National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day is observed annually on Sept. 29 in honor of the veterans’ service organization.
The VFW is much more than just a “social club” that is comprised of veterans who have fought for the nation. Here are five things you might not know about the veterans' service organization.
Supporting combat vets for 120 years: The organization traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine insurrection founded organizations in their communities that advocated on their behalf. These local groups eventually joined together to form the VFW. Today, the VFW is the nation’s largest group of combat veterans.
The VFW provides monumental support: It helped to financially support the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service for America memorials and was the first veterans’ service organization to contribute to the construction of the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial. It is also a supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial.
A tradition of taking care of veterans: The VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, developing the national cemetery system and in getting compensation for Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and for those diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. It also played a major role in getting the Post 9/11 GI bill passed.
Giving students a voice: The VFW’s Voice of Democracy program began in 1946 and gives high schoolers the chance to compete for scholarship money by writing a short essay. Middle schoolers can give their take on democracy in the Patriot’s Pen program, which began in 1995.
Taking it to the streets: VFW field representatives help wounded and disabled veterans in receiving VA benefits. These representatives specifically to assist veterans after they have left the military.
To learn more about the VFW, visit https://www.vfw.org/Colorado VFW Post named for soldier who died in Afghanistan
Students in Salem don’t have to worry about school lunch debt thanks to VFW Post
Reach Julia LeDoux: Julia@connectingvets.com
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