Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
"To foster camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts, serve veterans, military personnel, and communities, and advocate for all veterans' rights and interests."
VFW Locations Nationwide
51 State Departments • 1,384 Local Posts
About Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is one of the nation’s largest and oldest congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, founded in 1899. The VFW is dedicated to advocating for veterans, service members, and their families while honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served the United States in overseas conflicts.
Who the Organization Represents
The VFW represents U.S. military veterans who served in foreign wars, expeditions, or campaigns. Through its nationwide network of Posts, Departments, and national leadership, the organization provides camaraderie, advocacy, and direct assistance to eligible veterans and their families.
What the Organization Does
- Advocates for veterans’ benefits, healthcare, and legislative priorities at the local, state, and national levels
- Provides accredited assistance with VA claims and benefits navigation
- Supports veterans, service members, and families through financial aid, scholarships, and relief programs
- Promotes patriotism, community service, and remembrance activities
- Operates a nationwide network of local Posts that serve as community hubs
Where the Organization Operates
The Veterans of Foreign Wars operates through a national headquarters, state-level Departments, and thousands of local Posts across the United States and abroad. Local VFW Posts serve as the primary point of engagement for members and communities.
Member Eligibility Requirements
Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is based on verified military service in qualifying overseas conflicts or operations.
- Applicants must have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces.
- Applicants must have received a campaign medal, expeditionary medal, or qualifying service badge for overseas service.
- Service may include duty during recognized wars, campaigns, or expeditions as defined by the VFW and the Department of Defense.
- Applicants must submit acceptable proof of service, such as a DD Form 214 or other official military documentation.
- Final determination of eligibility is made in accordance with VFW national bylaws and verified at the Post level.
How Membership Is Structured
Membership is administered through local VFW Posts, which are organized under state-level Departments and the national organization. Members may participate in Post meetings, community service projects, advocacy initiatives, commemorative events, and organizational leadership.
State Departments
51 States
VFW Department of Alaska
VFW Department of Alabama
VFW Department of Arkansas
VFW Department of Arizona
VFW Department of California
VFW Department of Colorado
VFW Department of Connecticut
VFW Department of Delaware
VFW Department of Florida
VFW Department of Georgia
VFW Department of Hawaii
VFW Department of Iowa
VFW Department of Idaho
VFW Department of Illinois
VFW Department of Indiana
VFW Department of Kansas
VFW Department of Kentucky
VFW Department of Louisiana
VFW Department of Massachusetts
VFW Department of Maryland
VFW Department of Maine
VFW Department of Michigan
VFW Department of Minnesota
VFW Department of Missouri
VFW Department of Mississippi
VFW Department of Montana
VFW Department of North Carolina
VFW Department of North Dakota
VFW Department of Nebraska
VFW Department of NH
VFW Department of New Jersey
VFW Department of New Mexico
VFW Department of Nevada
VFW Department of New York
VFW Department of Ohio
VFW Department of Oklahoma
VFW Department of Oregon
VFW Department of Pennsylvania
VFW Department of Rhode Island
VFW Department of South Carolina
VFW Department of South Dakota
VFW Department of Tennessee
VFW Department of Texas
VFW Department of Utah
VFW Department of Virginia
VFW Department of Vermont
VFW Department of Washington
VFW Department of Wisconsin
VFW Department of West Virginia