Serving Those Who Served

 VFW Post 12217 Post Cdr Rob Meade receiving All American Post Award on behalf of  the Post Membership from VFW CIC Duane Sarmiento at the 125th VFW Convention in Louisville Ky. 

 VFW Department of Virginia at the 125th VFW Convention in Louisville, KY 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a non-profit organization in the United States composed of veterans who have served in overseas combat zones. Here's an overview of what a VFW is, the services they perform, and how they assist combat veterans:

Purpose: 

The VFW's primary mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living." It was established to provide support and advocacy for veterans who have served in foreign conflicts, as well as their families. The organization aims to ensure that veterans receive the care, benefits, and recognition they deserve for their service to the nation.

Services and Programs:

• Advocacy: The VFW advocates for veterans' rights and benefits at the local, state, and national levels. This includes lobbying for legislation that supports veterans, such as healthcare, education, employment, and disability benefits.
• Comradeship: VFW posts serve as gathering places for veterans to connect with one another, share experiences, and provide mutual support. They often organize social events, meetings, and activities to foster camaraderie among members.
• Assistance with Benefits: The VFW helps veterans navigate the complex process of accessing benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes assistance with filing claims for disability compensation, pension benefits, healthcare enrollment, education benefits, and more.
• Community Service: VFW posts are actively involved in their local communities, providing support through various volunteer initiatives such as veteran outreach programs, youth scholarships, fundraising events, and disaster relief efforts.
• Veteran Support Programs: The VFW offers a range of programs to address the unique needs of combat veterans, including mental health support, substance abuse counseling, job placement assistance, housing support, and transition services for those returning from deployment.

Assistance for Combat Veterans:

• Peer Support: Combat veterans often find solace in connecting with others who have shared similar experiences. VFW posts offer a supportive environment where veterans can share their stories, seek advice, and receive emotional support from fellow comrades.
• Access to Resources: VFW members have access to a network of resources and information to help them navigate life after military service. Whether it's accessing VA benefits, finding employment opportunities, or getting assistance with housing, the VFW can connect combat veterans with the support they need.
• Advocacy and Representation: The VFW advocates for combat veterans on issues such as healthcare, mental health services, disability benefits, and VA reform. Through lobbying efforts and grassroots activism, the organization works to ensure that the voices of combat veterans are heard and their needs are addressed by policymakers.

In summary, the VFW plays a crucial role in supporting combat veterans by providing advocacy, camaraderie, and access to essential services and resources. Through its various programs and initiatives, the VFW strives to improve the lives of veterans and their families, honoring their sacrifices and contributions to the nation.