Our History

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Who we are	Our History
Our History Our Membership Our Programs Veteran Services Ladies Auxiliary	The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
A Century of Accomplishments
	· Planned establishment of the Veterans Administration · Led development of the national cemetery system · Fought for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange · Encouraged elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet · Protected and enhanced the VA budget · Raised $500,000 to provide 300,000 care packages to Desert Storm troops · Matched funds for the creation of the World War II Memorial

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