On the evening of September 29, 1899, thirteen men —
veterans who had fought on Cuba during the Spanish-American War — gathered at a
tailor shop in Columbus, Ohio. They shared their accounts of what was then, the
most popular war in America’s history, but further, to discuss how they could
assist their fellow veterans and the dependents of their fallen comrades.
These men could not have known then what would grow from
such humble beginnings.
The simple and selfless desire to care for those who
share in the common bond forged by war, laid the foundation for what has grown to
become the multifaceted organization that is the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States.
Arguably the most recognized veterans service
organization in America — and certainly the oldest and most accomplished — the
VFW has evolved into nothing short of a powerhouse for veterans. It’s the
veterans service organization that has positively impacted the life of each
American veteran, or at the least, helped to provide them the promise of
opportunity and a better future.
Since its inception so long ago, the VFW has been a
determined advocate for all veterans, service members and military families.
Generations upon generations have joined in its cause, each as steadfast and
determined to help fulfill the VFW mission as the last.
Before the VFW came into existence, veterans did not
receive health care for wounds received in combat; most of them didn't receive
any treatment for any disease or illness acquired as a result of military
service; pre-VFW veterans had no reasonable expectation of receiving
compensation of any sort.
The men who founded the VFW challenged the status quo and
by doing so, helped shape the future for veterans forever.
It was the VFW that demanded America promise to
graciously and appropriately care for those who bear the burden of war and put
their lives on the line in defense of our nation and way of life. And throughout
the years, it has been the VFW that has remained tenacious and resolute in its
fight to ensure that America lives up to that promise.
Over its storied
115 year history, the VFW’s efforts led to the establishment of the Veterans
Administration. It helped to create the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills. It was a key player in the development of
the national cemetery system. It led the fight for compensation for Vietnam
vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.
It was a powerful force in the passing of a record VA discretionary budget, the
VOW to Hire Heroes Act, the reinstatement of military Tuition Assistance
programs and most recently, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act
of 2014. These achievements offer merely a glimpse into its long list of
legislative accomplishments.
But, the effect the VFW has had on the lives of those
who’ve worn the uniform, as well as those of their families, extends far beyond
its advocacy efforts. Its programs and services are second to none and have
provided a hand up to millions of those who have needed it and deserved it the most.
Its service officers have helped hundreds of thousands of veterans recover
billions of dollars in benefits and compensation from the VA. It has provided
millions of dollars in grants to military families who’ve fallen on hard times,
millions of free calls home for deployed and hospitalized veterans, and raised
billions of dollars for needy veterans through its “Buddy” Poppy program.
VFW Posts have and continue to act as pillars of support
in communities across America and abroad. Posts are often the first to organize
and offer aid or assistance to local veterans and military families in need.
They are the patriotic pulse of local communities, working to foster patriotism
in our nation’s youth, inciting good citizenship, erecting memorials,
maintaining cemeteries, organizing community events and donating millions of
volunteer service hours within their communities each year.
Though much has changed over the years, today’s VFW
operates by the same creed upon which it was formed back in 1899. It exists
only to care for those who fight to ensure America remains a nation free from
tyranny and fear. It’s an organization that was created by veterans, for
veterans, and owes all that it has accomplished over its many years to its
members; the lifeblood of the organization.
No one has, does or will do more for veterans.