The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 Posts worldwide both stateside and overseas.
Its mission is to "Honor The Dead By Helping The Living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 with veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (Philippine-American War) (1899-1902). Many arrived home from these two wars wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. Benefits were nothing like they are today.
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. In 1899, the American Veterans of Foreign Service in Columbus, OH (known today as VFW Post 1598, or "The Founder's Post") and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines in Denver, CO (known today as VFW Post 1) were organized to secure rights and benefits for these veterans of the Spanish-American war and the Philippine-American war. These two organizations merged in 1914 which created the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
The VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936 BUT, the birth of the Order dates from 29 Sep 1899 when the first national officers were elected and the eligibility clause was adopted. The original charter was granted 11 Oct 1899. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
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, the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange, and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which is being constructed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to open in 2010. In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of Centennial Plaza.
Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing over $3.4 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there--honoring the dead by helping the living and continually fighting for the rights and benefits of veterans.
DID YOU KNOW:
- VFW was first to Demand Congressional Recognition of "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER" as the NATIONAL ANTHEM.
- VFW was first to establish a National Home for Orphans of Veterans.
- VFW was first to Demand Pensions for Widows and Dependents of World War Veterans.
- VFW was first to Demand Legislation to Abolish War-Time Profiteering.
- VFW was the first Veterans organization to launch a nationwide educational campaign in Defense of Democracy.
- VFW was first to Demand "JOBS or PENSIONS" for all World War Veterans.
- VFW was first to Demand Legislation of Armistice (Veterans Day) day by Congress as a legal holiday.
- VFW was first to offer overseas Veterans exclusive gold chevron order.
- VFW was first to Demand cash payment of the called war "BONUS."
- VFW was first to advocate and introduce pension legislation for the Spanish American War Veterans.
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in Columbus, Ohio at 286 East Main Street in the Tailor shop of Francis Dubiel.
