ABOUT US

Our Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. 

Our Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

 


Who We Are 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. 

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at our nation's capital.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.


Our Core Values:

  • Always put the interests of our members first
  • Treat donors as partners in our cause
  • Promote patriotism
  • Honor military service
  • Ensure the care of veterans and their families
  • Serve our communities
  • Promote a positive image of the VFW
  • Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

 


 

JOIN THE VFW

Join us as brothers and sisters of America to preserve the rights of veterans and support each other as only those who share in the camaraderie forged by conflict can. 

Post News

Important Info for Post423 Members

VFW Post 423 member commissions in the Navy, becomes Mustang

VFW Post 423 member, William Matte, commissioned as a U.S. Navy Ensign Oct 20, 2023 at the Ann Arbor Post. He originally enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and transferred to the officer ranks this year.

VFW Post 423 Auxiliary honors past members with memorial brick

VFW Post 423 auxiliary members purchased a memorial brick to be displayed at the VFW National Home in honor of past auxiliary member Brett Horsch, and past VFW Post member Michael Horsch.

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

Gary Brown named VFW Michigan Member of the Year

Past Department Commander Ray Lopez presented Gary Brown with the VFW Department of Michigan Member of the Year Award at the organization's annual State Convention June 1, 2024.

VFW Michigan Riders Group shares Motorcycle Safety Tips

In preparation for riding season, VFW Michigan Riders Group Director Charlie Cline shares some tips on safety while operating a motorcycle this summer.

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Remembers Pearl Harbor

WASHINGTON - Dec. 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) encourages all Americans to p...

VFW and Columbia University Announce Military Transition Collaboration

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce its newest relationship with Columbia University's Center for...

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