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About

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a nonprofit organization made up of eligible veterans and active-duty, Guard, and Reserve military personnel who have served in overseas conflicts.

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Our legacy dates back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection returned home—many wounded, ill, and without support. There were no government benefits, pensions, or medical care. Left to navigate these hardships alone, these veterans formed local support groups to fight for the care and recognition they deserved.

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These grassroots efforts grew into a national movement. Chapters in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania came together to form what would become the VFW. Today, we proudly stand with over 1.4 million members in the VFW and its Auxiliary.

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For over a century, the VFW has been a driving force behind some of the most critical advances in veterans' rights and services:

  • Instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Administration

  • Advocated for Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome compensation

  • Led the charge for the 21st Century GI Bill (2008)

  • Fought for and won the Veterans Access and Accountability Act (2014)

  • Championed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act (2019)

  • Played a key role in the Honoring Our PACT Act (2022), one of the most comprehensive veterans’ bills in U.S. history

 

We’ve also helped fund iconic national memorials—including those honoring veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, and Women in Military Service. In 2015, we became the first supporters of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial, which is now under construction and nearing completion.

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We offer a wide range of programs and services to support veterans, current service members, their families, and communities across the globe. From advocacy to scholarships, mental health to community service—we’re here to help.

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Our Core Values

  • Always put the interests of our members first

  • Treat donors as valued partners in our mission

  • Promote patriotism and civic pride

  • Honor all who have served

  • Ensure care for veterans and their families

  • Serve and strengthen our communities

  • Uphold a positive image of the VFW

  • Respect and reflect the diversity of veteran voices

We Need Your Support Today!

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