Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania (VFW Pennsylvania) is a state-level branch of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. military veterans. Its origins trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rooted in veterans’ efforts to secure rights, benefits, and improved medical care for those who served in overseas conflicts.

History

The foundation of the VFW Pennsylvania dates to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899–1902) began forming local organizations within Pennsylvania to advocate for their needs after returning home, many wounded or sick. By 1901, veterans in Pittsburgh and Altoona established the Philippine War Veterans group, while in 1902, Philadelphia veterans formed the American Veterans of the Philippine and China Wars.

In 1903, these Pennsylvania groups merged into a single entity, which later became part of the American Veterans of Foreign Service (AVFS). The AVFS itself was formed by a 1905 merger with an Ohio-based veterans group. In 1913, Pennsylvania and Colorado groups united to form the Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico organization, which formally adopted the name Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States at a 1914 encampment in Pittsburgh.

The VFW was granted a Congressional charter on May 28, 1936, formally incorporating the organization as the official voice for combat veterans of foreign wars.

Mission and Activities

As the Pennsylvania department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the organization works to:

• Advocate for veterans’ rights, benefits, and well-being at the state and federal levels.
• Provide community service, including support for veterans, their families, and local communities.
• Foster camaraderie among veterans and promote patriotism.
• Offer programs for youth development and education about military service and history.

The Pennsylvania Department continues the historic mission of the VFW by serving veterans returning from overseas deployments and ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and supported.

Legacy

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pennsylvania preserves a long tradition that began with veterans returning from the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection. Its establishment and growth reflect veterans' enduring commitment to mutual support and advocacy, forming a critical part of the broader national VFW organization.

This summary is based on the historical background and mission information provided by the VFW Department of Pennsylvania and related VFW national history sources.[1][2][5]