Veterans of Foreign Wars

Young Veterans Want in on VFW Action

Kala Roberts — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:04:07 GMT

The VFW’s advocacy and service efforts are making an impact on America’s newest generation of war veterans and they want in on the action. Just this past weekend, thirty young veterans were sworn in as the newest members of Post 2940 in Buffalo, N.Y.

WINNERS OF PUBLICATIONS CONTEST ANNOUNCED

Kala Roberts — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:59:31 GMT

WINNERS OF PUBLICATIONS CONTEST ANNOUNCED Congratulations to this year's winners! 2013-05-15 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/VFWlogo.gif?n=4325 VFW has announced the winners of the 2013 National Publications Contest. Two non-VFW-affiliated journalism professionals served as judges fo

VFW: LARRY McREYNOLDS JOINS TROY POLAMALU IN STANDING ‘UNITED FOR VETERANS’

Randi Law — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:23:56 GMT

NASCAR legend Larry McReynolds has teamed up with the NFL’s Troy Polamalu to stand “UNITED FOR VETERANS” this holiday season. “UNITED FOR VETERANS” is a historic awareness campaign launched by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW), dedicated to raising awareness and funds that help veterans secure their VA benefits, smoothly transition to civilian life and apply to receive assistance for necessities like rent, mortgage payments and food.

VFW, SVA Launch New Initiative to Help Student-Veterans

Alicia Diaz — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:22:55 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is now offering a new program called "1 Student Veteran" to provide direct assistance to student-veterans who are experiencing problems accessing their GI Bill or other earned benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VFW VETERANS’ EDUCATION BILL PASSES SENATE

Randi Law — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:21:08 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is applauding yesterday’s Senate passage of H.R. 4057, the Improving Transparency in Education for Veterans Act, a bill designed to improve consumer protections for student-veterans who use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. The bill must now go back to the House for final approval before heading to the White House for the president’s signature.

“The VFW has worked diligently over the past year to build consensus among other veterans’ groups and education advocates to ensure we provide student-veterans with quality consumer information and consumer protections when they seek to use their earned GI Bill benefits,” said VFW National Commander John Hamilton, a combat wounded Vietnam veteran.

VFW VETERANS’ EDUCATION BILL PASSES SENATE

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:25:48 GMT

VFW to Stream Live from the Nation’s Capital

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:58:47 GMT

Each year hundreds of VFW leaders converge on the Hill, taking the voice of America’s veterans directly to congressional dignitaries and lawmakers during the VFW Legislative Conference.

VFW STATEMENT ON SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL NOMINATION

Alicia Diaz — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:47:16 GMT

The following statement is by Robert E. Wallace, executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, regarding today’s nomination of Sen. Chuck Hagel to become the next Secretary of Defense:

VFW Statement on Boston Bombing

Randi Law — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:30:08 GMT

Most folks will never experience the euphoria of crossing a finish line, but we can all share in the grief and anger that yesterday’s tragic terror bombing of the Boston Marathon produced.

VFW Signs MOU with Student Veterans of America

Randi Law — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:25:24 GMT

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Bill Thien and Student Veterans of America Executive Director Michael Dakduk signed a memorandum of understanding between the VFW and SVA last week during the fifth annual SVA national conference in Orlando, Fla.

“This memorandum will provide opportunities for the VFW and SVA to pool their resources and help our veterans and nation’s service members overcome many challenges, find strength in camaraderie and provide expanded programs and services for veterans on college campuses nationwide,” said Thien, a Vietnam veteran who attended Indiana University Southeast after his military service. “The entire VFW and its Auxiliaries are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to work with the SVA in ensuring our student-veterans attain the education and benefits we promised them.”

VFW Operation Uplink ‘Free Call Day’ Program Tops 7 Million Connections

Jennifer McDonald — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:37:40 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly announces its Operation Uplink™ “Free Call Day” program recently surpassed 7 million connections from deployed military personnel to their loved ones at home. The program hosts Free Call Days for service members serving in Afghanistan and Kuwait, as well as hospitalized veterans, giving them the opportunity to call family and friends in the United States at no cost.

VFW Now Accepting Entries into 2013-2014 Scholarship Competitions

Alicia Diaz — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:23:25 GMT

VFW announces it is now accepting entries into next year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship competitions. The announcement comes just two weeks after students from across the globe took home their share of nearly $3 million dollars in scholarships and awards from last year’s competitions.

VFW Now Accepting Entries for the 2013 WebAward Competition

Alicia Diaz — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:26 GMT

VFW Departments, Districts and Posts have an opportunity to show off their creative talent in the 2013 VFW WebAward Competition.

VFW Now Accepting Donations for Veteran and Military Sandy Victims

Randi Law — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:53:36 GMT

The damage the eastern seaboard sustained by Hurricane Sandy is still being evaluated. While we don’t yet know the full extent of the damages, we know that there will be a need for financial assistance among our members, veterans and military families impacted by this devastating event. We are asking all patriotic Americans who are able, including our VFW Departments, Districts and Posts, to donate to the VFW’s Sandy Fund. Any money received will be used for this purpose and should there be a surplus, it will be held in reserve for future disasters as was done with the VFW’s Katrina Fund.

VFW Now Accepting Donations for Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Kala Roberts — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:02:00 GMT

In the wake of the devastation resulting from the tornadoes in Oklahoma, the VFW has dispersed funds to the state to assist fellow VFW members and their families seeking aid

VFW NAMES 2013 WEBAWARD WINNERS

Alicia Diaz — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:21:46 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 30, 2013 - The VFW Communications Department has selected the winners of the 2013 VFW WebAward Competition.

VFW Members Ready to Assist Grieving Newtown Families

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:52:14 GMT

In response to the recent tragedy in Newtown, Conn., members of the town’s VFW Post are doing everything they can to provide comfort and security to the town’s grieving families.

Newtown Post 308 set up a Newtown/Sandy Hook Family Relief Fund to assist with the funeral costs for parents who did not have life insurance on their young children. If needed, some of the money will also help first responders.

VFW Members Ready to Assist Grieving Newtown Families

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:03:10 GMT

In response to the recent tragedy in Newtown, Conn., members of the town’s VFW Post are doing everything they can to provide comfort and security to the town’s grieving families.

VFW Leads Effort with Other VSO/MSOs, Asks President Obama to Lower Drone Medal Ranking

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:20:22 GMT

The VFW led an effort with 18 other VSO/MSOs to write President Obama to lower the new drone medal to below the Purple Heart.

VFW HELPS DISABLED VETERANS RECOUP $3.7 BILLION

Alicia Diaz — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:35:59 GMT

In 2012, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States helped 125,000 veterans to recoup more than $3.7 billion in earned compensation and pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This exceeds 2011’s record totals by 23,000 and almost $1.7 billion, and provides further proof that all eligible veterans and transitioning military members should seek help from an accredited service officer before they file a VA disability claim.

VFW FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT TO MICHAEL G. REAGAN PORTRAIT FOUNDATION FOR FALLEN HEROES PROJECT

Kala Roberts — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:05:07 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation is pleased to announce it will award a $25,000 grant to the Michael G. Reagan Portrait Foundation on Feb. 8at 12:30 p.m. VFW Department of Washington Commander Krist Huseby will officiate a formal check presentation from the VFW Foundation to Michael Reagan in an open-to-the-public ceremony at the Snohomish County Senior Center in Edmonds, Wash.

VFW EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER THE IMPACT OF SEQUESTRATION ON VETERANS

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:22:14 GMT

WASHINGTON – During today’s testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) pledged the organization will not let America’s veterans be forgotten by Congress or the Administration.

VFW Commander To Join in National Memorial Day Observances

Randi Law — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:24:55 GMT

This afternoon VFW Commander-in-Chief Richard L. DeNoyer will touch down in Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day weekend events.

Every year, VFW leaders converge on the Nation's Capitol for a series of events across the region to honor the brave American men and women who gave their lives on the battlefield to defend our great nation. This year, DeNoyer, VFW National Chief of Staff Walter Gansenberg, and VFW Washington staff are scheduled to participate in nearly a dozen events around Washington to honor America's fallen heroes.

VFW Calls Out TIME Columnist

Jennifer McDonald — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:35:54 GMT

The national commander of the nation's largest war veterans organization is outraged that a TIME magazine columnist has called for the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.

VFW APPLAUDS SENATE SUPPORT TO LOWER NEW MEDAL RANKING

Alicia Diaz — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:53:12 GMT

The national commander of America’s oldest and largest major combat veterans organization is applauding yesterday’s introduction of S. 470 to lower the Pentagon’s new Distinguished Warfare Medal to below the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in the military order of precedence. The Senate bill is a companion to H.R. 833 that was introduced in late February to correct what immediately became an extremely unpopular decision by former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

VFW Applauds House Effort to Fund VA in Advance

Randi Law — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:19:35 GMT

VFW Applauds House Effort to Fund VA in Advance The VFW urges swift passage of this much needed bill 2013-02-27 /uploadedImages/VFWorg/News_and_Events/Articles/2012_Articles/VA.jpg?n=8293 The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans, is applauding y

VFW Announces Veterans Day LED Display Project

Jennifer McDonald — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:10:09 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is proud to partner with ScreenSource-USA to recognize Veterans Days with an LED display honoring American service members. The display will be located at 23^rd Street and Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., and will begin Nov. 9 at midnight and run continuously through Nov. 13. It will feature rotating photos of service members killed in action from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

VFW Announces Annual Publications Contest(2)

Craig Campbell — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:53:46 GMT

VFW Announces Annual Publications Contest

VFW ANNOUNCES ANNUAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:06:44 GMT

The VFW Publications Department announced today that it is accepting submissions for VFW’s 2013 National Publications Contest. All publications will be categorized by the membership size of the Department, District or Post they represent.

VFW ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AND PATRIOT’S PEN ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Alicia Diaz — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:24:24 GMT

The winners of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary sponsored Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition and the Patriot’s Pen essay competition were announced late yesterday afternoon during the 2013 VFW Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

VFW and Evertalk Partner to Offer Members Internet Memorials and Tributes

Jennifer McDonald — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:46:59 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Evertalk and the VFW are partnering to create a digital memorial and tribute wall for members who wish to honor veterans who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. This partnership lets VFW members create thoughtful memorial pages for service members who are no longer with us and tribute pages for veterans they wish to recognize for serving our country.

Veterans Organizations Urge Administration and Congress to Keep Promise Regarding Health Care Funding and Benefits

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:25:35 GMT

Four of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations—AMVETS, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans), and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), are urging the Administration and Congress to provide $68.4 billion to sufficiently meet veterans’ health care and benefits needs.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2012 BURGER KING® FRANCHISEE OWNERS UNMET NEEDS FUNDRAISER

Randi Law — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:55:26 GMT

For the sixth consecutive year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation has joined together with participating Burger King® Franchisee Owned Restaurants across the United States to raise funds throughout the month of November for the VFW Unmet Needs program. Burger King® customers are encouraged to give $1 or more toward Unmet Needs when they purchase their food. Since 2007, over 1,200 Burger King® Franchisee Owned Restaurants have demonstrated their incredible concern for U.S. troops and their families by donating over $1.7 million in support of the program

VA Helps Beneficiaries Better Prepare for the Future

Randi Law — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:46:22 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) understands that planning for the future after experiencing the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult. Many are often unprepared for the loss they’ve endured. Normal feelings of grief and confusion may be compounded if they are also recipients of a large benefit payment.

That’s why VA makes an online will preparation service available at no cost to beneficiaries of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Family SGLI (FSGLI), and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). These services are also available to those who have received payment under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)

Tuition Assistance Amendment Passes Senate Thanks to VFW Advocacy

Randi Law — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:43:01 GMT

This afternoon the Senate passed an amendment to the Defense Continuing Resolution,H.R. 933, that will reinstate the militaryTuition Assistance, or TA, program under sequestration. The amendment, S. Amdt. 72, was introduced by Sens. James Inhofe, R-Okla., and Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and championed by the VFW, American Legion and Student Veterans of America.

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY TO HOST LOCAL VFW EVENTS THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Kala Roberts — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:33:21 GMT

In honor of our nation’s heroes, the VFW is working with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) to make this year’s Memorial Day a community event across the nation! TSC, the largest farm and ranch store chain in the United States, is partnering with local VFW Posts to express their appreciation of the sacrifices made by service members and veterans through community involvement.

The Home Depot to Hire 80,000 Associates for Busy Spring Season

Kala Roberts — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:43:03 GMT

The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, has begun filling more than 80,000 seasonal positions to assist customers during the company’s busiest selling season. As both the company’s busiest hiring and selling period, spring serves as The Home Depot’s annual peak season, similar to the Christmas selling season for many retailers. This year, The Home Depot is hiring ten thousand more spring associates than it did last year to support anticipated sales growth in the spring.

Stolen Valor Act Passes Congress!

Kala Roberts — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:47:38 GMT

The national commander of America’s largest and oldest major combat veterans organization is applauding Congress this week for passing the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which now heads to the White House for the president’s signature.

Sport Clips Haircuts Connects U.S. Military with Loved Ones through $500,000 Gift to VFW’s Operation Uplink™

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:17:37 GMT

Sport Clips Haircuts will provide deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members the opportunity to call loved ones free of charge on 13 holidays and 21 additional days in 2013. The franchise raised money through its Help A Hero campaign and made a $500,000 donation today in support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) Operation Uplink™ “Free Call Day” program.

PRESIDENT SIGNS 1.7% VETERANS COLA INCREASE

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:49:12 GMT

President Obama signed into law the cost-of-living allowance adjustment bill for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, offering increased compensation for nearly 4 million disabled veterans and their family members.

NFL’S TROY POLAMALU JOINS VFW IN CHALLENGING FANS TO STAND ‘UNITED FOR VETERANS’

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:03:51 GMT

This November, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) and well-renowned NFL player Troy Polamalu join together to urge Americans everywhere to stand UNITED FOR VETERANS in support of VFW’s historic 2012 Veterans Day campaign. The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and funds that help veterans secure their VA benefits, smoothly transition to civilian life and apply to receive assistance for necessities like rent, mortgage payments and food. The VFW is excited about the opportunity to work with Troy to help raise awareness and funds to help veterans and military families in need.

JOIN VFW IN SUPPORTING INAUGURAL WORKING WOUNDED GAMES

Alicia Diaz — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:26:26 GMT

More than 20 wounded warriors will converge on CrossFit Rubicon in Reston, Va., this Saturday for the first-ever Working Wounded Games. Hosted in conjunction CrossFit Walter Reed and volunteers from other metro area CrossFit affiliates, the Working Wounded Games will allow veterans with combat-related disabilities to compete in an open-style competition that will benefit two new wounded warrior charities. The VFW is proud to serve as an inaugural sponsor for the event, which coincides with the 237^th birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day.

DEFENSE BUDGET A BAD DEAL FOR RETIREES AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Kala Roberts — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:28:19 GMT

The Pentagon unveiled its budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 yesterday, outlining how the Obama Administration wants to fund the Department of Defense in the coming year. The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. immediately fired back at the proposal, which he says breaks faith with our military retirees and their loved ones.

CBS APOLOGIES TO VIETNAM VETERANS, FAMILIES

Alicia Diaz — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:45:45 GMT

The CBS reality show “Amazing Race,” began with an apology last night that read: “Parts of last Sunday’s episode, filmed in Vietnam, were insensitive to a group that is very important to us: our nation’s veterans. We want to apologize to veterans – particularly those who served in Vietnam – as well as their families and any viewers who were offended by the broadcast. All of us here have the most profound respect for the men and women who fight for our country.” Below is a response sent today by the VFW National Commander to the head of CBS.

BURGER KING® FRANCHISE OWNERS SURPASS $2 MILLION DONATION MARK TO VFW

Kala Roberts — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:51:05 GMT

Kansas City, MO: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce that Burger King® has surpassed $2 million in donations to VFW’s Unmet Needs program. Last year marked the sixth consecutive year participating Burger King® Franchise Owned Restaurants across the United States joined together with the VFW Foundation to raise funds for the program.

BOB EVANS RESTAURANTS PARTNER WITH VFW FOR PUMPKIN PIE PROMOTION

Jennifer McDonald — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:40:49 GMT

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation is proud to announce the second year of a partnership with Bob Evans Restaurants. From November 11 through December 11, Bob Evans will donate $0.20 cents for each slice and $0.60 cents for each whole Pumpkin and Pumpkin Supreme Pie sold through dine-in and carry-out. Proceeds from the promotion (up to $25,000) will be designated toward urgently needed VFW programs that directly assist U.S. military service personnel and their families.

3 Teachers Selected for National Awards by the Veterans of Foreign Wars

Alicia Diaz — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:05:08 GMT

Each year for the past 14 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has recognized three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students

2013 Hamilton Testimony PDF

Jennifer McDonald — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:38:42 GMT

2013 Hamilton Testimony

Randi Law — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:21:29 GMT

2012 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Message

Alicia Diaz — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:08:39 GMT

December 7, 2012, marks 71 years since the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.