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| caption = Washington Memorial Building<br>Washington, D.C., United States
| caption = Washington Memorial Building<br>Washington, D.C., United States
| abbreviation = VFW
| abbreviation = VFW
| established = {{start date and age|1899|09|29|p=1|br=1}}<ref name="Mason1999pp29,39,92">{{cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |date=1999 |title=VFW: Our First Century |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |location=Lenexa, Kansas |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 29, 39, 92] |isbn=1-88611072-7 |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 }}</ref><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the date without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->
| established = {{start date and age|1899|09|29|p=1|br=1}}<ref name="Mason1999pp29,39,92">{{Cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 |title=VFW: Our First Century |date=1999 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |isbn=1-88611072-7 |location=Lenexa, Kansas |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 29, 39, 92] |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group}}</ref><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the date without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->
| founder = James C. Putnam<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the name without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. --><ref name="VFW1933pp5,31">{{cite report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Proceedings of the 34th National Encampment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |url=https://archive.org/details/veteransofforeig00vete |location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin |publisher=Wisconsin Veteran |date=1933 |pages=5, 31 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
| founder = James C. Putnam<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the name without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. --><ref name="VFW1933pp5,31">{{Cite report |url=https://archive.org/details/veteransofforeig00vete |title=Proceedings of the 34th National Encampment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |date=1933 |publisher=Wisconsin Veteran |location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin |pages=5, 31 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
| founding_location = [[Columbus, Ohio]], U.S.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the founding location without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->
| founding_location = [[Columbus, Ohio]], U.S.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the founding location without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->
| merger = American Veterans of Foreign Service (organized on September 29, 1899, at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) and the Army of the Philippines (organized on December 12, 1899, at [[Denver]], Colorado, U.S., as the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines)<ref name="Mason1999p225">{{cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |date=1999 |title=VFW: Our First Century |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |location=Lenexa, Kansas |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |page=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/225 225] |isbn=1-88611072-7 |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/225 }}</ref><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add any previous mergers as the intent here is to simply list final two mergers before the present day organization came to be known as "Veterans of Foreign Wars." It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
| merger = American Veterans of Foreign Service (organized on September 29, 1899, at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) and the Army of the Philippines (organized on December 12, 1899, at [[Denver]], Colorado, U.S., as the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines)<ref name="Mason1999p225">{{Cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/225 |title=VFW: Our First Century |date=1999 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |isbn=1-88611072-7 |location=Lenexa, Kansas |page=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/225 225] |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group}}</ref><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add any previous mergers as the intent here is to simply list final two mergers before the present day organization came to be known as "Veterans of Foreign Wars." It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
| type = [[501(c) organization|501(c)]](19), war [[veterans' organization]]<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the type of organization without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Per 26 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.501(c)(19)-1, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is defined as a "war veterans organization." In order to qualify for membership, a veteran must have served honorably as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on a VFW recognized active military campaign or expedition outside the continental United States. Thank you. --><ref name= 990-2014>"[http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2015/440/474/2015-440474290-0c5cc4e6-9O.pdf Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax]." ''Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.'' [[Guidestar]]. August 31, 2015.</ref>
| type = [[501(c) organization|501(c)]](19), war [[veterans' organization]]<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the type of organization without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Per 26 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.501(c)(19)-1, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is defined as a "war veterans organization." In order to qualify for membership, a veteran must have served honorably as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on a VFW recognized active military campaign or expedition outside the continental United States. Thank you. --><ref name="990-2014">"{{Cite web |title=Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2015/440/474/2015-440474290-0c5cc4e6-9O.pdf |access-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref>
| tax_id = 44-0474290
| tax_id = 44-0474290
| purpose = [[Fraternity|Fraternal]], patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the purpose without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. --><ref name="2018VFWPEp7">{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual|edition=2018 Podium|location=Kansas City, Missouri|publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States|date=2017|page=7}}</ref>
| purpose = [[Fraternity|Fraternal]], patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the purpose without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. --><ref name="2018VFWPEp7">{{Cite book |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual |date=2017 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |edition=2018 Podium |location=Kansas City, Missouri |page=7}}</ref>
| headquarters = 406 West 34th Street,<br />[[Kansas City, Missouri]], U.S.
| headquarters = 406 West 34th Street,<br />[[Kansas City, Missouri]], U.S.
| coords = {{coord|39|04|01|N|94|35|27|W|region:US-MO_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coords = {{coord|39|04|01|N|94|35|27|W|region:US-MO_type:landmark|display=inline}}
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| membership = 1,159,428
| membership = 1,159,428
| membership_year = 2018
| membership_year = 2018
| language = English<!--- NOTE: Just English, don't add "American English". ---><ref name="2018VFWPEp42">{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual|edition=2018 Podium|location=Kansas City, Missouri|publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States|date=2017|page=42}}</ref>
| language = English<!--- NOTE: Just English, don't add "American English". ---><ref name="2018VFWPEp42">{{Cite book |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual |date=2017 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |edition=2018 Podium |location=Kansas City, Missouri |page=42}}</ref>
| leader_title = [[President (corporate title)|Commander in Chief]]
| leader_title = [[President (corporate title)|Commander in Chief]]
| leader_name = Matthew M. Mihelcic ([[Illinois|IL]])<br />Since August 3, 2021
| leader_name = Matthew M. Mihelcic ([[Illinois|IL]])<br />Since August 3, 2021
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| expenses_year = 2015
| expenses_year = 2015
| website = {{URL|www.vfw.org/}}
| website = {{URL|www.vfw.org/}}
| former name = Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico<ref name="Mason1999p225"/>
| former name = Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico<ref name="Mason1999p225" />
}}
}}
The '''Veterans of Foreign Wars''' ('''VFW'''), formally the '''Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States''', is an organization of US [[war veteran]]s, who, as [[United States Armed Forces|military service members]] fought in wars, [[Military campaign|campaign]]s, and [[Expeditionary warfare|expedition]]s on foreign land, waters, or [[airspace]].<ref name="2018VFWPEp7" /><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the type of organization without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Per 26 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.501(c)(19)-1, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is defined as a "war veterans organization." In order to qualify for membership, a veteran must have served honorably as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on a VFW recognized active military campaign or expedition outside the continental United States. Thank you. --><ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/627067/Veterans-of-Foreign-Wars-VFW |year=2015 |access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref> The organization was established twice separately, once by James C. Putnam on September 29, 1899, in [[Columbus, Ohio]]<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the founding location without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The First Post - Denver|url=https://vfwpost1.org/|access-date=2021-05-23|website=Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1|language=en-US}}</ref> The VFW is headquartered in [[Kansas City, Missouri]].<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /><ref name="Mason1999pp29,39,92" />
The '''Veterans of Foreign Wars''' ('''VFW'''), formally the '''Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States''', is an organization of US [[war veteran]]s, who, as [[United States Armed Forces|military service members]] fought in wars, [[Military campaign|campaign]]s, and [[Expeditionary warfare|expedition]]s on foreign land, waters, or [[airspace]].<ref name="2018VFWPEp7" /><!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the type of organization without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Per 26 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.501(c)(19)-1, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is defined as a "war veterans organization." In order to qualify for membership, a veteran must have served honorably as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on a VFW recognized active military campaign or expedition outside the continental United States. Thank you. --><ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia |year=2015 |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/627067/Veterans-of-Foreign-Wars-VFW |access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref> The organization was established twice separately, once by James C. Putnam on September 29, 1899, in [[Columbus, Ohio]]<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not change the founding location without prior consensus, see [[Talk:Veterans of Foreign Wars]]. Thank you. -->.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The First Post - Denver |url=https://vfwpost1.org/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1 |language=en-US}}</ref> The VFW is headquartered in [[Kansas City, Missouri]].<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /><ref name="Mason1999pp29,39,92" />


== History == <!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
== History == <!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
[[File:Veterans of Foreign Wars 10c 1974 issue U.S. stamp.jpg|thumb|left|75th Anniversary 10[[Cent (currency)|c]] postage stamp (1974)]]
[[File:Veterans of Foreign Wars 10c 1974 issue U.S. stamp.jpg|thumb|left|75th Anniversary 10[[Cent (currency)|c]] postage stamp (1974)]]
The VFW resulted from the amalgamation of several societies formed immediately following the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1899, little groups of veterans returning from campaigning in [[Cuba]] and the [[Philippines|Philippine Islands]], founded local societies upon a spirit of comradeship known only to those who faced the dangers of that war side by side. Similar experiences and a common language drew them together.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /> The American Veterans of Foreign Service (predecessor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) was established in Columbus, Ohio, September 29, 1899, by Spanish‑American War veteran James C. Putnam.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |date=1999 |title=VFW: Our First Century |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |location=Lenexa, Kansas |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 29, 38–40] |isbn=1-88611072-7 |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 }}</ref> The Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines, was organized in [[Denver]], Colorado, on December 12, 1899. Shortly thereafter, a society known as the Foreign Service Veterans was born in [[Pennsylvania]]. These three veterans' organizations grew up side by side, increasing in scope and membership until August 1913, when at an encampment held at Denver, they merged their interests and identities in a national organization now known as the VFW.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" />
The VFW resulted from the amalgamation of several societies formed immediately following the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1899, little groups of veterans returning from campaigning in [[Cuba]] and the [[Philippines|Philippine Islands]], founded local societies upon a spirit of comradeship known only to those who faced the dangers of that war side by side. Similar experiences and a common language drew them together.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" /> The American Veterans of Foreign Service (predecessor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) was established in Columbus, Ohio, September 29, 1899, by Spanish‑American War veteran James C. Putnam.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 |title=VFW: Our First Century |date=1999 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |isbn=1-88611072-7 |location=Lenexa, Kansas |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/29 29, 38–40] |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group}}</ref> The Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines, was organized in [[Denver]], Colorado, on December 12, 1899. Shortly thereafter, a society known as the Foreign Service Veterans was born in [[Pennsylvania]]. These three veterans' organizations grew up side by side, increasing in scope and membership until August 1913, when at an encampment held at Denver, they merged their interests and identities in a national organization now known as the VFW.<ref name="VFW1933pp5,31" />


== Purpose ==
== Purpose ==
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc."<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"/>
The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc."<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica" />


== Logo ==
== Logo ==
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== Great Seal ==
== Great Seal ==
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
The [[Maltese cross|Cross of Malta]] is the VFW's official [[emblem]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=2017|publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States|edition=2018 Podium|location=Kansas City, Missouri|page=44}}</ref> The cross, radiating rays, and [[Great Seal of the United States]] together symbolize the character, vows and purposes distinguishing VFW as an order of warriors who have traveled far from home to defend sacred principles. Its eight points represent the [[beatitudes]] prescribed in the [[Sermon on the Mount]]: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers; blessed are they who mourn, seek righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The eight-pointed Cross of Malta harks back to the [[Crusades]], launched during the 12th century.<ref>{{cite book|title=VFW: Our First Century|last=Mason Jr.|first=Herbert Molloy|date=1999|publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States|others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel|isbn=1-88611072-7|location=Lenexa, Kansas|page=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/15 15]|lccn=99-24943|oclc=777720483|via=Addax Publishing Group|url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/15}}</ref>
The [[Maltese cross|Cross of Malta]] is the VFW's official [[emblem]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual |date=2017 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |edition=2018 Podium |location=Kansas City, Missouri |page=44}}</ref> The cross, radiating rays, and [[Great Seal of the United States]] together symbolize the character, vows and purposes distinguishing VFW as an order of warriors who have traveled far from home to defend sacred principles. Its eight points represent the [[beatitudes]] prescribed in the [[Sermon on the Mount]]: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers; blessed are they who mourn, seek righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The eight-pointed Cross of Malta harks back to the [[Crusades]], launched during the 12th century.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/15 |title=VFW: Our First Century |date=1999 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |isbn=1-88611072-7 |location=Lenexa, Kansas |page=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/15 15] |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group}}</ref>


== Eligibility ==
== Eligibility ==
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Membership in the VFW is restricted to any [[Active duty|active]] or [[Military discharge#Honorable|honorably discharged]] [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] or [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] person who is a [[Citizenship|citizen]] of the United States and who has served in its armed forces "in any foreign war, [[Rebellion|insurrection]] or [[Expeditionary warfare|expedition]], which service shall be recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States [[campaign medal|military campaign medal]]."<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica" />
Membership in the VFW is restricted to any [[Active duty|active]] or [[Military discharge#Honorable|honorably discharged]] [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] or [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] person who is a [[Citizenship|citizen]] of the United States and who has served in its armed forces "in any foreign war, [[Rebellion|insurrection]] or [[Expeditionary warfare|expedition]], which service shall be recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States [[campaign medal|military campaign medal]]."<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica" />


The following is a list of U.S. campaign medals, ribbons, and badges used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to determine membership eligibility.<ref>{{cite book|title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=2017|publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States|edition=2018 Podium|location=Kansas City, Missouri|pages=56–61}}</ref>
The following is a list of U.S. campaign medals, ribbons, and badges used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to determine membership eligibility.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual |date=2017 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |edition=2018 Podium |location=Kansas City, Missouri |pages=56–61}}</ref>
<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add variant images of ribbons, etc. to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add variant images of ribbons, etc. to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"
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==Membership and structure==
==Membership and structure==
{{As of|2020}} the VFW has 1.6&nbsp;million members and Auxiliary members, forming 6,000 local chapters known as Posts, grouped into 52 Departments covering the 50 states, the Asia-Pacific area, and Europe.<ref name="glance">{{cite web |title=VFW at a Glance |url=https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Media-and-Events/Press-Room/VFWataGlance.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20200128T203158Z |publisher=VFW |access-date=February 24, 2020}}</ref>
{{As of|2020}} the VFW has 1.6&nbsp;million members and Auxiliary members, forming 6,000 local chapters known as Posts, grouped into 52 Departments covering the 50 states, the Asia-Pacific area, and Europe.<ref name="glance">{{Cite web |title=VFW at a Glance |url=https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Media-and-Events/Press-Room/VFWataGlance.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20200128T203158Z |access-date=February 24, 2020 |publisher=VFW}}</ref>


== Support and Assistance Programs ==
== Support and Assistance Programs ==
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=== VA Claims and separation assistance ===
=== VA Claims and separation assistance ===
The VFW's National Veterans Service program consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and pre-discharge representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. The VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped $8.3&nbsp;billion in earned benefits, including $1.4&nbsp;billion in new claims in 2018 alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vfw.org/NVS|title=VA Claims & Separation Benefits|website=www.vfw.org|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018}}</ref>
The VFW's National Veterans Service program consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and pre-discharge representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. The VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped $8.3&nbsp;billion in earned benefits, including $1.4&nbsp;billion in new claims in 2018 alone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VA Claims & Separation Benefits |url=https://www.vfw.org/NVS |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=www.vfw.org |language=en}}</ref>


=== Pre-Discharge ===
=== Pre-Discharge ===
With offices located on or near major military installations across the country, VFW Pre-Discharge representatives guide military personnel through the veterans claims process and conduct physical examinations prior to their separation from active duty. They are also ready to answer questions about education and medical benefits, as well as VA home loans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vfw.org/pre-discharge|title=VA Claims & Separation Benefits|website=www.vfw.org|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018}}</ref>
With offices located on or near major military installations across the country, VFW Pre-Discharge representatives guide military personnel through the veterans claims process and conduct physical examinations prior to their separation from active duty. They are also ready to answer questions about education and medical benefits, as well as VA home loans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VA Claims & Separation Benefits |url=https://www.vfw.org/pre-discharge |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=www.vfw.org |language=en}}</ref>


== Student Veteran Support ==
== Student Veteran Support ==
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=== Help A Hero Scholarship ===
=== Help A Hero Scholarship ===
Established in 2014, the VFW's Help A Hero Scholarship provides service members and veterans with financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive U.S. student loan debt.<ref name="Student Veteran Support">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support|title=Student Veteran Support|website=www.vfw.org|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018}}</ref>  
Established in 2014, the VFW's Help A Hero Scholarship provides service members and veterans with financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive U.S. student loan debt.<ref name="Student Veteran Support">{{Cite web |title=Student Veteran Support |url=https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=www.vfw.org |language=en}}</ref>  


=== 1 Student Veteran ===
=== 1 Student Veteran ===
To help ensure student veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner and have a place to turn to if they need help, the VFW, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America (SVA), have developed the 1 Student Veteran program. 1 Student Veteran offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits.<ref name="Student Veteran Support"/>
To help ensure student veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner and have a place to turn to if they need help, the VFW, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America (SVA), have developed the 1 Student Veteran program. 1 Student Veteran offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits.<ref name="Student Veteran Support" />


=== VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship ===
=== VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship ===
The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship grants ten exemplary student veterans (fellows) the chance to join the VFW legislative team on Capitol Hill during the VFW Legislative Conference. The fellows will walk the halls of Congress, educating their legislators on the issues facing today's student veterans and have the opportunity to meet with policy-makers from federal agencies responsible for implementing veterans' policy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship|title=Student Fellowship|website=www.vfw.org|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018}}</ref>
The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship grants ten exemplary student veterans (fellows) the chance to join the VFW legislative team on Capitol Hill during the VFW Legislative Conference. The fellows will walk the halls of Congress, educating their legislators on the issues facing today's student veterans and have the opportunity to meet with policy-makers from federal agencies responsible for implementing veterans' policy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Student Fellowship |url=https://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=www.vfw.org |language=en}}</ref>


== Veterans and Military Support Programs ==
== Veterans and Military Support Programs ==
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
The VFW's Veterans & Military Support Programs is the umbrella for three successful, long-standing programs; Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, and the Military Assistance Program (MAP). These initiatives focus on troop support.<ref name="VFWNMS2014">{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |chapter=National Military Services |title=Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure] |location=Kansas City, MO |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars |date=January 2014}}</ref>
The VFW's Veterans & Military Support Programs is the umbrella for three successful, long-standing programs; Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, and the Military Assistance Program (MAP). These initiatives focus on troop support.<ref name="VFWNMS2014">{{Cite book |title=Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure] |date=January 2014 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars |location=Kansas City, MO |chapter=National Military Services}}</ref>


=== Military Assistance Program ===
=== Military Assistance Program ===
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{{Main|Voice of Democracy}}
{{Main|Voice of Democracy}}
[[File:Voice of Democracy Logo.svg|thumb|upright|[[Voice of Democracy]] logo]]
[[File:Voice of Democracy Logo.svg|thumb|upright|[[Voice of Democracy]] logo]]
Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the [[United States|country]] enter to win a share of the {{US$|2.1&nbsp;million}} in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW's [[Voice of Democracy]] audio-essay competition.<ref name="VFWP2014">{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |chapter=Programs |title=Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure] |location=Kansas City, MO |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars |date=January 2014}}</ref> The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.
Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the [[United States|country]] enter to win a share of the {{US$|2.1&nbsp;million}} in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW's [[Voice of Democracy]] audio-essay competition.<ref name="VFWP2014">{{Cite book |title=Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure] |date=January 2014 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars |location=Kansas City, MO |chapter=Programs}}</ref> The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.


=== Patriot's Pen ===
=== Patriot's Pen ===
Line 323: Line 323:


== Notable commanders ==
== Notable commanders ==
Notable national commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have included:<ref>[https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Media-and-Events/Press-Room/PastCommandersinChiefs.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20210105T191310Z]</ref>
Notable national commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Past Commanders in Chiefs |url=https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Media-and-Events/Press-Room/PastCommandersinChiefs.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20210105T191310Z}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Lyall T. Beggs]]
*[[Lyall T. Beggs]]
Line 338: Line 338:
== Notable members ==
== Notable members ==
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs of VFW members to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
<!--EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add photographs of VFW members to this section. It would quickly become too unwieldy. Thank you. -->
Notable members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States have included:<ref>{{cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |date=1999 |title=VFW: Our First Century |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |location=Lenexa, Kansas |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/9 9, 16, 47, 90–91, 118, 104, 132, 204] |isbn=1-88611072-7 |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/9 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Ford |first=Gerald R. |author-link=Gerald Ford |date=1979 |title=A Time To Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford |edition=1st |location=New York |publisher=[[HarperCollins|Harper & Row]] |page=62 |isbn=0-06-011297-2 |lccn=78020162 |oclc=4835213 |ol=4731652M}}</ref>
Notable members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States have included:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mason Jr. |first=Herbert Molloy |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/9 |title=VFW: Our First Century |date=1999 |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel |isbn=1-88611072-7 |location=Lenexa, Kansas |pages=[https://archive.org/details/vfwourfirstcentu00maso_0/page/9 9, 16, 47, 90–91, 118, 104, 132, 204] |lccn=99-24943 |oclc=777720483 |via=Addax Publishing Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ford |first=Gerald R. |title=A Time To Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford |date=1979 |publisher=[[HarperCollins|Harper & Row]] |isbn=0-06-011297-2 |edition=1st |location=New York |page=62 |lccn=78020162 |oclc=4835213 |ol=4731652M |author-link=Gerald Ford}}</ref>
<gallery widths="100">
<gallery widths="100">
File:President Roosevelt - Pach Bros.jpg|[[Theodore Roosevelt]], 26th President of the United States
File:President Roosevelt - Pach Bros.jpg|[[Theodore Roosevelt]], 26th President of the United States
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* {{cite book |last=Bottoms |first=Bill |date=1991 |title=The VFW: An Illustrated History of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |others=Foreword by Senator Bob Dole |location=Rockville, Md. |publisher=Woodbine House |isbn=0933149344 |lccn=89040627 |oclc=22593204 |ol=8387800M |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwillustratedhi0000bott}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bottoms |first=Bill |url=https://archive.org/details/vfwillustratedhi0000bott |title=The VFW: An Illustrated History of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |date=1991 |publisher=Woodbine House |others=Foreword by Senator Bob Dole |isbn=0933149344 |location=Rockville, Md. |lccn=89040627 |oclc=22593204 |ol=8387800M}}
* {{cite report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Proceedings of the 99th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States [Summary of Minutes] |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsofann1999vete |location=Washington |publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|GPO]] |date=2000 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{Cite report |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsofann1999vete |title=Proceedings of the 99th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States [Summary of Minutes] |date=2000 |publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|GPO]] |location=Washington |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{cite report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Proceedings of the 100th Annual Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States [Summary of Minutes] |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsofann00vete |location=Washington |publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|GPO]] |date=2000 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{Cite report |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsofann00vete |title=Proceedings of the 100th Annual Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States [Summary of Minutes] |date=2000 |publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|GPO]] |location=Washington |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{Cite book |editor-last=White |editor-first=Dean A. |date=1999 |title=Watch on the Rhein: A History |location=Wiesbaden, Germany |publisher=Watch on the Rhein Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States}}
* {{Cite book |title=Watch on the Rhein: A History |date=1999 |publisher=Watch on the Rhein Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States |editor-last=White |editor-first=Dean A. |location=Wiesbaden, Germany}}
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


Revision as of 16:24, 16 February 2022

"VFW" redirects here. For other uses, see VFW (disambiguation).

Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States
AbbreviationVFW
EstablishedSeptember 29, 1899
(124 years ago) (1899-09-29)[1]
GründerJames C. Putnam[2]
Founded atColumbus, Ohio, U.S.[2]
Merger ofAmerican Veterans of Foreign Service (organized on September 29, 1899, at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) and the Army of the Philippines (organized on December 12, 1899, at Denver, Colorado, U.S., as the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines)[3]
Typ501(c)(19), war veterans' organization[4]
44-0474290
PurposeFraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational[5]
Hauptsitz406 West 34th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Coordinates39°04′01″N 94°35′27″W / 39.06694°N 94.59083°W / 39.06694; -94.59083
Area served
Worldwide
Membership (2018)
1,159,428
Official language
English[6]
Matthew M. Mihelcic (IL)
Since August 3, 2021
Timothy Borland (AZ)
Since August 3, 2021
Duane Sarmiento(NJ)
Since August 3, 2021
National Council of Administration
63 voting members
  • 8 elected officers
  • 3 appointed officers
  • 52 elected members
Main organ
VFW National Convention
Subsidiaries
AffiliationsStudent Veterans of America
Revenue (2015)
US$98,724,340[4]
Expenses (2015)US$89,099,521[4]
Employees (2014)
224[4]
Volunteers (2014)
3,000[4]
Websitewww.vfw.org
Formerly called
Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico[3]

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), formally the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, is an organization of US war veterans, who, as military service members fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace.[5][7] The organization was established twice separately, once by James C. Putnam on September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio.[8] The VFW is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.[2][1]

History

75th Anniversary 10c postage stamp (1974)

The VFW resulted from the amalgamation of several societies formed immediately following the Spanish–American War. In 1899, little groups of veterans returning from campaigning in Cuba and the Philippine Islands, founded local societies upon a spirit of comradeship known only to those who faced the dangers of that war side by side. Similar experiences and a common language drew them together.[2] The American Veterans of Foreign Service (predecessor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) was established in Columbus, Ohio, September 29, 1899, by Spanish‑American War veteran James C. Putnam.[9] The Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines, was organized in Denver, Colorado, on December 12, 1899. Shortly thereafter, a society known as the Foreign Service Veterans was born in Pennsylvania. These three veterans' organizations grew up side by side, increasing in scope and membership until August 1913, when at an encampment held at Denver, they merged their interests and identities in a national organization now known as the VFW.[2]

Purpose

The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc."[7]

Redesigned in November 2018, the official logo of the VFW includes an artistic representation of service stripes, easily recognizable insignia indicative of military service. Worn on most service uniforms, they denote length of service. As such, the first and leaner of the two service stripes represents the VFW's entry into its second century of service to America's veterans, service members and their families. The second, broader stripe represents its first century of service, spanning back to 1899.

Great Seal

The Cross of Malta is the VFW's official emblem.[10] The cross, radiating rays, and Great Seal of the United States together symbolize the character, vows and purposes distinguishing VFW as an order of warriors who have traveled far from home to defend sacred principles. Its eight points represent the beatitudes prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers; blessed are they who mourn, seek righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The eight-pointed Cross of Malta harks back to the Crusades, launched during the 12th century.[11]

Eligibility

Membership in the VFW is restricted to any active or honorably discharged officer or enlisted person who is a citizen of the United States and who has served in its armed forces "in any foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service shall be recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States military campaign medal."[7]

The following is a list of U.S. campaign medals, ribbons, and badges used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to determine membership eligibility.[12]

Eligibility guide
Campaign medal Start date End date
Navy Expeditionary February 12, 1874 Öffnen Sie
Marine Corps Expeditionary February 12, 1874 Öffnen Sie
Spanish Campaign April 20, 1898 December 10, 1898
Army of Cuban Occupation July 18, 1898 May 20, 1902
Army of Puerto Rican Occupation August 14, 1898 December 10, 1898
Philippine Campaign February 4, 1899 December 31, 1913
China Relief Expedition April 5, 1900 May 27, 1901
Cuban Pacification September 12, 1906 April 1, 1909
Mexican Service April 12, 1911 June 16, 1919
First Nicaraguan Campaign July 29, 1912 November 14, 1912
Haitian Campaign April 9, 1915 June 15, 1920
Dominican Campaign May 4, 1916 December 5, 1916
World War I Victory (with battle or service clasp – including Siberia and European Russia) April 6, 1917 April 1, 1920
Army of Occupation of Germany November 12, 1918 July 11, 1923
Second Nicaraguan Campaign August 27, 1926 January 2, 1933
Yangtze Service September 3, 1926 December 31, 1932
China Service July 7, 1937 April 1, 1957
American Defense Service (with foreign service clasp) September 8, 1939 December 7, 1941
Combat Infantryman Badge December 6, 1941 Öffnen Sie
Combat Medical Badge December 6, 1941 Öffnen Sie
Navy Combat Action December 6, 1941 Öffnen Sie
European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign December 7, 1941 November 8, 1945
American Campaign (30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty outside continental limits of the U.S.) December 7, 1941 March 2, 1946
Asiatic–Pacific Campaign December 7, 1941 March 2, 1946
Navy Occupation Service May 8, 1945 October 25, 1955
Army of Occupation (30 consecutive days of duty) May 9, 1945 October 2, 1990
Korean Service June 27, 1950 July 27, 1954
Korea Defense Service July 28, 1954 Öffnen Sie
Vietnam Service July 1, 1958 April 30, 1975
Armed Forces Expeditionary July 1, 1958 Öffnen Sie

SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia, in silver and gold 		January 21, 1961 Öffnen Sie
Coast Guard Combat Action May 1, 1975 Öffnen Sie
Southwest Asia Service August 2, 1990 November 30, 1995
Air Force Expeditionary Service (with gold border) October 1, 1999 Öffnen Sie
Kosovo Campaign March 24, 1999 December 31, 2013
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary September 11, 2001 Öffnen Sie
Afghanistan Campaign September 11, 2001 Öffnen Sie
Air Force Combat Action September 11, 2001 Öffnen Sie
Combat Action Badge September 18, 2001 Öffnen Sie
Iraq Campaign March 19, 2003 December 31, 2011
Inherent Resolve Campaign June 15, 2014 Öffnen Sie

Membership and structure

As of 2020 the VFW has 1.6 million members and Auxiliary members, forming 6,000 local chapters known as Posts, grouped into 52 Departments covering the 50 states, the Asia-Pacific area, and Europe.[13]

Support and Assistance Programs

The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation. This includes providing free, professional help filing or appealing a VA claim, offering scholarships for post-secondary education or providing emergency financial relief.

VA Claims and separation assistance

The VFW's National Veterans Service program consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and pre-discharge representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. The VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped $8.3 billion in earned benefits, including $1.4 billion in new claims in 2018 alone.[14]

Pre-Discharge

With offices located on or near major military installations across the country, VFW Pre-Discharge representatives guide military personnel through the veterans claims process and conduct physical examinations prior to their separation from active duty. They are also ready to answer questions about education and medical benefits, as well as VA home loans.[15]

Student Veteran Support

M60 Main Battle Tank on display in front of C. Robert Arvin Post No. 2408, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at Ypsilanti, Michigan (2010)

Help A Hero Scholarship

Established in 2014, the VFW's Help A Hero Scholarship provides service members and veterans with financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive U.S. student loan debt.[16]  

1 Student Veteran

To help ensure student veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner and have a place to turn to if they need help, the VFW, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America (SVA), have developed the 1 Student Veteran program. 1 Student Veteran offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits.[16]

VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship grants ten exemplary student veterans (fellows) the chance to join the VFW legislative team on Capitol Hill during the VFW Legislative Conference. The fellows will walk the halls of Congress, educating their legislators on the issues facing today's student veterans and have the opportunity to meet with policy-makers from federal agencies responsible for implementing veterans' policy.[17]

Veterans and Military Support Programs

The VFW's Veterans & Military Support Programs is the umbrella for three successful, long-standing programs; Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, and the Military Assistance Program (MAP). These initiatives focus on troop support.[18]

Military Assistance Program

MAP is the link between the VFW and the community. MAP is designed to promote VFW interaction within the local military community through the Adopt-A-Unit Program. MAP Grants are available to posts, districts, and departments who participate in a variety of morale boosting functions such as farewell and welcome home events.[18]

Operation Uplink keeps military members in contact with their loved ones by allowing deployed troops to call home at no charge from MWR internet cafés in Afghanistan, Kuwait and other locations all around the world. Operation Uplink also distributes "virtual pins" which enable wounded warriors and veterans in Veterans Affairs facilities to call from home at no cost.[18]

Unmet Needs

Unmet Needs assists military service members and their families who run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other hardships directly related to military service. Assistance is in the form of a grant of up to US$1,500. Unmet Needs assists with basic life needs such as: mortgage and rent, home and auto repairs, insurance, utilities, food and clothing.[18]

Programs

The VFW promotes civic responsibility, patriotism, and supports youth and local programs in communities across America.

Voice of Democracy

Main article: Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy logo

Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the US$2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW's Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.[19] The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.

Patriot's Pen

Patriot's Pen challenges students from grades 6-8, to enter to win one of 46 national awards totaling US$55,000, as well as $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the national first-place winner. Students draft a 300-400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic, annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander in Chief.[19]

Scout of the Year

Scout of the Year selects three young people – of the Boy or Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew – who have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives a US$5,000 award, the second-place winner receives a US$3,000 award and the third-place winner receives US$1,000.[19]

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW recognizes the nation's top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics – at least half of the school day in a classroom environment – and promote America's history, traditions and institutions effectively.[19]

Community service

The VFW host events across America, as well as giving grants and helping at large-scale volunteer events.[19]

Publications

The VFW also publishes the monthly VFW Magazine. It was known as Foreign Service before 1951.

Notable commanders

Notable national commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have included:[20]

Notable members

Notable members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States have included:[21][22]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Mason Jr., Herbert Molloy (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp. 29, 39, 92. ISBN 1-88611072-7. LCCN 99-24943. OCLC 777720483 – via Addax Publishing Group.
  2. ^ a b c d e Proceedings of the 34th National Encampment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (Report). Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Veteran. 1933. pp. 5, 31 – via Internet Archive. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ a b Mason Jr., Herbert Molloy (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. p. 225. ISBN 1-88611072-7. LCCN 99-24943. OCLC 777720483 – via Addax Publishing Group.
  4. ^ a b c d e ""Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income" (PDF). Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  5. ^ a b Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 7.
  6. ^ Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 42.
  7. ^ a b c "Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  8. ^ "The First Post - Denver". Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  9. ^ Mason Jr., Herbert Molloy (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp. 29, 38–40. ISBN 1-88611072-7. LCCN 99-24943. OCLC 777720483 – via Addax Publishing Group.
  10. ^ Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 44.
  11. ^ Mason Jr., Herbert Molloy (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. p. 15. ISBN 1-88611072-7. LCCN 99-24943. OCLC 777720483 – via Addax Publishing Group.
  12. ^ Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. pp. 56–61.
  13. ^ "VFW at a Glance" (PDF). VFW. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  14. ^ "VA Claims & Separation Benefits". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  15. ^ "VA Claims & Separation Benefits". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  16. ^ a b "Student Veteran Support". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  17. ^ "Student Fellowship". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  18. ^ a b c d "National Military Services". Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure]. Kansas City, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars. January 2014.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Programs". Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure]. Kansas City, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars. January 2014.
  20. ^ "Past Commanders in Chiefs" (PDF).
  21. ^ Mason Jr., Herbert Molloy (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp. 9, 16, 47, 90–91, 118, 104, 132, 204. ISBN 1-88611072-7. LCCN 99-24943. OCLC 777720483 – via Addax Publishing Group.
  22. ^ Ford, Gerald R. (1979). A Time To Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford (1st ed.). New York: Harper & Row. p. 62. ISBN 0-06-011297-2. LCCN 78020162. OCLC 4835213. OL 4731652M.

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Look up VFW in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Veterans_of_Foreign_Wars&oldid=1072231656"