The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), founded in 1899 by veterans seeking rights and benefits after their service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, has evolved from small local groups into a national force for advocacy. With a membership surging to nearly 200,000 by 1936, the VFW has played a pivotal role in establishing the Veterans Administration, securing educational benefits through the GI Bill, and supporting healthcare improvements for women veterans. Today, nearly 2 million members volunteer over 8.6 million hours annually, actively enhancing their communities and supporting veterans' needs.
