A legacy of service, sacrifice, and advocacy since 1899
The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899–1902) formed local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many returned home wounded or sick, with no medical care, no veterans’ pension, and little support. They were left to care for themselves.
In their hardship, these veterans banded together to form organizations that would eventually become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were established in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership had grown to 5,000, and by 1936 it had reached nearly 200,000.
The VFW has been instrumental in shaping veteran policy in the United States, including the establishment of the Veterans Administration, the creation of the GI Bill, the development of the national cemetery system, and the fight for compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and those affected by Gulf War Syndrome.
In 2008, the VFW achieved another major victory with the passing of a new GI Bill for the 21st century, expanding educational benefits for active-duty service members and members of the Guard and Reserve serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization has also worked to improve VA medical services, including expanded care for women veterans.
The VFW has helped fund the creation of national memorials honoring those who served, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Women in Military Service Memorial. In 2005, the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in 2010.
Today, nearly two million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteer service each year. From community outreach and youth programs to scholarships and advocacy, the VFW continues to serve veterans, their families, and the nation.
From providing millions of dollars in scholarships to students each year, to fighting for veterans’ benefits at the national level, the Veterans of Foreign Wars remains committed to its mission.
No One Does More for Veterans.
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