VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS of the UNITED STATES

About Us

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service; many arrived home wounded or sick> There was no medical care or veterans pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

Since then the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 21008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The VFW also fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Annually the 2.1 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary contribute more than 11 million hours of volunteerism in the community including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

Our Purposes

The purposes of the corporation are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational.

1. To preserve and strengthen comradeship mangiest its members

2. To assist worthy comrades

3. To perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans

4. To maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws

5. To foster true patriotism

6.  To maintain and extend the institution of American freedom; and

7. To preserve and defend the United States from all enemies.

Membership Eligibility

An individual is eligible for membership only if they served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States-

• in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition in service that:

  • has been recognized as a campaign-medal service that-

  • is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the United States Government.

• on the Korean peninsula or in territorial waters for at least 30 consecutive days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or

• in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire pay or imminent danger under section 310 of title 37.

See the full list of campaigns here.