|
About
the VFW
The
VFW, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately
9,000 Posts worldwide.
Its mission
is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through
veterans' service, community service, national security and a
strong national defense.
The VFW traces
its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American
War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded
local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service:
Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care
or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for
themselves.
In their
misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations
with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado
and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915,
membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then,
the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans
Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the
development of the national cemetery system and the fight for
compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for
veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a
long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st
Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty
service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW also
has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women
veterans.
Besides helping
fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and
Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the
first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new
Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which is being constructed
in Washington, D.C., and is expected to open in 2010.
In 2001,
VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication
of Centennial Plaza.
Annually,
VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million
hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation
in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing
$2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students
every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration
to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there--honoring the dead
by helping the living.
|
