Veterans of Foreign Wars

VETERANS CHRONICLE

Veterans of Foreign Wars

By Wes Anderson CHAPLAIN, VFW POST #51

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 the 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. A national volunteer service organization, the Auxiliary of the VFW was founded in 1914 and is the backbone of many local VFW volunteer efforts.

Today the Veterans of Foreign Wars is America's largest and oldest combat veterans organization with more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in over 6,000 posts worldwide, comprised of 52 departments in 50 states, the Asia/Pacific areas and Europe.

Some of the priority issues of the VFW are: • Budget: Fund programs for veterans, service members and their families. • Health care: Providing service members and veterans timely access to high-quality health care. • Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service: VFW volunteers donate millions of hours of service annually at VA Medical facilities. • Troop support programs: Including Military Assistance, Adopt-a-Unit, Care Packages, Unmet Needs, Help a Hero Scholarship and 1 Student Veteran.

Youth scholarship programs are also a priority,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VFW

Left: VFW Post #3386 in Airway Heights organized a food drive at Global Credit Union for Fairchild Air Force Base. Right: VFW Post #9430 in Skyway organized a Toys for Tots drive for Joint Base Lewis McCord.

including the Voice of Democracy, an essay competition for high school students. The first place on the national level is a $30,000 scholarship. Two years ago, a local high school senior placed first in the state and went on to place 6th at nationals.

Another program is the Patriot’s Pen, an essay program for grades 6-8. The national winner receives a $5,000 scholarship.

Teacher of the Year recognizes one exceptional elementary, junior, and high school teacher, for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students.

Locally, VFW Posts sponsor various youth sporting programs as well as Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Junior Olympics, bike safety, JROTC, and a variety of other programs to build good citizenship and exemplary character in American youth.

Over the years the VFW has taken great pride in its history of service to its communities both stateside and abroad. Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliary members donate nearly nine million hours to community service projects, and relief efforts as well as local VA facilities each year. Some of those included earthquake and hurricane relief as well as well as donations for cancer research, drug awareness.

The most notable project is our Buddy Poppy Drive. VFW and Auxiliary members have spent countless hours distributing Buddy Poppies at a number of venues throughout the year. The funds derived go to all our relief programs.

The VFW has played an instrumental role in virtually every significant piece of veteran-related legislation passed since the start of the 20th century. Some of them include: Widows and Orphans Pension Act, Veterans Preference, World War Service Disability Pension Act, Benefits to WW II veterans, Veterans Re-Employment Act, Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program, Agent Orange Service-Connection, currently the Blue Water and Burn Pit Legislation.

The VFW has been an integral part of the Spokane community since1915 when the first VFW Post was charted. At one time the VFW sponsored the Veterans Day Parade, as well as a Drum and Bugle Corp at a local high school. VFW Posts within the City of Spokane have sponsored a number of elementary and high school students within the City of Spokane in its Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen.

Posts in Spokane sponsor local Boy and Girl Scout Troops. Members participate in rendering Honors for deceased veterans at the Veterans Cemetery, and provide Color Guard and representation at various functions within the City.

VFW Members and Auxiliary Members Volunteer countless hours at Mann-Grandstaff VAMC, State Veterans Hospital and the Vets Center. The VFW also has accredited Veteran Service Officers that assist veterans with compensation and disability claims.

Over the years the VFW has supported military personnel stationed at home and overseas. This Christmas, with all of issues with the COVID-19 issues, the VFW has stepped up to the plate. Gift and food baskets were provided to the military installations throughout the state. Toy drives were set up to provide Christmas presents for the children to those who are defending our nation today. A Tree of Sharing was set up for by a JR Unit for the Fairchild Family Advocacy to help the children at Fairchild. If it had not been for the countless members of the Posts and Auxiliary, none of this would be possible.

No matter the circumstance, the VFW will continue assist the veterans and their families of the City and County of Spokane.