FAQ
Who is eligible for VFW?
1. Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
2. Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently
serving.
3. Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.* This can be proven by any of the following:
- An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
*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. If a prospective member is still serving in the military, a current service record or history of campaign medals/decorations will suffice.
Click / touch the map to enlarge it in a different window.
This information is provided by the VFW eligibility website. More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.
Who is eligible for VFW auxiliary?
Step- and adopted parents, children, siblings (and half-siblings), grandparents and grandchildren are considered the same as biological parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren and may join the VFW Auxiliary under their VFW-eligible veteran.
Proof of service is required for eligibility and must be obtained by the applicant.
Information on a veteran’s service record can be obtained by contacting:
National Archives and Records Administration
Phone: 1-866-272-6272
Veterans Service Records:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
4-Step Veteran Request Process:
https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html
Military Records Request Using Standard Form 180 (SF-180): http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
If you have membership questions or need more information, please contact the national information office directly at info@vfwauxiliary.org.
What are the benefits?
The benefits to membership are numerous. From the moral and personal satisfaction of community and veteran service, to the discounts on technology, insurance, publications, medical services, and end of life support, the VFW is your partner in success. Find more details here.
What is the VFW AUXILIARY?
Established 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who have served in overseas combat. More than 475,000 members in nearly 3,900 Auxiliaries nationwide who volunteer millions of hours and fundraise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families.
Through our National Programs, we assist the VFW pass or block legislation that impacts veterans and their families, provide nearly a million volunteer hours in the VA medical system, conduct patriotic programs with thousands of students and offer hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for our nation’s youth.
Find more details here.
How do I apply?
Each post receives “credit” for new members. Therefore, if Post 549 feels like your new home, we ask that you contact us directly to apply. To speed the process, you’re welcome to prepare your application form(s) on this page:
Join Post 549 as a VFW or Auxiliary member.
It is also possible to initiate membership processes via the national website. Feel free to check out the online New Member application.
Should i be an annual member or a life member?
Why be a life member? You’ll guarantee you’re always part of the community. Endless social events. Charitable and community service opportunities. No annual dues. No due/fee increases. No bothering with renewals. Rates determined by age. You’ll benefit veterans and their families.
Here’s the different options you’ll have for membership:
Click / touch the table to enlarge it in a different window.
Do I have to be a member to attend events?
That depends. Anyone from the public may attend events such as bingo and karaoke. However, certain members-only events, such as post meetings, do exist; attendance eligibility at these events will be clarified as required. And of course, keep an eye on our events page and facebook page for the latest and greatest.
Do i have to be a member to rent the hall?
No! Anyone can rent the hall.
Can you help with an old american flag?
Absolutely! One of the things we help with in the community is honorable retirement and disposal of unserviceable American Flags. Check out our outreach page and then send us a note if you’d like. Otherwise, just drop the flag off at the Post and we’ll take care of the rest.