Eligibility
There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our By-Laws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member. They are as follows:
1: Honorable Service – an individual is serving or has served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
- In a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition which service has been recognized as campaign medal service and is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the Government of the United States, or
2: on the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters for not less than 30 connective days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or
3: While a member of the Armed Forces serving in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger.
*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.
ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS: The following is to be used as a guide in determining eligibility for membership and is furnished as a matter of information concerning the periods during which campaign and/or service medals were authorized.
JOIN
We understand the unique bond you share with other veterans of overseas conflicts because we, too, have been there. Since 1899, the VFW has been the nation’s leading veterans service organization in the fight to better the lives of all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States military. No matter which conflict called you to service, we invite you to join us. Stand strong with the nearly 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary as together, we continue to fight for all that’s good FOR VETERANS.
Annual Membership
As the largest combat veterans organization around, VFW membership spans the globe. We’re an elite group of combat warriors who have each other’s backs long after the fight is over.
Camaraderie. Empowerment. Access to a vast network of resources. Assistance securing the benefits you've earned. Numerous discounts on a number of products and services. With a VFW membership, you'll find all this and more! Further, your VFW membership establishes your place in the VFW legacy that dates back to our founding in 1899.
Your dues of just $45.00 will cover the cost of your membership for a full calendar year as a Member-At-Large for your state. ($1.98 of your membership dues goes toward your VFW magazine subscription.)
Membership Committee Chair ~ Lori Byrne, Post 1677, wwslori1963@yahoo.com
Life Membership
By becoming a VFW Life member, you make a lifetime commitment to serving your fellow service members and veterans. That's something to take great pride in.
You'll also enjoy many great benefits of being a Life member! You will:
- Avoid annual dues and renewals.
- Maintain your membership in any Post you choose, worldwide!
- Never pay an increase in dues—Guaranteed!
- Receive a 10% discount on exclusive VFW Store merchandise for the first year.
You can become a VFW Life member by making a one-time payment, or you can pay for your Life membership through our installment plan with an initial $45 payment and the Life membership amount billed over an 11-month period.
Life Membership & Legacy Life Chair - Frank Alger, Post 1677, frankwalger@aol.com
Legacy Life Membership
Legacy Life membership enables VFW Life members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization.
Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver
Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members. Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the national organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today’s veterans but the veterans of tomorrow.
You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions.
View our list of current Legacy Life members by state.
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