The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation's oldest veterans' service organizations, established in 1914. Its primary purpose is to serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families, while also promoting patriotism in communities nationwide.
History & Evolution: Originally founded as the Ladies Auxiliary VFW for female relatives of VFW members, the organization expanded its membership to include eligible male spouses and relatives.
Membership: Today, it has nearly 470,000 members across more than 3,500 Auxiliaries. Eligibility is open to certain relatives (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild) of persons eligible for VFW membership.
Key Activities & Programs: The VFW Auxiliary engages in a wide range of activities, including:
Volunteerism: Members volunteer millions of hours annually in VA medical centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans' homes. They also participate in community outreach projects, partnering with other organizations for the benefit of the community.
Fundraising: The Auxiliary raises millions of dollars for charitable projects that support veterans and their families.
Legislative Advocacy: Members assist the VFW in advocating for legislation that impacts veterans and their families.
Patriotic Programs: The Auxiliary conducts patriotic programs with students and promotes Americanism through initiatives like flag education and teacher awards.
Youth Support: They offer hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and work with youth groups, sponsors art and singing contests, and promote literacy.
Veteran & Family Support: This includes programs like the "Buddy"® Poppy campaign, support for the VFW National Home, and various initiatives to assist veterans and their families.