Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania is a state-level chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans of overseas conflicts.

History

The VFW itself was founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. Over time, local organizations in Pennsylvania, including ones in Pittsburgh, Altoona, and Philadelphia, played significant roles in the formation of what would become the VFW. In 1905, these Pennsylvania groups merged with organizations in Ohio, eventually contributing to the establishment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in 1914[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

The mission of the VFW Department of Pennsylvania aligns with that of the national organization: to foster camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts, serve veterans and their communities, and advocate for veterans' rights[5]. The department supports various community and veterans' programs, including education initiatives, volunteer work, and advocacy for veterans' benefits[1][2].

Impact and Membership

As of 2014, Pennsylvania had over 90,000 VFW members and more than 400 local posts, making it one of the largest state departments in terms of membership[1]. The VFW Department of Pennsylvania is actively involved in community service and has a strong presence in local veteran support networks.

Programs and Advocacy

Like the national organization, the Pennsylvania Department supports programs such as the Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests, which promote patriotism in schools. It also advocates for issues impacting veterans, including healthcare improvements and compensation for military service-related conditions[2][4].

Conclusion

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania serves as a vital support system for veterans throughout the state, leveraging the national organization's network and resources to address local needs and promote national advocacy efforts.