Organization of the Week
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its
Auxiliaries, includes 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 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. 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.
