Nobody Does More for Veterans
To qualify for membership in the VFW you MUST meet the following TWO requirements:
1: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
– An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
– Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
– Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
*This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.
More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.
If you are not eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary. You can learn more at vfwauxiliary.org.
Advocacy
The VFW is one of the most respected voices in Washington, D.C., and within local governments across America. We advocate for justice for our nation’s veterans, service members and military families on an array of issues and continue to be the voice for veterans everywhere. We regularly testify before Congress, meet with elected officials and rally our national network of VFW members and patriotic supporters to ensure our lawmakers put veterans first. When those who’ve served their country and those that support them stand together, we can not be ignored.
Legislative Priorities
We don’t wait to hear how legislation will affect veterans, service members and their families; we help shape it from the beginning. We actively lobby Congress and the administration on current veterans’ issues and needs.
National Security & Foreign Affairs
We fought in uniform to keep our country safe. Today, we continue that fight through our National Security and Foreign Affairs (NS&FA) program. Simply put, NS&FA works to maintain the integrity of our great nation.
Women Veterans
Ensuring women veterans receive benefits and services that honor their brave military service is one of the VFW’s top priorities. With the steady increase of women wearing our nation’s uniform, it has never been more important to ensure women veterans have a VA that is ready and able to care for them.
Grassroots Efforts
The VFW’s Action Corps is the VFW’s grassroots lobbying effort. Located in communities across the globe, this group work to inform and educate veterans and service members on the initiatives and policies that affect them and take the voice of veterans to local, state and national lawmakers.
VA Health Care Watch
We consistently monitor veterans’ experiences with the VA health care system and deliver veterans’ feedback directly to VA officials in order to implement new programs and methods to ensure America’s veterans receive the top quality care they deserve.
VA Claims and Benefits Assistance
As the largest organization of combat veterans, we understand the frustrations that can arise when transitioning out of the military or filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn’t try to navigate alone. That’s why the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) was established to help all veterans, service members, their families and survivors.
NVS consists of a nationwide network of VFW Accredited Service Officers and Pre-Discharge Representatives who are experts in navigating VA processes and the key to your success. Don’t fall victim to “claim sharks” – companies that illegally represent veterans through the VA claims process and can charge thousands for doing so. Our cadre of highly-trained and professional advocates help veterans cut through bureaucratic red tape. VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped more than $13 billion in compensation and pension on behalf of veterans and eligible family members in fiscal year 2023.
VFW Accredited Service Officers are trained experts, helping veterans develop their case with ease by reviewing and applying current law, pertinent legislation, regulations and medical histories. As skilled professionals, we assist in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. Furthermore, we won’t hesitate to request hearings before the VA and the Board of Veterans Appeals to present oral arguments when needed.
VFW Accredited Service Officers are with America’s veterans every step of the way once they’re ready to file a claim. This is a service the VFW is proud to offer – FREE OF CHARGE – to anyone seeking assistance with the claims process.
Learn more about Veterans Affairs benefits and what to expect after you file a claim.
VFW Eligibility
- Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
- 2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
- – An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
- – Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- *This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.
- More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.
- If you are not eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary. You can learn more at vfwauxiliary.org.
- – Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
VFW Post #2978 Newsletter
- Post and District meeting schedule.
- Upcoming events.
- Reports of Post actions and votes.
“Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
General John Logan
General Order No. 11 (issued May 5, 1868)
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