Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of South Carolina

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of South Carolina is part of the VFW, a prominent nonprofit veterans service organization in the United States. The organization traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local groups to secure rights and benefits for their service.

Background

The VFW was the first national organization within the United States to represent returned soldiers from abroad. It initially formed from several local veteran societies established in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, which merged in 1913 to become the national VFW organization[2][3]. By 1915, membership had reached about 5,000, increasing to nearly 200,000 by 1936[2][5].

Mission and Activities

The VFW's mission is multifaceted:

• Foster Camaraderie: Promote comradeship among United States veterans of overseas conflicts.
• Serve Veterans: Provide services to veterans, the military, and their communities.
• Legislative Advocacy: Advocate for all veterans' rights and entitlements[2][4].

The VFW has been instrumental in several legislative victories, including the Veterans Administration's establishment, the G.I. Bill, and compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome[1][2][4]. In 2008, the VFW played a crucial role in passing the GI Bill for the 21st Century, offering expanded educational benefits to active-duty service members and Guard and Reserve members[2][5].

Contributions

The VFW also supports community service, contributing to various memorials, including those for Vietnam, Korea, World War II, and Women in Military Service. Additionally, they contributed to the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in 2010[2][5]. The organization annually provides significant hours of volunteer work and offers scholarships to students[5].

Department of South Carolina

The Department of South Carolina works within the broader framework of the VFW to support veterans' causes in the state. It engages in local advocacy and community service initiatives aligned with the national organization's mission.

EIN and Tax Status

The VFW is a tax-exempt organization with the employer identification number (EIN) 576026863 for the Department of South Carolina. The organization's activities are focused on supporting veterans and their families through charitable and advocacy efforts.