The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902), who formed local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many returned home wounded or sick, without medical care or a veterans’ pension, and had to care for themselves.
From Humble Beginnings to National Growth: The Formation of the VFW
In their hardship, some of these veterans united to form organizations that would later become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters emerged in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, the movement gained momentum. By 1915, membership reached 5,000; by 1936, it grew to nearly 200,000.
Advocating for Veterans’ Rights and Expanding Benefits Through the Years
Since then, the VFW has helped establish the Veterans Administration, create the 20th-century GI Bill, and develop the national cemetery system. It has also advocated for compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and veterans with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, the VFW won a hard-fought victory with the passage of the 21st Century GI Bill. This bill expanded educational benefits for active-duty service members and members of the Guard and Reserves serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW has also worked to improve VA medical services for women veterans. Visit our Resources Page to learn more about VA services.
Honoring Veterans Through Memorials and Contributions
The VFW helped fund the creation of several key memorials, including those for the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, and Women in Military Service. In addition, the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial. This memorial opened in November 2010, marking another significant milestone in honoring veterans.
A Legacy of Service: Volunteering and Community Impact
Each year, nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries dedicate over 8.6 million hours to volunteer work. Their efforts include participating in national events like Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. Through these activities, they make a lasting impact on their communities.
Supporting Veterans and Their Families: Scholarships and Advocacy
The VFW provides over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year. It also advocates for the elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president’s cabinet. The VFW is committed to supporting veterans and their families in every way possible.
Visit VFW National HERE