Mission
VFW is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense.
Origin
The VFW was established September 29, 1899, when a small group of
Spanish-America war veterans banded together to create one voice on
behalf of all American veterans. Though the founders of this phenomenal
organization are no longer with us, the strength and legacy they left
behind has endured for the past 110 years.
In 1899 the American Veterans of Foreign Service (Columbus, OH) and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines (Denver, CO) were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippines War (1899-1902). These two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936.
Organizational Structure
Thousands convene each August at VFW's national convention to elect officers, adopt resolutions and discuss business affairs. Leading the organization are elected commander-in-chief, senior vice commander-in-chief, and junior vice commander-in-chief. The National Council of Administration serves as the VFW's board of directors.
More than 9,000 Posts comprised 54 Departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Latin America, the Pacific Areas, and Europe. Posts form the basic local chapter. VFW Post 392
Partner Organization
A national volunteer service organization, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW was founded in 1914 and is the backbone of many local VFW volunteer efforts.
Current Priority Issues
-
VA Budget Ensures funding is authorized and appropriated for the continuing operation and enhancement of the Veterans Health Administration.
-
Education Secure funding increases to establish a GI bill for future that provides full tuition and living expenses stipends at any institution to which a veteran is accepted.
-
Military Quality of Life Increase active-duty armed forces pay to equal its private-sector counterparts.
-
War on Terrorism Support strong and decisive action against countries that sponsor and protect terrorist groups.
-
Defense/Armed Forces Increase defense budget and provide resources necessary to execute U.S. military strategy.
-
POWs/MIAs Achieve fullest possible accounting of American MIAs from WWII through the Gulf War.
Copyright © 2009 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2009 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy