Top 10 Reasons Every Veteran Should Join the VFW

VFW stands for Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW has been in service since 1899. While many people have the assumption that the VFW is full of old men sitting around a table drinking beer and telling war stories…sure, there is a little bit of that, but there is so much more.

There are a wide array of reasons every veteran should join the VFW. In today’s post, we are going to provide the top 10 reasons every veteran should join the VFW. But before we do, here are the eligibility requirements for veterans joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars:

• United States citizen who has served in a conflict overseas

• Have an overseas campaign medal

• Received hostile fire pay

To prove eligibility, a veteran can use any of the following:

• DD214

• Pay stubs showing hostile fire pay

• Deployment orders

Here are 10 reasons you should join:

1: Camaraderie. Much of the civilian world just doesn’t understand the military world. Those who have been in do understand. Yes, they may have been in a different conflict. They may be older, but they do understand. If you are out at a civilian social outing and you use any military terminology, odds are you will get blank stares from people who have no idea what you are talking about, but when you speak military terminology at the VFW, there will be many who join in on the conversation.

2: Lobbying For Veteran’s Rights and Benefits. The VFW has been one of the best lobbying organizations looking out for military veterans in Washington D.C. Many top politicians are members of the VFW which makes an impact when decisions are made regarding benefits and rights for and about veterans. By being a member of the VFW, you will help this organization keep gaining everything veterans deserve.

3: Helping Local Communities. The VFW has many programs that “give back” to the local communities. You can find many different community service operations that the VFW participates in. With veterans talented in many different areas, they are able to provide services that help enliven the community.

4: The Military Assistance Program. Here is a system that makes a connection between local VFW posts and military units. They have picnics for military families, coming home presentations for Soldiers and units, along with going away programs. They provide support and mentor-ship to military units everywhere.

5: Unmet Needs Program. The VFW also has a program that helps military service members and their families who have fallen on hard times. If a electric or water bill cannot be paid, no food to feed the children, or any other need a military family finds themselves encountering, the VFW will come to the rescue. They pay bills directly to the creditor depending on the circumstance. These are gifts, and do not need to be repaid.

6: Networking and Leadership. Being a member of the VFW is a perfect way to network and meet like-minded business individuals in your local area. The VFW uses members as the leaders of their local chapters. It is a wonderful way to develop public speaking and build on leadership capabilities.

7: Insurance and Prescription Plans. Medical costs are outrageous. When you have a membership in the VFW, you also receive great opportunities for the very best life and medical insurance plans. You can also get a prescription card that saves up to 75% on drugs you may need. There are many medical benefits such as:

• Vision plans

• Hearing plans

• Health screening plans

• Funeral programs

• Much more

8: Discounted Services. Just being a VFW member gives the advantage of a large plethora of discounts. Showing you are a member can get discounts on:

• Travel

• Many retail outlets

• Financial Services

• Haircuts

• Electronics

• And more

When businesses discover you are a Veteran of Foreign Wars member, they will bend over backwards to provide you with the best discounts available.

9: Ladies Auxiliary. Another great aspect is the ladies auxiliary. This allows wives, daughters and other women within military families to participate in programs that are geared toward the females. The VFW just would not run properly without the Ladies Auxiliary.

10: Home For Children. When a parent has been deployed, or maybe a tragic death, the VFW is prepared to help children. Located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan is the VFW National Home For Children. Members can know that their children are in safe hands no matter what life may throw at them. Help for the children of military families, veteran’s families and the descendants of VFW members is available all because of member support.

Final Thoughts

It just makes great sense being a member of the VFW. At only $45 per year, members are helping in so many ways. You also receive a subscription to the VFW magazine.

No, the local VFW isn’t just beer and war stories…it is so much more than that. If you are eligible for membership, join. You will be helping others while you are also helping yourself and your family.

I must also tell you that I am not a spokesman for the VFW; I am writing this from my heart. The VFW has helped my family, and they have given back when others wouldn’t.

What are your experiences with the VFW? All comments are welcome, please do so below. Thank you for reading and have a great day.

Sincerely,








Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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