Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States - Department of Florida

Overview

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States - Department of Florida is a state-level organization within the broader Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a nonprofit veterans service organization. The VFW itself was founded in 1899 to support veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection.

Purpose

The VFW's core mission is to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts, serve veterans, the military, and communities, and advocate on behalf of all veterans. The organization aims to ensure that veterans receive the respect and entitlements they have earned for their service sacrifices.

History

The VFW was established when three national societies merged, including the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the Army of the Philippines. The organization grew rapidly and was federally chartered in 1936. The Florida Department is part of this long-standing tradition, supporting veterans, their families, and the wider community across the state.

Programs and Activities

The VFW, including its Florida Department, offers a range of programs and services. These include Operation Uplink, which provides free phone calls to deployed troops and hospitalized veterans; the Buddy Poppy program, which raises funds for veterans' well-being; and community service initiatives that benefit education, health, and civic projects. Additionally, the VFW honors exceptional citizenship among young people through its Scout of the Year awards.

Leadership and Structure

The VFW operates through local units known as Posts, with over 6,000 nationwide. Each department, including Florida, coordinates state-level activities and advocacy efforts, aligning with the national mission and vision of the VFW.

Advocacy and Community Service

The organization is known for its advocacy on veterans' rights, contributing to significant legislative victories such as the GI Bill for the 21st Century. Members also participate in extensive community service, volunteering millions of hours annually and donating millions of dollars to various community projects.