Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania is a part of the larger Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, which is a U.S. nonprofit veterans' service organization. The VFW in Pennsylvania plays a significant role as one of the largest state departments within the organization, reflecting the state's historical importance in the formation and growth of the VFW.

History

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection began organizing to secure better rights and benefits for their service. In Pennsylvania, early groups included the Philippine War Veterans, which was organized in Pittsburgh and Altoona in 1901, and the American Veterans of the Philippine and China Wars, founded in Philadelphia in 1902 by Captain Robert S. Hansbury[1][2]. These groups merged with others to form the foundation of the VFW.

By 1913, these Pennsylvania organizations had joined with the Army of the Philippines to form the Army of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, which later became the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in 1914 at the encampment in Pittsburgh[2][3]. This marked the formal birth of the VFW as it exists today.

Mission and Activities

The VFW's mission is to speed the rehabilitation of disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' families, and promote Americanism through education and community service[5]. In Pennsylvania, VFW posts support veterans by advocating for their rights, providing scholarships, and engaging in community volunteer work[1].

The department also plays a role in commemorative activities and actively participates in VFW's national initiatives, such as the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests, which promote patriotism among younger generations[2].

Membership and Structure

As of recent years, the Pennsylvania Department of the VFW has over 90,000 members and more than 400 local posts, making it one of the largest state departments within the VFW[1]. The structure includes local posts, state-level leadership, and participation in the national VFW organization, which has over a million members worldwide[5].

Philanthropic Efforts

The VFW in Pennsylvania is involved in various philanthropic activities, including hosting events and raising funds for veterans' needs. During historical conflicts, such as World War I and II, VFW posts in Pennsylvania played significant roles in supporting veterans through initiatives like the "buddy poppy" pin campaign and hospital visitation programs[1][2].

EIN and Financials

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania operates under the EIN: 236427876. However, specific financial details about this department are not publicly available, as financial transparency typically pertains to the national organization or individual posts rather than state departments.

Overall, the VFW Department of Pennsylvania is a vital component of the national organization, supporting veterans and promoting patriotism throughout the state.