal financial support to help members attend events and offering a compassionate ear to brothers navigating life’s challenges.
Please join us in congratulating Joey and thanking him for his tireless dedication to this brotherhood.
Member of the Year '25
7 JAN 2026
The Leadership team, supported by the Founders, have unanimously agreed that Jason Phillips has been named Member of the Year for 2025, and the recognition is well deserved. Jason’s level of engagement with the club is second to none. He regularly posts videos on Discord, sends personal video messages to individual members, and shares the occasional meme on Instagram. These aren’t just for fun—they’re genuine wellness checks. Jason truly cares about the people in this club and actively seeks meaningful, two-way engagement with everyone he connects with.
Jason has come a long way during his time in the club, growing by leaps and bounds both as a man and as a member. He clearly understands the value of what this club offers and embodies the principle that you get out of it what you put into it. His commitment, consistency, and care make him a standout example of what this community is all about.
Memorial Day 2026
Every year, we as a club get together on Memorial Day to remember those we have lost and have died in service to our country. For this year, we will be in Las Vegas a month earlier to celebrate a members one year wedding anniversary.
Veterans Day 2026
Our Veterans Day event is something we move to different locations around the U.S. every year. By doing this, we get to experience different lounges and allow our members to share the costs of travel. This year we will be in Tampa, Florida.
