VFW Regular

There are two qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our National Bylaws. An individual must meet both in order to become a member. They are as follows:

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 on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:

– An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
– Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
– Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

*This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.

More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here. 

If you are not eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary. You can learn more at vfwauxiliary.org.

VFW Auxiliary

Our organization is comprised of members from all walks of life with a common connection: all are relatives of those who served overseas in a location of foreign conflict.

Nearly 470,000 members in more than 3,600 Auxiliaries across the nation work to improve the lives of veterans, service members and their families, and their communities in a variety of ways.

When you join the VFW Auxiliary, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Support  Veterans, Service Members and Their Families
  The VFW Auxiliary offers numerous avenues for service, such as hospital volunteering, the adoption of military units and promoting patriotism. Anyone with a heart for veterans can count their membership as an important way to stand with veterans and the military community on Capitol Hill and in local legislative battles affecting them.
• Develop New Skills
  The VFW Auxiliary offers numerous ways for members to acquire and utilize skills such as leadership, public speaking, fundraising, event planning and community outreach.
• Network and Develop Friendships
  Through local and national events, members have the chance to meet people from all walks of life and many career backgrounds, creating a vast network of people who are passionate about veterans, service members and their families.
• Receive Service Benefits
  The VFW Auxiliary is pleased to offer members access to one of the nation’s largest networks of money-saving products and services in the insurance and benefits industry.
  • Discounted policies for life, health, accident, long-term care and dental insurance, along with many other benefit plans. 
  • Access to discounts on products and services that are important to you – including local offers!
  • Credit cards and certain financial services are available through USAA.