The Veterans of Foreign Wars: A History of Service

About the VFW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the largest and oldest war veterans service organization in the United States. Founded in 1899, the VFW has a membership of over 1.5 million veterans, their spouses, and their descendants.

Mission and Achievements

Mission

The mission of the VFW is to "honor the dead by helping the living." This is done by providing support to veterans and their families, advocating for veterans' rights, and perpetuating the memory of those who have served.

Achievements

The VFW has a long history of advocating for veterans' rights. The organization has been instrumental in the passage of legislation such as the GI Bill, the Veterans' Preference Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

History

The VFW was founded in 1899 by a group of Spanish-American War veterans. The organization quickly grew, and by the end of World War I, it had over 1 million members.

The VFW played a significant role in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. The organization provided support to troops overseas and advocated for veterans' rights at home.

Today

The VFW continues to be a strong advocate for veterans' rights. The organization is also active in community service, providing support to veterans and their families in need.