The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit veterans service organizations. Tracing its roots back to 1899 (following the Spanish-American War), it was federally chartered in 1936.
Who They Are (Eligibility) Unlike some other veterans' organizations, VFW membership is not open to everyone who served. It is specifically for eligible U.S. veterans and active-duty service members (including Guard and Reserve) who have deployed overseas to a war zone or an area of hostile fire/imminent danger and received a campaign medal or expeditionary medal for that service.
Key Activities and Programs The VFW operates on national, state ("Department"), and local ("Post") levels. Its major activities include:
Legislative Advocacy: The VFW is a powerful lobbying force in Washington, D.C., instrumental in the passage of major legislation like every GI Bill since 1944, the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the recent PACT Act (expanding benefits for toxic exposure).
VA Claims Assistance: They maintain a network of accredited Service Officers who provide free, professional assistance to any veteran (regardless of membership) to file claims for VA disability and pension benefits.
Community Service: Local VFW Posts often serve as community hubs, sponsoring youth activities, offering scholarships (such as the "Voice of Democracy" audio-essay contest), and conducting patriotic events.
The "Buddy"® Poppy: Perhaps their most visible symbol, the VFW distributes the red "Buddy" Poppy before Memorial Day to raise funds specifically for state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs.
The organization is closely supported by its partner organization, the VFW Auxiliary, comprised of relatives of eligible veterans.
