At the heart of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a critical mission born from service, sacrifice, and a shared responsibility to uphold the values that define the American veteran. For comrades and leaders alike, truly understanding this VFW mission and its obligations is essential to ensuring the oldest and largest veterans service organization comprised of combat veterans remains a relevant and powerful force for good in our communities and our country.
The VFW Mission: More Than Words
The official mission of the VFW is “to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.” This isn’t just a formal mission statement. Instead, it is the ultimate foundation for every action, meeting, event, and initiative we undertake. It calls upon each comrade to live with purpose, to lead with service, and to build bonds that extend far beyond the battlefield.
Understanding the VFW mission means recognizing that it is both historical and forward-facing – for yesterday, today, and tomorrow! It is rooted in the legacy of those who returned from foreign wars and chose to create a brotherhood to ensure that no veteran would ever be left behind – medically, economically, or emotionally. Today, that legacy is a living mission, evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of veterans and their family members while staying anchored in time-honored principles.
The VFW Congressional Charter: A Foundation of Duty
The VFW is unlike many nonprofit organizations in that it holds a Congressional Charter. That means its overarching purpose and structure are enshrined in U.S. law. Title 36 of the United States Code outlines the objectives of the VFW, which include:
- Preserving and strengthening comradeship among its members
- Assisting worthy comrades
- Perpetuating the memory and history of our dead
- Maintaining true allegiance to the United States of America
- Fostering patriotism
- Defending the Constitution of the United States
- Promoting good citizenship
- Assisting in the development of war service legislation
- Promoting and maintaining community service programs
Understanding these objectives isn’t just an academic exercise; instead, it helps every VFW member align their local Post’s activities with the national purpose of the organization. From service projects to legislative advocacy, our work must echo these obligations.
Obligations of Membership: Purpose, Not Just Perks
Membership in the VFW is an honor that comes with meaningful responsibilities. While many focus on the benefits [VA claims assistance, discounts, fellowship] it’s the VFW obligations that form the bedrock of the organization.
Members are expected to:
- Uphold the VFW rituals and ceremonies that honor our fallen
- Participate actively in Post operations and decision-making
- Engage in outreach that supports fellow veterans and their families
- Advocate for veteran rights at local, state, and federal levels
- Serve the community in ways that promote patriotism and citizenship
- Preserve the reputation and integrity of the VFW through conduct and leadership
These VFW obligations aren’t burdens; they are opportunities. They are what distinguish a VFW member from someone who simply thanks veterans for their service. They reflect a continued commitment to country and community.
Carrying the Torch: Living the Mission Every Day
Understanding the VFW mission and obligations means internalizing them as part of one’s identity. It means realizing that the mission isn’t confined to the Post Home or official events; it lives in everyday actions. When a member mentors a young veteran, when a Post hosts a flag retirement ceremony, or when a comrade takes the time to check on a fellow member, those are all reflections of the VFW mission in motion.
As the VFW welcomes younger veterans and expands its reach in new communities, understanding the “why” behind the organization is critical. Without that clarity, actions become disconnected and traditions lose meaning. But when every member knows what the VFW stands for and embraces their role in fulfilling that mission, the organization remains strong, resilient, and respected.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the VFW mission or the VFW obligations is about more than mastering paperwork or protocol; it’s about embracing the heart and soul of the VFW. The VFW mission and obligations laid before us aren’t relics of the past; they are a call to action for the present and future. And when each comrade steps into that purpose, the VFW doesn’t just survive; it thrives.
