In 1899, soldiers returned from the Spanish-American War to deplorable treatment. Many were impoverished, severely injured, even starving. Determined to help their comrades and families, two small groups of veterans came together and formed the nucleus of what would later become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW).

Their mission was clear: to remind our nation of the sacrifices made by those who serve­ or have served ­this nation in uniform . . . and to see to it that those contributions are properly recognized by a grateful nation.

Though the times have changed, the organization's commitment to veterans and American ideals has not. In fact, it remains stronger than ever.

Today, the VFW...

- Provides emergency financial grants to military families through the <b><i>VFW Unmet Needs program</b></i>.

- Distributes phone cards to active-duty troops and hospitalized veterans through <b><i>VFW Operation Uplink™</b></i>.

- Facilitates the recovery of earned compensation and pensions for veterans through VFW National Veterans Service Fund.

- Awards educational scholarships and other incentives to students through VFW scholarship programs, including the Voice of Democracy.

- And so much more...

To learn more about the work of the VFW visit:
<b>www.vfw.org/vfwatwork</b>