Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is one of the largest veterans’ organizations in the United States. The organization seeks to develop comradeship among its members, assist needy veterans and their families, and organize memorial services for deceased veterans. It also promotes patriotism and community and legislative activities.
Any U.S. citizen or U.S. national who has served honorably in the armed forces and has received a campaign medal for overseas service, served 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, or received hostile fire or imminent danger pay may join the VFW. In 1978, the VFW began to admit women members.
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars is a women’s organization devoted to community service and patriotism. The auxiliary assists the VFW with many of its programs. Any woman with a close relative who is eligible to join the VFW may join the VFW Auxiliary. Any woman who herself fought in a foreign war may also join.
The first attempts to form organizations of veterans of foreign wars began in the late 1890’s. Three organizations combined in 1913 to form the VFW. Its headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.
