Veterans of Foreign Wars

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Established 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who have served in overseas combat. More than 475,000 members in nearly 3,900 Auxiliaries nationwide who volunteer millions of hours and fund raise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families.

Here are a few ways Auxiliary members across America serve veterans, active-duty service members and their families, and their communities:

Suicide Awareness: Saving Lives One Sign at at Time

Nickels for the Nursery

A Family of Firsts

Remembering Veterans with Flags of Honor

Aloha & Therapy: A Rehabilitative Scuba Trip

Sowing Seeds, Growing Goodwill

Auxiliaries Make Home Sweeter

Smiles for Veterans

Nebraska Group Sends Care Packages Half a World Away

Twin Missions: Sisters Support Veterans Together

These are the items that our Madras Chapter are involved in.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

We trace our 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 that would eventually band together and 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. Today, membership stands at more than 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at our nation's capital.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.

Please check out the latest fact sheet or visit the Madras Oregon VFW Post 12141

No One Does More For Veterans.

Our Core Values:

Always put the interests of our members first

Treat donors as partners in our cause

Promote patriotism

Honor military service

Ensure the care of veterans and their families

Serve our communities

Promote a positive image of the VFW

Respect the diversity of veteran opinions