Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), formally the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, is a patriotic organization of U.S. war veterans who fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace as military service members.[5][7] Established on September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio,[8] the VFW is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.[2][1] It was congressionally chartered in 1936.[9]
"VFW" redirects here. For other uses, see VFW (disambiguation).Abbreviation
VFW
September 29, 1899[1]
James C. Putnam[2]
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.[2]
501(c)(19), war veterans' organization[4]
44-0474290
406 West 34th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Worldwide
1,159,428
English[6]
Duane Sarmiento (NJ)
Since July 27, 2023
Alfred J. Lipphardt (GA)
Since July 27, 2023
Carol Whitmore (IA)
Since July 27, 2023
63 voting members
- 8 elected officers
- 3 appointed officers
- 52 elected members
VFW National Convention
- Military Order of the Cootie
- VFW Auxiliary
- VFW Foundation
- VFW National Home
US$89,099,521[4]
224[4]
3,000[4]
Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico[3]
Purpose[edit]
The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc."[7]
Logo[edit]
Redesigned in November 2018, the official logo of the VFW includes an artistic representation of service stripes, easily recognizable insignia indicative of military service. Worn on most service uniforms, they denote length of service. As such, the first and leaner of the two service stripes represents the VFW's entry into its second century of service to America's veterans, service members and their families. The second, broader stripe represents its first century of service, spanning back to 1899.
Great Seal[edit]
The Cross of Malta is the VFW's official emblem.[13] The cross, radiating rays, and Great Seal of the United States together symbolize the character, vows and purposes distinguishing VFW as an order of warriors who have traveled far from home to defend sacred principles. Its eight points represent the beatitudes prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers; blessed are they who mourn, seek righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The eight-pointed Cross of Malta harks back to the Crusades, launched during the 12th century.[14]
Publications[edit]
The VFW has published the monthly VFW Magazine since January 1951. It was known as Foreign Service from 1914 to 50.
