ABOUT US

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.

Post News

Important Info for Post2323 Members

Yes on AB 1623

Keep California Affordable for Veterans

Still Serving Campaign

The VFW Day of Service will bring together VFW Posts, VFW members, community advocates and veterans of every stripe to host community service events in cities and towns across the nation and around the world. Events will be held on May 7, 2022, and throughout the month of May.

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

WWII Vet 98-yo Birthday

VFW, OC Agencies, Celebrate U.S. WWII Navy Vet, Harold E. Carter's 98th Birthday Thursday w/Drive-By and Happy Birthday Song in South County

Leading California Veterans Organizations Call on Governor Newsom to Reopen Veterans’ Posts

Groups say COVID-related closures are preventing posts from providing critical services to veterans such as processing claims for healthcare and disability benefits.

National News

Important info from National VFW

Thankful for the Life We Live

WASHINGTON - 'What are you thankful for?' is a common question this time of year. While most would prefer to get straight to the t...

Celebrating Those Who Have Worn the Nation's Uniform

WASHINGTON - For the members the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as well as the millions of others who have worn the cloth of our ...

News & Events

Upcoming events

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View Local, State and National events. 

Membership

Membership Details

As yesterday's defenders of freedom...

 ...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.

Assistance & Benefits

Assistance & Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated

 to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.

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