Lake County Gazette

Rep. Martin McLaughlin celebrated National VFW Day in a Sept. 29 Facebook post where he shared a little bit of the history of the day, including that the VFW as we know it goes back to 1899. He also wished veterans and VFW chapters a happy VFW Day in the post.

"On this day in 1899, a group of 13 Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans," said Rep. Martin McLaughlin. "Today we celebrate the work of the VFW and the organization’s mission, 'To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts,'" he added. "To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars elaborated on the history of the day in a Sept. 29 press release. They wrote, “Established on this date in 1899, a group of 13 veterans from the Spanish-America war and Philippine Insurrection joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans. Originally called the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the new organization differed from previous veteran fraternal societies as it not only opened membership to all ranks from all branches of service, but also to veterans of all foreign wars. In doing so, the young organization ensured its relevancy to every generation of veteran from that moment on into the future.”

Rep. Martin McLaughlin | Repmclaughlin.com

Membership criteria for joining the VFW includes honorable service in a “foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal”. This includes service in Korea after June 30, 1949, veterans of World War II, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, veterans of operations in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, veterans of Afghanistan, Iraq, and other smaller expeditionary campaigns, and those who have received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. The VFW also has an auxiliary for family members of VFW members, including spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Members of the VFW can take advantage of insurance and life planning programs, financial services, discounts on electronics, travel services, and the VFW PerkSpot Discount Program, among other benefits. Haircuts, medical services, and assistance transitioning to civilian life are also available, as are end-of-life services.