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

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department of Pennsylvania, is part of the larger Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, a nonprofit war veterans' service organization. The VFW itself was formally established in 1914, emerging from the merger of several groups formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection.

History

The VFW has its roots in 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection formed local organizations to advocate for veterans' rights and benefits. In Pennsylvania, the American Veterans of the Philippine and China Wars was established in 1902 in Philadelphia by Robert S. Hansbury. This group combined with other Pennsylvania posts in Pittsburgh and Altoona to form part of the American Veterans of Foreign Service. By 1913, the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the Army of the Philippines merged, eventually adopting the name Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in 1914 during a convention in Pittsburgh[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

The VFW is dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans, advocating for veterans' rights, and promoting Americanism. The Department of Pennsylvania plays a significant role in these efforts, with over 90,000 members and 400 local posts as of 2014, making it one of the largest state departments within the organization[1]. Key activities include:

• Advocacy for Veterans' Rights: The VFW advocates for better compensation, medical care, and benefits for veterans. It was instrumental in supporting the GI Bill of 1944 and subsequent versions[2].
• Community Engagement: Members participate in various community service projects, including assistance to veterans' families and support for community events[1].
• Education Programs: The VFW offers scholarships and supports educational initiatives like the Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy contests, which foster patriotism among students[2].

Organizational Structure

The Veterans of Foreign Wars operates under a federal charter granted in 1936 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri[4]. The Department of Pennsylvania works within this structure to address local veterans' needs while contributing to national initiatives.

Impact

The influence of the VFW's Department of Pennsylvania is evident in its extensive membership and the numerous posts across the state. It remains a vital part of Pennsylvania's veterans' community, facilitating support services and fostering a sense of camaraderie among veterans. Through its activities, the department honors the service and sacrifices of its members while promoting national pride and patriotism.