The Mission and Impact of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a national organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for veterans who have served in foreign conflicts. Founded in 1899, the VFW is one of the oldest veterans’ organizations in the United States, and it has a membership of over 1.6 million veterans and their families.

In order to become a member of the VFW, an individual must have served in a foreign war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters, and they must have been awarded a campaign medal or a service medal for overseas service.

The VFW also promotes Americanism through education in patriotism and by providing constructive service to local communities. They also provide services such as counseling, job assistance, and more.

Currently, the leader of the VFW is Timothy M. Borland, who was elected as the Commander-in-Chief of the organization at the 123rd VFW National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 21, 2022. He is responsible for leading the organization and representing the interests of its members.

The VFW’s mission is to “honor the dead by helping the living” through a variety of programs and services that are designed to support veterans and their families. These programs include:

• Veterans Service: The VFW provides aid and support to veterans who have been disabled or who are in need. This includes providing financial assistance, helping with rehabilitation and medical care, and offering support to veterans’ widows and orphans.
• Advocacy: The VFW is a powerful voice for veterans in Washington, D.C., and it works to improve the lives of veterans and their families through legislation and policies.
• Community Service: The VFW provides a wide range of services to local communities, such as youth programs, patriotic events, and volunteer opportunities. They also provide services such as counseling, job assistance, and more.
• National Home for Children: The VFW operates a residential facility for children of veterans who are unable to care for them due to illness, injury, or death.
• Scholarships: The VFW offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for veterans, their children, and their grandchildren.

The VFW is governed by a national commander-in-chief, who is elected by the membership every two years. The organization is divided into state departments, which are further divided into local posts. Each post is run by elected officers and has its own set of bylaws and programs.

The VFW is also active in international affairs, and it maintains a strong relationship with veterans’ organizations in other countries. The VFW is a member of the International Alliance of Military Veterans’ Associations, which brings together veterans’ organizations from around the world.

Overall, the Veterans of Foreign Wars plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for veterans who have served in foreign conflicts and their families. The organization’s mission is to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and support that they have earned through their service to our country.