# The Veterans of Foreign Wars: America's Largest War Veterans Organization The **Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)** is a nonprofit veterans service organization representing United States military personnel who served in overseas conflicts.[1] Established on September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio, the VFW was federally chartered by Congress in 1936 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.[1] ## Historical Foundation The VFW originated when Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection veterans formed local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.[2] Multiple regional groups—including the American Veterans of Foreign Service in Ohio, the Colorado Society of the Army of the Philippines in Denver, and another chapter in Pennsylvania—merged in 1913 to create the unified national organization.[1][3] ## Mission and Purpose The organization's core mission is to foster camaraderie among veterans, serve veterans and military members, and advocate on their behalf.[2] The VFW works to ensure veterans receive earned entitlements, respect for their service, and recognition for their sacrifices.[3] The organization maintains legislative services and a national rehabilitation program in Washington, D.C., assisting disabled veterans with government compensation, pension claims, hospitalization, and employment preferences.[1] ## Current Operations and Impact As of December 2025, the VFW comprises approximately 1.3 million members across 5,556 posts worldwide.[1] The organization operates more than 6,000 local units and maintains advocates in all 53 VA regional offices and 20 military installations.[5] The VFW has secured major legislative victories, including instrumental roles in establishing the Veterans Administration, developing the national cemetery system, and passing the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008.[2] ## Contemporary Focus Today, the VFW