Our Proud History

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its proud history back to 1899, when veterans returning from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection formed organizations to advocate for rights and benefits they had earned. Many came home wounded or ill, with no government-provided care. Determined to support one another, these veterans united and gave birth to the VFW.

Early posts appeared in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. By 1915, membership reached 5,000; by 1936 it soared to nearly 200,000.

A Strong National Voice

Since those early days, the VFW has advocated for veterans' benefits. The organization was instrumental in creating the Veterans Administration (now VA), the GI Bill, the national cemetery system, and compensation for those exposed to Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome.

In 2008, the VFW helped pass the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It also champions better VA care for women veterans and funds memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

Service Beyond the Uniform

Today, nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary give back over 8.6 million volunteer hours yearly. From Make A Difference Day to awarding over $3 million in scholarships, the VFW continues to lead with heart, courage, and commitment.