About the VFW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. The VFW and its Auxiliary are dedicated to veterans service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.

In Alabama, our Posts serve communities from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast, providing vital support to veterans, service members, and their families throughout the state.

Our Origins

In 1899, the American Veterans of Foreign Service (Columbus, Ohio) and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines (Denver, Colorado) were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippines War (1899-1902).

These two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936, and Alabama Posts have been serving veterans ever since, carrying forward a proud tradition of service that spans over a century.

Membership Eligibility

Who Can Join the VFW?

To qualify for membership in the VFW, you MUST meet the following TWO requirements:

• 1. Honorable Service Must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
• 2. Service in a War, Campaign, or Expedition Service on foreign soil or in hostile waters, proven by:
  • An authorized campaign medal
  • Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay
  • Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and other smaller expeditionary campaigns, as well as occupation duty, qualify for membership.

VFW Auxiliary

Throughout Alabama, Auxiliary members support veterans, military families, and community service projects in cities including Cullman, Huntsville, Decatur, Gadsden, Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan, and Mobile.

Eligibility: If you are not eligible for VFW membership but have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible, then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary.

National Organization

Membership Size

More than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members serve in all 50 states and many foreign territories. Alabama members represent a vital part of this national network of service.

Organizational Structure

Thousands convene each year at the VFW's national convention to elect officers, adopt resolutions and discuss business affairs. Leading the organization are the elected commander-in-chief, senior vice commander-in-chief and junior vice commander-in-chief. The National Council of Administration serves as the VFW's board of directors.

Nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide comprise 52 Departments in the 50 states, the Asia/Pacific Areas and Europe. Posts form the basic local chapter. In Alabama, our Posts serve communities from the Appalachian foothills to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Priority Issues - Fighting for Alabama's Veterans

• Budget Fully fund programs for veterans, service members and their families, including those served by the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Montgomery VA Clinic, Mobile VA Clinic, and other facilities throughout Alabama.
• Health Care Provide service members and veterans timely access to high-quality health care without increasing cost shares. Alabama veterans deserve prompt, quality care at VA facilities and through community care partnerships.
• Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Ensure veterans and their dependents have timely access to earned benefits. Alabama VFW service officers assist veterans throughout the state with claims and appeals.
• Education, Employment and Transition Assistance Provide veterans the opportunity to succeed after leaving military service. Support Alabama veterans transitioning from active duty at our military installations and entering civilian life.
• Military Quality of Life Maintain a quality, comprehensive benefits and retirement package that is the backbone for an all-volunteer force. Support active duty personnel and their families at Maxwell AFB, Fort Rucker, Redstone Arsenal, and throughout Alabama.
• National Security, Foreign Affairs and POW/MIA Fully support service members and their mission to fight the war on terrorism and protect our nation's citizens and interests around the world. Honor Alabama's fallen and missing heroes.

Serving Alabama Communities

From the Tennessee Valley to the Wiregrass, VFW Posts across Alabama provide essential services and support in communities throughout the state: