What is the VFW?
The Spanish-American War was a triumph for the young nation. Starting with an explosion aboard a ship that rallied the nation, everyone wanted to "Remember the Maine." There were stories of heroism from Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. The American Navy won battles. The countries fought in Cuba, the Atlantic Ocean and in the Philippines. America freed Cuba from Spanish possession as a result of the war. President McKinley declared the war as a "splendid little war."
The Spanish-American War was one of the few wars officially declared by Congress.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was started by James Putnam in 1899. The veterans of the Spanish-American War were the first members. The group started small and became one of the biggest organizations in America. To be a member of the VFW, a person had to serve in the armed forces in any foreign war recognized with a campaign medal. These are medals awarded in combat zones.
Past member of the VFW included presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, DD Eisenhower, JF Kennedy. Currently former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is a member.
This organization has a distinguished background. What about today?
The VFW provides scholarships, they lobby Congress on behalf of veteran's rights, they provide financial services for veterans, and they help veterans with VA hospitals.
The current Commander in Chief is John W Stroud. He served in the US Air Force for 31 years. The list of commendations could take a whole page. He recently spoke to Congress in March about claims processing. You can see the video on YouTube. Look for the title:
There are thousands of VFW halls around the country. In case you pass one by, they are an active and important part of our country.
You can donate to the VFW without being a member. I'll have the link below.
This information above came from wikipedia.com
Youtube.com
VFW.org (if you wish to donate or see the gift shop.) This link will tell you more information about this organization. www.vfw.org
The Spanish-American War was one of the few wars officially declared by Congress.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was started by James Putnam in 1899. The veterans of the Spanish-American War were the first members. The group started small and became one of the biggest organizations in America. To be a member of the VFW, a person had to serve in the armed forces in any foreign war recognized with a campaign medal. These are medals awarded in combat zones.
Past member of the VFW included presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, DD Eisenhower, JF Kennedy. Currently former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is a member.
This organization has a distinguished background. What about today?
The VFW provides scholarships, they lobby Congress on behalf of veteran's rights, they provide financial services for veterans, and they help veterans with VA hospitals.
The current Commander in Chief is John W Stroud. He served in the US Air Force for 31 years. The list of commendations could take a whole page. He recently spoke to Congress in March about claims processing. You can see the video on YouTube. Look for the title:
VFW Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud's Complete Testimony
There are thousands of VFW halls around the country. In case you pass one by, they are an active and important part of our country.
You can donate to the VFW without being a member. I'll have the link below.
This information above came from wikipedia.com
Youtube.com
VFW.org (if you wish to donate or see the gift shop.) This link will tell you more information about this organization. www.vfw.org