About the VFW and History
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has been a voice for our nation's veterans for more than a century and is the nation's oldest major veteran's organization. To America and the world, the letters "VFW" symbolize volunteerism, community service, and active concern for our nation's veterans and military service members. Learn more about the VFW.
Your participation in the VFW strengthens our mission to fight for veterans' rights, help veterans in need, support the communities in which we live, and assist members of the military and their families.
Some of the many programs supported by the VFW follow:
Americanism This program is all about promoting patriotism. Members foster lover of America, by teaching young people, and new citizens about our heritage. Each year, Auxiliary members present flags to schools and civic clubs, hold essay contests in schools, participate in parades and other hold essay contests, hold POW / MIA awareness ceremonies, get out the vote programs, citizenship classes, etc.
Buddy Poppy Since 1918, this small red flower, inspired by the poem In Flanders Field has been adopted by veteran's organizations around the world as reminder of what our veterans have sacrificed. Donations raised from the distribution of these flowers are used solely for the purpose of helping veterans in need.
Cancer Aid and Research Auxiliaries raise funds for this program in many different ways. The funds raised are mostly used to pay grants to members stricken with Cancer. As a member, you are eligible for these cancer grants, in the event that Cancer strikes you. A portion of the funds raised is also awarded to research facilities, to help find a cure this dreaded disease.
Community Service There are many ways in which our members perform community service. We make donations to other civic organizations, assist them in their programs, work with schools, local police Departments and rescue squads, Centers for the Developmentally Disabled, etc. The possibilities are endless, and new ideas are always welcome for more.
Hospital The VFW and Auxiliary supports hospitalized veterans, by visiting them at the VA Medical Centers, as well as local community hospitals and nursing homes.
Legislative This purpose of the program is to urge our legislators to preserve veterans rights and to advocate a strong national defense.
Rehabilitation - This program includes assistance to veterans who are not in hospitals or nursing homes, and to Military families. It includes financial assistance, bringing meals to shut-ins, and providing support during times of illness and bereavement. It can involve driving people to the doctor's office or to church, mowing their lawn, helping with shopping, or any type of assistance. It also includes support for the Military, such as funding or distributing Operation Uplink cards, adopting a Unit, or providing assistance to Military families.
Scholarships Auxiliaries offer scholarships each year to High School seniors who are children or grandchildren of members. Applications are made by February 15th each year.
VFW Political Action Committee (PAC) The VFW PAC studies the voting record of members of Congress, and publishes a list of how each voted on veteran's issues. They don't tell members how to vote. Their only function is to keep us informed, so that we can make informed choices based on their record.
Youth Activities - There are a variety of local and nationwide competitions where students can win scholarship money for college. These competitions include:
Voice of Democracy (VOD) a speech writing competition, where 9th through 12th grade students write and deliver their speech on a cassette tape. A different theme is selected every year.
Patriotic Pen where 7th through 8th grade students submit a 300 to 400 word essay.
Patriotic Art where High School students submit original artwork.
Young Outstanding Volunteer where young citizens who volunteer in their communities compete for national awards.
