Stephen Kanfield, born November 2, 1983, is an Iraq combat veteran and proud lifelong resident of Louisville’s Hikes Point area. After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after 9/11, he trained as a combat engineer and completed multiple deployments, including construction and route-clearance missions in Iraq earning a Purple Heart in 2008.

Since leaving active duty in 2011, Stephen has been deeply committed to community service in Southwest Louisville. As Post Commander of VFW Post 1181, he leads efforts to support veterans and locals alike from organizing blood drives to opening the post as an emergency warming center during severe weather.

Under his leadership, the post has become a vital resource hub, where compassion, camaraderie, and action intersect. Stephen also serves as District 6 Commander in the Kentucky Department and represents Post 1181 in the VFW Color Guard, further guiding the post’s patriotic mission and community presence. 

Stephen took command of the post in January of 2024 and was elected as post commander in May of 2024 and again in 2025.