Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of New Jersey

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Department of New Jersey is part of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, which is a nonprofit veterans service organization established to support veterans who have served overseas. The VFW itself was founded in 1899 and has a long history of advocating for veterans' rights and benefits[2][4].

Purpose and Mission

The VFW's mission is to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts, serve veterans, the military, and local communities, and advocate on behalf of all veterans. The organization emphasizes patriotism, historical preservation, and community service, striving to ensure that veterans receive their earned entitlements and are recognized for their sacrifices[2][4].

Activities and Recognition

The VFW Department of New Jersey has been actively involved in supporting veterans and their families through various initiatives. The department was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation by the 2023 VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento for its dedicated support and contributions[3].

New Jersey Veterans Affairs

New Jersey offers numerous resources for veterans, including free flu vaccines, property tax deductions for veterans, and programs aimed at ending veteran homelessness. The state's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs collaborates with organizations like Unite Us to connect veterans with essential services[5].

Legislative Advocacy

While specific to New Jersey, the broader VFW organization is instrumental in national legislative advocacy, having contributed to significant veteran legislation such as the GI Bill for the 21st Century and the Honoring Our PACT Act[2][4].

Conclusion

The VFW Department of New Jersey plays a crucial role in supporting the state's veterans through community service, advocacy, and partnerships. As part of the larger VFW network, it aligns with the national organization's goals of promoting veteran welfare and Americanism.