Why Join?

We are the veterans' advocate and have helped make today's veterans' benefits a reality. Your support helps us continue that path.

Historically, our membership roll call has included notable veterans like Alvin York, Audie Murphy, Carl Sandburg and John Glenn and eight U.S. presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and George Bush.

Truman saw VFW membership as a "source of pride and personal satisfaction because of the high ideals that have been exemplified throughout the lifetime of the VFW." John F. Kennedy equated VFW with America's freedom and security. Whether on the battlefield or in the classroom, our members are there, ever-ready to help those in need.

VFW membership is available to all U.S. servicemembers who have earned an overseas campaign or expeditionary medal and are currently on active-duty, in the Reserves or who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces.

Those deployed in Iraq and Afghanstian are eligible for VFW membership, as well as those who have earned the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border (AFESR w/GB), the Combat Action Badge (CAB) and the SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol Breast Insignia. A 1995 VFW Congressional Charter amendment makes eligible all those who have served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days on the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters from June 30, 1949, until the present.

Besides meeting the above requirement, the servicemember must be an U.S. citizen.

Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars entitles you to a free $1,000/$1,500 personal accident protection policy; personal assistance securing government benefits and entitlements for veterans; discounts on car rentals and hotel stays; and substantial insurance discounts, including pet insurance. In addition, you also receive a free subscription to VFW Magazine and enables you to join the Pentagon Federal Credit union.