About
Organization
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 opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
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Core Values
Our Mission
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Our Vision
Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
Our Core Values:
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
  • Always put the interests of our members first
  • Treat donors as partners in our cause
  • Promote patriotism
  • Honor military service
  • Ensure the care of veterans and their families
  • Serve our communities
  • Promote a positive image of the VFW
  • Respect the diversity of veteran opinions


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Services
Building Rental
We offer a reasonably priced rental hall great for weddings, receptions, sweet sixteens, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, fundraisers, auctions, arts & craft shows, funeral memorials, company/employee events, and other special occasions. The Hall is available 7 days a week.

The function hall features 2640 SF of space (47 feet wide by 56 feet long), can host groups up to 178 seated people, handicap accessible, fully equipped kitchen, dance floor and a private bar. Other amenities include a wall mounted flat screen, wireless internet, coat rack area and ample parking.
Programs
The good will of the Veterans of Foreign Wars reaches far beyond the realm of veterans helping veterans. In fact, direct involvement with America’s youth and communities has always been — and always will be — a VFW priority. Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. Knowing that a democratic society needs nurturing, the VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Flag Education
We’re your one-stop shop for all things flag-related. From flag etiquette and history to a large stock of "Old Glory" itself available at the VFW Store. Look no further for all things red, white and blue!
  • Flag Etiquette
The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
  • Displaying the Flag
On Same Staff: U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag.
Grouped: U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.
Marching: U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left).
On Speaker's Platform: When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker.
Decoration: Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.
Over a Street Union: (Stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.
  • Salute
All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
  • Half Staff
On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff.
On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.
Do not let the flag touch the ground.
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Do not use the flag as clothing.
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
Do not use it as a cover.
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
  • Flag Disposal
The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
Place the flag on the fire.
The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
Note: Please contact your local VFW Post if you'd like assistance or more information on proper flag disposal.
Get Involved
For more than 110 years, the VFW has fought to perpetuate the values that have made this nation great. You too can become involved in this important effort in your own community.
  • Patriotic Days
Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of the VFW's philosophical core. Public commemorations hosted by VFW Posts worldwide cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American.
  • Community Service
Constructive community service is a founding VFW tenet with volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects.The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service, working closely with other national organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, America Supports You and America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth. The VFW also partners with the National Rifle Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Firefighters and the Salvation Army. Another VFW partner is the USO, which gives VFW members additional opportunities to volunteer in their communities and give back to our troops and their families. Interested in teaming up with the VFW to give back to your community? Please contact your local VFW Post.
  • Buddy Poppy
Among all the flowers that evoke the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of a poem written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. The poem, "In Flanders Field," describes blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen. For more than 75 years, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare and the well being of their dependents.
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Assistance
Troop Support
The VFW strives to provide each individual service member with the real support they need and deserve. The programs offered through VFW National Military Services (NMS), aim to lessen the burden on the men and women who are sacrificing so much to keep us free. Helping military families weather long deployments through free phone time and military family activities, as well as providing emergency financial assistance to those experiencing a dire financial situation are just a few of the ways VFW works to support our brave men and women. We've been there. We understand.
Post Military Assistance
You served your country honorably and you know what making sacrifices entails. Now, it's time to get the benefits you've earned and the support only other veterans can offer. We know how many questions you must have. From service-related medical issues, and VA claims to educational benefits. We're dedicated to providing you with the answers you deserve!
Family Assistance
The VFW holds the resilience and dedication of today's military family in the highest esteem. These families believe in something larger than themselves, and their selflessness is inspiring.

Through VFW programs like VFW Operation Uplink™, VFW Unmet Needs and VFW's Military Assistance Program, we're doing even more to ensure not a single service member, veteran, or their families fall through the cracks. Whether you or your family need the opportunity to call home more often, or a deployment has caused financial strain, we are the organization to turn to. We're an organization of veterans helping veterans!
Transitioning to Civilian Life
Whether you’re looking for a job, have questions about benefits delivery at discharge or are interested in furthering your education, we’re here to help you transition smoothly and successfully.
National Military Services
VFW National Military Services (NMS) offers support and assistance to the military community in many different ways through its four programs, Operation Uplink™, Military Assistance Program, Unmet Needs and the VFW "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" program. Whether it's helping service members and their families through long deployments or cope with rough financial times, NMS programs put our military families first. From providing free phone time and emergency financial assistance to farewell and welcome home ceremonies and college scholarships, the NMS department is here supporting our troops day in and day out. Some say they've got your back. We prove it. The VFW NMS programs are funded solely by the generosity of our donors.
National Veterans Services
As the largest organization of combat veterans, we understand the frustrations that can arise with making a VA claim. That’s why our National Veterans Service (NVS) was created. Our nationwide network of skilled VFW Veterans Service Officers helps you wade through all the bureaucratic red tape, offering you a better opportunity to get the disability claim you deserve. You don’t even need to be a VFW member to take advantage of this free service. As a veteran, this is a service you’ve earned.
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History
Organization
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 opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
Do You Want To Learn More?


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