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The VFW welcomes all who meet our eligibility criteria. It is through service to this country that our
membership has earned their elite status.
VFW membership is available to all U.S. Citizens, honorably discharged
from the U.S. armed forces and who have earned an overseas campaign medal
as indicated from the following chart:
The information is to be used for guideline purposes only. The separation document or DD 214 MUST reflect campaign medal service to establish eligibility. Service in Korea without the issuance of a campaign medal can be established with additional support documentation. Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay can be established with pay records. Besides the camaraderie and patriotism that you'll experience as a VFW member, these are some of the tangible benefits you will enjoy. Subscription to VFW Magazine. with free listings of reunions and claims. The award winning VFW Magazine is a monthly publication that keeps you up to date on veterans related news as well as issues of national scope. Access to VFW Credit Union. All members and their families are eligible for low interest loans, and other benefits through the credit union. VFW insurance programs. A multitude of medical, dental, auto and other types of insurance polices are available through the VFW Insurance Department. VFW travel services. Services include special rates on air fares, hotels, car rentals and more. VFW Visa® card. A card that offers no annual fee and low variable rates. Voluntary Member Benefits. Discounts on moving services, the AMOCO Motor Club, prescription drugs, medical supplies, vitamins. VFW's Purchase Power. A program that provides discounts on all major household purchases. Program Descriptions Americanism (Citizenship Education) Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to posterity and ourselves. Today Americanism is still around, but not everywhere. That is why the Veterans of Foreign Wars must continue to promote Americanism wherever and whenever we can. The VFW's citizenship education program is designed to stimulate an interest in America's history, its traditions and institutions, as well as promote patriotism. Community/Veterans Service The members of the VFW and our Ladies Auxiliary have a long time commitment to Community and Veterans Service. The Department of California, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States maintains a Service Department that is second to none. Veterans Service Officers are used to assist our veterans and their families in receiving their entitlements by filing claims and representing during hearings and or appeals. Veterans Services Community Service is an important priority in our country and a founding VFW tenet. The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service. Working closely with other national organizations, the VFW annually reports over 14 million volunteer hours. Member volunteerism benefits education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects. Military Assistance (MAP) From adopting military units to “Operation Uplink” telephone cards to donating TV-VCR units for American soldiers in Bosnia, the Veterans of Foreign Wars strives to enhance the quality of life for members of the armed forces and their families worldwide by identifying critical needs and providing emergency financial aid. Established more than three years ago, the VFW's Military Assistance Program (MAP) is a quality of life initiative that focuses on easing the financial emergencies of deploying service members and supporting them and their family through the hardships of deployment. MAP also provides one-time grants up to $500 to service members needing emergency financial assistance. In addition, MAP has forged partnership with various service providers, aimed at providing the transitioning service member with relocation and employment assistance Youth Development Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. In 2004, a new scholarship program --the VFW Veterans Tribute Scholarship-- was established for children and grandchildren of all veterans and active-duty military personnel. In addition to VFW's outstanding scholarship programs, Posts and Auxiliaries across the nation work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of America's young adults to higher ideals and greater personal achievement. Buddy Poppy Program A flower that evokes the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of a poem "In Flander's Field," written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. For more than 75 years, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare and the well being of their dependents. Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and domiciliaries across the country and are distributed by VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries. The minimal assessment (cost of Buddy Poppies) to VFW units provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans. Meetings: Second Monday of the month, 6:00 p.m., at Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave. Lakeport, California LIFE MEMBERSHIPThe VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making either 11 or 23 monthly installments after an initial payment of $35. The member will be issued a “Provisional Life” membership card and can elect, upon receipt of first monthly invoice, to pay via check, credit card or ACH Debit. The monthly fee (shown in the payment schedule) includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. The applicable Life Membership fee is to be determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on Dec. 31 of the installment plan year in which the application is submitted, regardless of actual date of birth. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon completion of this agreement. No refund of any portion of current year annual dues will be made. A “payoff amount” will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full, thereby avoiding additional service fees. If the member pays off early, no additional monthly fees will be collected. Join VFW Post 2015 Please contact us at the address below. Post Office Box 744 Lakeport, CA 95453 |
