Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a nonprofit veterans service organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of those who have served in the U.S. military overseas. It is a key organization in fostering camaraderie among U.S. veterans and supporting their families and communities.

History

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War formed local societies. The American Veterans of Foreign Service was established in Columbus, Ohio, and the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines, was organized in Denver, Colorado. Another society called the Foreign Service Veterans emerged in Pennsylvania. These groups merged in 1913 to form a national organization, which would eventually become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. By 1915, the VFW had approximately 5,000 members, growing to nearly 200,000 by 1936[1][3][5].

The VFW played a crucial role in advocating for veterans' rights, including the passage of the 1924 Adjusted Compensation Act (often referred to as the "Soldier's Bonus") and the subsequent lobbying for its early payment. This act granted World War I veterans a bonus, which was initially scheduled to be paid in 1945 but was eventually overridden by Congress in 1936[1][3].

Major Contributions

One of the VFW's most significant achievements was its role in lobbying for the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill. This legislation provided comprehensive support for World War II veterans, including educational benefits, unemployment assistance, and housing aid[1][3][4]. The VFW also supported the expansion of these benefits through the G.I. Bill for the 21st Century in 2008, which provided enhanced educational support for service members in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts[4][5].

The organization has been instrumental in establishing several key veterans' facilities and services, including the Veterans Administration and the national cemetery system. The VFW has also been a leading advocate for compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and for those diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome[4][5].

Mission and Activities

The VFW aims to promote camaraderie among its members, serve veterans and military personnel, and advocate for their rights and interests. The organization engages in extensive community service, with members contributing millions of hours annually to volunteer work[4][5]. Additionally, the VFW supports various memorials and offers college scholarships to students while advocating for improved services for women veterans and enhanced veterans' healthcare[4][5].

The VFW's legislative efforts have led to significant veterans' legislation, including the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, and the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022[4]. These laws expanded benefits and improved services for various groups of veterans.