The VFW was founded
by returning Spanish-American war veterans to fill the need
caused by the discharge policy of the government. While these
veterans had won property in two oceans and given the United
States a newly found status as a world power, the government
turned its back on them. Even the most severely disabled were
denied hospital care or medication. Each private was given two
months pay ($31.20) and discharged. Each man returned home by
whatever means he could. All they received for their service
to their country was pain, sorrow, and an early grave.
On the night of September 25, 1899, 13 veterans gathered in a
clothing store in hopes of finding a way to help their sick
and injured comrades. These thirteen men founded what today is
the 2,000,000+ Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
In Milwaukee, on June 6, 1923, in the Badger Room of the
Wisconsin Hotel, then Commander-in-Chief Robert Woodside
chartered the Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign
Wars. These five posts have grown to over 350 posts scattered
throughout our state.
Each post is made up
of local members, whose interest is in serving the area that
they fought to preserve. This interest takes many forms,
including working with their community; youth, assisting their
former comrades in arms, assisting the less fortunate citizens
residing in the community, and projects that bring about an
increase in patriotism and civic pride.
VFW Veterans have not
ceased to fight for what is good for America, Wisconsin, and
their hometowns. They have merely changed uniforms. Perhaps
the actions attributed to the VFW can be best said by quoting
one of the men they served under in time of war.
"The VFW is truly a great organization of the most
patriotic institutions in our great country. It is indeed an
Institution- one that preaches, teaches, and practices
Patriotism. Over the years, the VFW has actively promoted many
important and timely programs."
W.C. Westmoreland
General, U.S. Army, Ret.
How To Join the
VFW
Wallace Chaffee Post No. 1679 in Ventura, California has a
very nice history of the VFW. Click the botton to visit
their site:
