Thank you for visiting our list of the most Frequently Asked
Questions. Below you'll find answers to the questions we receive most often. If
you can't find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us.
I'm active duty. Am I eligible for membership in the VFW?
- Whether you're active duty or retired from the military, you
are eligible to join if you meet our eligibility
requirements.
Can the VFW assist me with my VA claim?
- Yes. VFW Accredited Service Officers are trained
professionals, skilled in navigating the complex VA claims process and helping
veterans to recover billions in VA benefits and compensation each year. Whether
you're just preparing to file a claim or considering filing an appeal to your
disability rating, find a VFW
Accredited Service Officer in your area to get the assistance you've
earned - free of charge. And you don't have to be a member to take advantage of
this service.
How do I make a donation to the VFW?
What programs and services does the VFW provide?
- Since its founding in 1899, the VFW has enacted many
programs and services geared to meet the current needs of America's
service members, veterans and military families, as well to meet community
needs worldwide. VA claims assistance, legislative advocacy, troop support
programs, youth activities, community service and scholarship are a few of the
ways we work to give back to those who've given so much for all of us.
Am I allowed to bring my service animal into a VFW Post?
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers only those
facilities in which the general public is allowed. While a VFW Post is
often considered a private establishment, and therefore not subject to the
ADA's requirements, it may still have to follow the ADA. If a Post is open to
the public, then it becomes a place of public accommodation under the law, and
it must follow the requirements of the ADA and, therefore, allow service
animals.
- VFW Posts not open to the public that are considered private
clubs and that do not fall under the authority of the ADA should bring the
question of service animal access within the Post to the general membership for
a vote. Generally, the VFW views it as essential that our members with
disabilities who may, for instance, be accompanied by a service animal, have
access to their Posts and thus the VFW embraces the provisions of the ADA as it
pertains to the rules governing service animals.
- View the U.S. Department of Justice website's frequently asked
questions about service animals and the ADA.
How do I get copies of my military records, such as a
DD-214?
- You can contact the National Personnel Records Center at
314.801.0800 or via its website.
In addition to providing copies of military records, they are able to update
records to correct errors or reflect awards that may have been issued
retroactively.
Does the VFW endorse political candidates or any individuals
running for public office?
- No. The VFW's congressional charter prohibits the
organization from endorsing or otherwise supporting political candidates or any
individual running for a public office position.
How can I donate a vehicle to a veteran or military family?
- The VFW Foundation accepts vehicle donations which
provide funds that support a variety of VFW programs and services for service
members, veterans and their families. It’s a simple and easy process and your
vehicle donation is tax deductible. While the VFW Foundation does not provide
the vehicles directly, your donation makes a positive difference in the lives
of America’s heroes.
How do I update my donor information or remove my name from
your solicitation mailing list?
- In order to update your donor information, or have your name
removed from our solicitation mailing list, please contact our Donor Services
Department by email at vfwfundraising@vfw.org or by
calling toll-free 1.833.VFW.GIVE (1.833.839.4483).
How much of my donation goes to support veterans?
- The VFW operates as an independent, nonprofit organization
and therefore relies on the generosity of patriotic Americans — like you — to
ensure we’re able to provide much-needed support to those who deserve it most.
Over the last decade, 72% of each dollar of support received from VFW members
and patriotic Americans was applied directly to veterans service, community
service, legislative advocacy and military service programs worldwide. See how your support matters
to the VFW.
I am not a veteran of foreign conflict, but I have a family
member who is. Can I join the VFW based on their service?
- You must be a veteran who has honorably served overseas in
an area of foreign conflict in order to join the VFW. However, if you are not
eligible for VFW membership but are the parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling,
child or grandchild of a qualifying veteran, you can apply for membership in
the VFW Auxiliary. Visit the VFW
Auxiliary website or call 816.561.8655 for more information.
I served in Korea before the Korea Defense Service Medal was
established in 2004. How can I verify that service?
- You can contact the National Personnel
Records Center and they will be able to issue a DD-215 showing receipt
of the Korea Defense Service Medal. In the meantime, any sort of travel orders
or military documentation showing your service in Korea for at least 30
consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days will suffice as proof of eligibility for
VFW membership.
I think that I may have been issued Hostile Fire or Imminent
Danger Pay, but I don't have copies of my pay records. How can I obtain them?
- You can contact the Defense
Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for copies of your Leave and
Earnings Statements (LES) or they can direct you to your service-specific
finance office for those records.
How do I request permission to use the VFW name or logo?
How can my organization or business partner with the VFW?
- The VFW is always looking to develop strategic relationships
with companies and organizations that work to enhance the impact of VFW
programs and services directed toward service members, veterans and their
families. By aligning with the VFW, you will be associated with our nationally
recognizable brand and our more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members,
plus their family members. If your organization or company is interested in
working with the VFW, please contact the VFW Foundation here.
I’m not a member of VFW, but I would like to receive the
magazine. Do you have non-member subscriptions?
- Yes. You are welcome to subscribe to VFW magazine
for only $15 per year (10 issues). Simply view and print the subscription
form.
I am interested in writing an article for VFW magazine. What
do I need to do to submit the article?
- If you are a freelance writer wishing to write a feature for
the magazine, please carefully read and review
our guidelines before making a submission.
Why does the VFW send gifts to donors?
- We include token gifts in our mailings because experience
has shown us that our donors appreciate, and even look forward to receiving
these gifts. The VFW is not a government agency and receives no federal
financial support; we depend primarily on the generosity of patriotic
supporters. The items included in our mailings are inexpensive to produce,
and help us to raise more money than if we did not include them in our
mailings. Since our goal is to help as many veterans each year as possible, we
must continue to mail packages that raise the highest amount of donations to be
used toward our support programs.
- To customize the frequency and types of gifts you receive,
you can print and fill out the Mailing
Options form and send it to the address on the form or contact our
Donor Services Department by calling toll-free 1.833.VFW.GIVE (1.833.839.4483)
to let them know your preferences.
How do I find wall calendars, Christmas cards, greeting
cards, and other items received in the mail from the VFW?
- These items are offered to our donors through the VFW
Development Department. You may contact them by calling toll-free at
1.833.VFW.GIVE (1.833.839.4483) or email your request to vfwfundraising@vfw.org.
