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 5,000; 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 2008, 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 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 opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

Announcements

Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? It's the perfect time to ensure your wishes are honored and your legacy is preserved. Whether you're a veteran or a patriot, making a will is crucial for securing your family's future and supporting causes close to your heart, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

By making a will, you can:

  1. Protect Your Loved Ones: Ensure your assets go to the people and causes you care about most.

  2. Give Yourself and Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind: Plan for the unexpected and make decisions about your estate on your terms.

  3. Support Veterans: Include the VFW in your will and leave a lasting impact on those who served our country.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our planned giving pages for specific information:

Make your mark this National Make-A-Will Month and ensure your legacy supports veterans for years to come.

If you have any questions about making your will or other estate planning options, we’re here to help. Please feel free to call 816.968.1119, or email us at plannedgiving@vfw.org.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ariana Bowman
Planned Giving Officer
Veterans of Foreign Wars

P.S. If you have already included the VFW in your will, we’d love to know so we can personally thank you for your generous support. Please let us know today by clicking the button below.

 
 
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