Veterans of Foreign Wars
A congressionally chartered nonprofit organization for U.S. veterans who served in foreign combat or hostile operations.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Official SiteFounded in September 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is one of the oldest and largest veterans' service organizations in the United States. The organization is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and operates through approximately 6,000 local posts. Membership is limited to U.S. service members and veterans with honorable service who have earned a recognized campaign or expedition medal for foreign combat or hostile-operations service.
The VFW focuses on advocacy for veterans' benefits and health care via its legislative office in Washington, D.C., and provides free assistance to veterans filing VA disability and benefit claims. Additionally, the organization manages scholarship and youth programs, such as Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen, and supports military families through the VFW Auxiliary and the VFW National Home for Children in Michigan.