For this month’s Commander’s challenge, we are focusing on total growth in the organization.

For Immediate Release Certificate & Peace Medal Ceremony Will Honor Local Korean War Veterans

For the first time ever, a provision to eliminate the Widow’s Tax has been included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Veterans Day 2019 is on Monday, Nov. 11th, 2019. This Veterans Day discounts list will continue to be updated as we learn of more nationally available Veterans Day discounts, meals, or other ways businesses and organizations want to give back to Veterans. These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are being shared so that Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are aware of all resources available to them.

The “Walgreen's Scannable”, a fundraiser for Georgia VFW Foundation, will be going on from Oct. 6-19, 2019 in the 5th, 6th, and 8th Districts at participating Walgreen's stores.

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, Georgia. For the third year in a row, the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home has passed the annual Veterans Affairs Survey with no deficiencies.

Honoring and Remembering 600 Hometown Heroes From Georgia-In Georgia 160 miles-Milledgeville to Ft Benning Join us along the route

September 23, 2019 -- For Immediate Release State Veterans Service Board Reelects GDVS Commissioner

The estate of Joyce Nadine Cutshaw Tallman donates $10,000 to the Dept. of GA VFW Foundation, Inc. to assist Georgia veterans and their families. The funds will be used in various VFW programs that help our Georgia military and their families. Funds can be used to help rid our homeless problem, help with suicide prevention of our military here in Georgia and promote Mental Health Awareness.

Together with Sport Clips Haircuts, the VFW has awarded more than $6.5 million in veteran scholarships

The big question is why target dependent children? Please Georgia VFW Comrades contact their Representative and Senators Purdue and the office of Senator Isakson letting them know of VFW's position on this issue.

On Friday evening prior to 2019-2020 VFW Department of Georgia State Commander and Auxiliary State President, Jeff Carroll and Dawn Lemay WGXA-TV of Macon Georgia interviewed Vietnam Veteran, Past State Commander Al Lipphardt regarding his remembrances of Vietnam during this 50th Anniversary of the War in Vietnam

Congratulations Department of Georgia

The PTSD Coach app helps Veterans learn about and manage PTSD symptoms.

Congratulations To All The Winners

Certificate & Lapel Pin Ceremony to Honor Local Vietnam Veterans GREENE CO. - On Thursday evening, August 8, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., Vietnam veterans from Greene and the surrounding counties have an opportunity to take part in a long overdue public recognition of their military service at a certificate and lapel pin presentation ceremony scheduled to take place at Grace Fellowship of Greensboro, located at 1971 South Main Street (30642).

Dear Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US Leaders of Georgia

The highlighted areas of the above By-Laws are the recommended changes from the By-Laws Committee that met on May 3, 2019.

Comrades, Our Commander in Chief (B.J. Lawrence) has made a few changes to the current 2018-2019 National Membership Program requirements pertaining to Post and Districts, the specific changes that are highlighted are as follows:

A two-day conference focusing on women’s health and wellness is scheduled to take place in Warner Robins, Friday and Saturday, June 7 - 8, at the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center on South Armed Forces Blvd (31088).

Attached is the Commander-in-Chief’s proposed National Bylaw and Manual of Procedure amendments as drafted by his Bylaw Study Group.

Please share with all members, Post and Districts. Look at your family members who could be in the Auxiliary and are for some reason not yet, and reach out to past members.

Forwarded by Al Lipphardt, National Council of Administration Member - Georgia 2018-2022

Please join State Commander Tony Dobbins and congratulate the following Posts and Districts that have been selected to the 2018-2019 All State Team.

Please find attached the new issues for May 2019. Marti Vassholz Administrative Operations VFW National Headquarters

Please find attached the proposed resolutions from the Commander-in-Chief for the 120th National Convention, a memorandum from Adjutant General Kevin C. Jones and instructions for preparing and submitting resolutions and proposed amendments to the National Bylaws, Manual of Procedure or Ritual.

Dear Department and Post Leaders.

Lipphardt CIC Campaign Department Wide Fundraiser 2019 and Campaign Schedule

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce our new members directory.

Comrades, join me in congratulating our State Commander Tony Dobbins and His supporting team for the great job of putting together our new establish post in Henry County.

Funds from We Care are for veterans with an Honorable Discharge only.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to launch #StillServing, a campaign to bring attention to and honor the continued commitment and sacrifice of America's veterans.

The men and women who bravely defend our nation often continue to selflessly serve their communities and country in ways beyond their military service. This awareness campaign showcases how veterans continue a life of service and how their ongoing contributions are positively impacting our society.

"Veterans truly exemplify the best of America," said William "Doc" Schmitz, VFW national commander. "They are dedicated to giving of themselves, and the skills and values they develop in the military only deepen their desire to better themselves, their communities and their country through service. We are grateful for the millions of members who have made service a hallmark of the VFW and we're excited for the veterans who are joining now to carry this forward in new ways."

Building on a legacy of service that ...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce Twisted X has signed on to become the title sponsor of its annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen winners' trip. Twisted X, a longtime supporter of the VFW, initially announced its $130,000 multi-year commitment while presenting a $100,000 donation at the VFW's 120th National Convention in July 2019.

"Every year, the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen winners' trip honors the top tier of our nation's civically minded youth, and we're excited to bring Twisted X on board to help ensure this treasured tradition continues," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz.

Together, the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship competitions have helped foster patriotism by challenging students to examine the role our military and veterans play, our nation's history, its democratic processes, and their own role in Americ...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Representatives from CDW presented a $10,000 donation on behalf of its CDW Gives program to VFW Quartermaster Debra Anderson today in support of the vital programs and services the VFW offers to our nation's service members, veterans and their families, free of charge.

"The VFW was thrilled to receive this donation, which will help us continue to serve countless military and veteran families during their times of need," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "It's encouraging to work with great companies like CDW, whose dedication to honoring and giving back to our nation's military and veteran families aligns so well with our own."

CDW is a leading multi-brand technology solutions provider to business, government, education and health care customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW was founded in 1984 and employs more than 9,800 workers. Its broad array of offerings range from hardware and so...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - "In light of today's announcement from the defense department that 34 U.S. service members suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of Iran's retaliatory strike and President Trump's remarks which minimized these troops' injuries, the Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot stand idle on this matter.

TBI is a serious injury and one that cannot be taken lightly. TBI is known to cause depression, memory loss, severe headaches, dizziness and fatigue - all injuries that come with both short- and long-term effects.

The VFW expects an apology from the president to our service men and women for his misguided remarks. And, we ask that he and the White House join with us in our efforts to educate Americans of the dangers TBI has on these heroes as they protect our great nation in these trying times. Our warriors require our full support more than ever in this challenging environment." - William "Doc" Schmitz, VFW National Commander

WASHINGTON - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Washington Office Executive Director B.J. Lawrence, National Veterans Service Director Ryan Gallucci and VFW Department of Texas Service Officer Terry Eshenbaugh were named to the HillVets 100 Class of 2019.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from B.J. Ryan and Terry, three dedicated and committed leaders who fight and advocate for our nation's veterans," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "These gentlemen are the epitome of what the VFW represents."

Lawrence and Gallucci were named to the HillVets 100 list in the Traditional Non-Profits category due to their dedication and commitment efforts to bring veterans and service members' interests to the forefront of the national dialogue.

"This is a great honor, not only for me but for the VFW and the exceptional work our employees and members do on a daily basis on Capitol Hill and in our local communities on behalf of our veterans, service members and military families," said Lawrence.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud to announce more than 150 student veterans from around the country have been selected as 2020 spring semester recipients of the VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship."

"Too often I meet veterans whose GI Bill education benefits have been depleted. For more than five years, we've worked together with our long-time friends at Sport Clips Haircuts to ensure our veterans are set up for success," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "The VFW is proud to offer a scholarship program that keeps them from facing crippling student loan debt as their post-military life begins to take off."

Since the program's inception, the VFW and Sport Clips have awarded nearly $8 million in scholarships to more than 1,600 student veteran...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce it has teamed up with the renowned source for military and veteran news, Stars and Stripes, to offer VFW members a 50% discount on unlimited digital access to news and information on web and mobile.

"Stars and Stripes is certainly a trusted news source that VFW members know well," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "Our members are extremely busy. So we're pleased to be able to offer them quick and affordable access to news while on the go."

Stars and Stripes is the number one source of independent news and information for the U.S. military community, serving active-duty service members, veterans, DOD civilians, contractors and their families.

"From news coverage of veteran issues to informative online tools and publications, Stars and Stripes has always made our nation's veterans a top priority," said Max Lederer, Stars and Stripes publisher. "We recognize and respect the many contributions the VFW has ...

WASHINGTON - Ten Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members and Student Veterans of America (SVA) leaders were selected for the 2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Program Sunday at the SVA National Conference in Los Angeles, California.

The 10 fellows will now join more than 500 VFW members on Capitol Hill in early March to advocate on behalf of all veterans, service members and their families.

"The VFW prides itself on working with our student veterans nationwide to help build tomorrow's leaders," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz.

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is a semester-long academic experience that involves researching, coordinating, reporting and advocating on behalf of one of four veterans' policy areas: student veteran success on campus and beyond, improving veteran's health care and benefits, transitioning from military to civilian life, and challenges for service members and military families.

Each selected fellow submitted a policy proposal to address one o...

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) bids Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) well wishes on his retirement at the conclusion of the 116th Congress.

"Congressman Roe has been a staunch supporter of our veterans, service members, military families, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars throughout his career as both a veteran and public servant," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "Today, we thank Congressman Roe and his wife, Clarinda, for their outstanding service to the state of Tennessee and our great nation. Without him, the MISSION Act, Forever GI Bill and other significant legislation may not have been achieved for our nation's heroes."...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars is now accepting submissions for its 2020 National Publications Contest. VFW publications published up to four times annually, or five or more times annually, will be judged in four categories.

The categories are:

Department-level publications:

• Newspaper/Newsletter
  • Defined as being printed on newspaper stock.
• Best Feature Story
  • All publications judged together in this category and submitted separately. The story must be a published article of at least 300 words. It can be originally written by your newspaper/magazine staff or by a freelance writer, or be reprinted from a newspaper within your state. Feature articles published in online/electronic newsletters, newspapers or magazines also are eligible, but must be printed in color and submitted via USPS, not email.
...

WASHINGTON - After a nearly half-century long fight, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its veterans service and survivor organization partners claimed victory with the termination of the contentious and embattled Military Widow's Tax as part of the presidential signing of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act today.

"This is a momentous victory for the more than 65,000 military spouses who endured the tragic loss of their husband or wife who paid the ultimate sacrifice," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "Without these extraordinary spouses fighting in the trenches with us, the termination of the Widow's Tax may not have been possible."

Prior to today's presidential signing of the NDAA that included the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019, recipients of both the Department of Defense Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) faced a reduction of $1,319 - the current payout for DIC benefits. F...

WASHINGTON - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hosted 60 wounded warriors, their families and caregivers, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center staff Dec. 13 for the traditional Aleethia Foundation's Friday Night Dinner at The Capitol Hill Club.

"It is an honor to break bread, share stories, and be part of the healing process for these resilient service men and women," said VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Hal Roesch. "It was paramount that I attend tonight's dinner and show my appreciation and admiration that the VFW has for these amazing warriors."

VFW Post 2562 Life member Hal Koster, co-owner of a local restaurant that closed in 2006, started the weekly wounded warrior dinners in October 2003 to help support wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families though the early phases of the healing process.

The Friday Night Dinners range from $4,000 to $10,000 weekly based on number of attendees and venue. In order ...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Dec. 9, 2019) - A $1.25 million donation by Sport Clips Haircuts to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation will boost the impact of the Help A Hero Scholarship program that supports education for civilian careers. Sport Clips Founder and CEO Gordon Logan, who is a veteran and VFW Life member, presented the million-dollar-plus check to VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz today at the VFW National Headquarters.

"There's a common misconception that GI Bill benefits and military training are enough to secure education or training for civilian occupations, but that's often not the case. For many service members, additional degrees and certifications are needed to secure sought-after post-military work. There are 165 student veterans attending colleges and certification programs right now with the aid of Help A Hero Scholarships and more than 1,450 student veterans have benefited from these scholarships since 2014. This ye...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - To the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Monday, November 11 means, and always will mean, more to the more than 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

Veterans Day is a day of deep significance and it provides every American with the unique opportunity to not only keep alive the memories and accomplishments of every man and woman who has answered when their nation called, but to truly appreciate and understand the service and sacrifices our veterans and their families have made, and continue to make every day.

Originally established in 1919 to honor our nation's fallen World War I veterans, today Veterans Day now means honoring all who have bravely fought to preserve the freedoms and way of life we frequently take for granted.

Our nation is like no other in history, founded not on tribalism or classism, but on the rare and unique opportunity to disagree, and to worship, express oneself and live without fear of reprisal of unjust incarceration or execution. However, this fr...

WASHINGTON - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) stood in solidarity with fellow members of the Veterans Service Organization (VSO) community as President Donald Trump signed the National POW/MIA Flag Act into law today.

"This is a historic victory for every man and woman who courageously defended this nation and remain unaccounted for," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "Today's presidential signing and the daily display of the POW/MIA flag at all prominent federal properties now serves as a daily reminder that these heroes, and their families, are forever etched in our DNA."

Law now requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery, the buildings containing the official offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, office of the Director of the Selective Service Syste...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz presented a $70,000 donation to Park University President Dr. Greg Gunderson today in support of the university's research initiative into the awarding or denying of World War I military service medals based on racial bias.

More than 367,000 African Americans fought during World War I, yet during that time not one was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest possible military decoration awarded by the U.S. government to those distinguished by an act of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Historians, scholars and researchers believe systematic racism may be to blame, thus prompting the Valor Medal Review project.

The project is being conducted by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, the Valor Medals Review Task Force, and in conjunction with the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars on behalf of the U.S. World Wa...

WASHINGTON - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Service Officers recovered more than $9 billion in benefits for veterans for the first time this past fiscal year.

VFW service officers were responsible for the recovery of a total of $9,059,726,902 for veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"This is a true testament to the dedication and service our VFW service officers have for every veteran he or she comes in contact with," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "Our veterans deserve nothing but the absolute-best customer service experience that our organization has proven to deliver day-in and day-out."

This year, as part of the VFW's Century of Service, leaders issued a challenge to its Department service officers nationwide to assist as many veterans possible who required help in filing benefits and compensation claims with the VA.

"The VFW's global network of professiona...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars is pleased to announce nearly 800 participating BURGER KING^� restaurants will be raising funds throughout the month of November in support of the VFW's Unmet Needs program. BURGER KING^� customers are encouraged to donate $1 or more to the program with their purchase.

"Military and veteran families can count on the VFW when their military service causes unexpected financial hardship," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "But it's because of the loyal and continued support from thousands of BURGER KING^� franchisees and patrons that we're able to provide those families with the vital support they need to get through the tough and trying times."

The VFW Unmet Needs program provides grants of up to $1,500 to service members and military families who experience times of financial hardship due to military service. The grants help with basic life necessi...

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States provided six artifacts and personal effects to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency today as part of its promise to help advance the noble POW/MIA missions.

"Our VFW members, and their families, continue to answer the call in this very important effort to bring closure to those who lost loved ones during the Vietnam War," said B.J. Lawrence, executive director, VFW Washington Offi...

WASHINGTON - Military Times today reported that White House officials, including Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, are responsible for the delayed decision on additional Agent Orange diseases.

"In light of today's news regarding the continued delay to add four presumptive diseases to the Agent Orange list, the VFW is extremely upset and dissatisfied with the backdoor political games that are being played in Washington as the lives of our veterans are at stake," said VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz. "The health and welfare of our nation's veterans should, and must, be our number one priority."

According to the story, White House officials challenged the authority of former Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin and impeded enactment of three additional health conditions to the list of diseases eligible for Agent Orange benefits. The VFW, Gratitude Initiative Collaborate to Support Military Families

VFW Post 6786 First Site in Innovative Initiative Giving Veterans Access to VA Health Services Close to Home

Getting a Haircut at Sport Clips Haircuts Now Through Veterans Day Can Help A Hero

VFW to Host Facebook Live Event with VA

VFW Patriotic Essay Competition Deadlines Approaching

VFW: VA Health Care Trending in Right Direction

VFW Energized Growing As It Begins Its 120th Year

Wounded Warrior Project Renews VFW Service Officer Grant

VFW Statement on New Southern Border Initiative

VFW Statement on Wolfe v. Wilkie

Past National Commander John A. Biedrzycki Dies at 73

VFW Statement on U.S. Military Dependents Overseas

VFW, Sport Clips Haircuts Surpass $6.4 Million in Scholarships for Veterans

VFW Members and Their Families Are on the Way to Better Hearing Health

Applications Open for 2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

New York Veteran Elected New VFW National Commander

VFW National Convention Returns to Orlando

VFW Snaps 27 Year Membership Decline

VFW Calls for Return of Vietnam War Memorabilia

VFW Names 2019 Scout of the Year Winners

VFW Announces Top Veterans Service Officer

BK� Franchisees Kick Off July Fundraiser for the VFW

Blue Water Navy Act Now Law!