VFW Press Releases

1. 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Applications Now Open

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are now accepting applications from student veterans interested in participating in the upcoming 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program. Since 2014, the fellowship has brought select student veterans, who must be VFW members or membership eligible, to Washington, D.C., to meet face to face with their senators, representatives and staff members.

   Student veterans interested in applying must complete an application package that includes a 3-5 page essay and a 30-60 second video outlining program interest. Applicants must also submit a resume, proof of current enrollment at an accredited college or university and proof of military service. Candidates will participate in a virtual or phone interview with the selection committee.

   "When I say, 'One team, one mission, veterans first,' this is what I'm talking about," said VFW National Commander Cory Geisler. "The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program is a prime example of VFW members stepping forward to rally around a common goal and lead not only on Capitol Hill but also on their campuses and in their communities as they seek to improve the lives of current and future student veterans."

   Past fellows have earned academic credit for their experience, found internships, accepted additional academic opportunities and landed full-time employment because of their fellowship experience. Several fellows have even had their research incorporated into laws, which has a lasting impact on veterans, service members and their families.

   VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship opportunities are open to all enrolled student veterans who are VFW members or eligible for membership. VFW eligibility criteria can be found here. The program is open to all majors, and some students may be eligible for college credit.

   "The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship gives student veterans the opportunity to turn their lived experiences into meaningful action," said SVA President and Chief Executive Officer Cory Boatwright. "Through mentorship, advocacy training, community engagement, and direct interaction with policymakers, fellows learn how to transform the challenges facing their communities into meaningful, bipartisan policy solutions. Together with the VFW, we're developing the next generation of student veteran advocates, strengthening the voice of the veteran community, and ensuring those who have served have a seat at the table where decisions about their futures are made."

   The 2026-2027 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program is scheduled from October 2026 to May 2027. Chosen fellows will work with VFW and SVA staff on a shared policy priority and participate in the 19th Annual SVA National Conference in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 4 - 6, 2027. Fellows will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference, Feb. 27 - March 4, 2027, where they will join more than 500 VFW advocates to bring veterans' priorities directly to Capitol Hill.

   Travel expenses will be covered for both trips including airfare, hotel accommodations, on-site transportation to/from meetings and a per diem allowance.

   All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 15, 2026. For full details about the VFW-SVA fellowship and to apply, visit VFW.org/StudentFellowship or contact Gabby Kubinyi, VFW, at gkubinyi@vfw.org or Faisal Sulman, SVA, at faisal.sulman@studentveterans.org.

   The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is another example of the strong collaboration between the VFW and SVA that resulted from a memorandum of understanding signed by the two organizations at the SVA National Conference in January 2013.

2. VFW Condemns Vandalism of National World War II Memorial

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) strongly condemns today's disgraceful vandalism of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is difficult to comprehend that anyone would deliberately deface a sacred memorial dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, including the more than 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

   Defacing this memorial with graffiti and paint and dumping soap into its fountains is not an act of expression. It is an act of profound disrespect, a slap in the face to the veterans who served and sacrificed and to the families who carried that burden at home. It is an especially painful insult to the few remaining World War II veterans still with us today. It is personal for me as well, as both of my grandfathers served during World War II.

   These memorials are not backdrops for political statements, acts of vandalism or childish stunts. They are sacred places of remembrance that belong to every American. Those who visit them should show the same dignity and respect that we owe to the men and women whose service and sacrifice they commemorate.

   The VFW supports the swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible and urges anyone with information to immediately provide it to law enforcement. There are countless lawful and legitimate ways to make your voice heard in our nation's capital. Defacing a memorial to Americans who fought to defend our freedoms is not one of them.

   We expect accountability for this disgraceful act and a swift response to restore the memorial. We eagerly await the National Park Service's plan for repairing the damage and ensuring the National World War II Memorial remains a fitting and enduring tribute to America's Greatest Generation.

   America must never forget the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to defend our nation. We owe them more than our gratitude; we owe them our respect.

3. VFW Claims Clinic, Health Fair Deliver Critical Services at 127th National Convention

   WASHINGTON - Hundreds of veterans and their families received direct access to earned benefits and health care resources during the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 127th National Convention in Reno, Nevada, where the organization's annual Claims Clinic and Health Fair delivered immediate results through a strong partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Preliminary results from the Claims Clinic, which took place from July 25 - 28 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, show 142 veterans were assisted, 172 VA claims were filed and more than 100 compensation and pension examinations were completed. Final totals are still being compiled.

   Among the clinic's many successes was one veteran who received a 100% Permanent and Total disability rating on the first day of the event, resulting in more than $28,000 in retroactive VA benefits.

   "The Claims Clinic was a tremendous success," said VFW Washington Office Chief of Staff Mike Figlioli. "Every year we host this clinic because it creates opportunities to work side by side with our VA partners to deliver real results. Whether it's filing a claim, completing an examination or helping a veteran receive long-overdue benefits, we know these efforts make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families."

   The convention's Health Fair also marked one of the strongest collaborations between the VFW and VA in recent years. The Reno VA Medical Center provided support from the outset of planning and deployed its Mobile Medical Unit to the convention. One of only approximately 25 such units across the VA health care system, the mobile clinic offered basic health screenings and other medical services to convention attendees.

   "We had outstanding support from both the local VA medical center and national Veterans Health Administration leadership this year," said VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Gregg Orto. "The Mobile Medical Unit was a unique addition that brought health care directly to veterans attending the convention. We greatly appreciate VA's commitment to making this year's Health Fair such a success."

   Veterans took advantage of a wide range of VA health care programs and resources throughout the four-day event. The Reno Vet Center Mobile Unit recorded 734 visits, followed by the VA Suicide Prevention team with 649 visits. Other popular services included Whole Health (354), Veterans Health Information Exchange (323), Telehealth (310), Community Care (265), the Caregiver Support Program (232), VA Life Insurance (106) and Veterans Health Administration Member Services (83). The VA Medical Center's Mobile Medical Unit also provided health screenings, including blood pressure checks and evaluations for illness or injury.

   The VFW's annual Claims Clinic and Health Fair are part of the organization's commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits and health care they have earned. By bringing accredited VFW service officers and VA professionals together under one roof, the convention provides veterans with immediate access to assistance that can have a lasting impact on their lives.

4. VFW Celebrates the Coast Guard's 236th Birthday

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly joins a grateful nation in celebrating the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Since its founding on Aug. 4, 1790, as the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard has safeguarded America's shores, protected our maritime interests and answered the call whenever and wherever duty demands.

   While they may be the smallest branch of our Armed Forces, their impact is anything but. Coast Guardsmen have earned a reputation for answering every call with professionalism, courage and selfless service, often in the harshest conditions imaginable.

   Now serving under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and capable of operating as part of the Department of the Navy during times of war, the Coast Guard fulfills a remarkable range of missions. From search and rescue to maritime law enforcement, drug interdiction, environmental protection and national defense, Coast Guardsmen embody their motto, Semper Paratus - Always Ready.

   Whether responding to hurricanes, rescuing mariners in distress, interdicting illicit trafficking at sea or deploying alongside fellow service members around the globe, the Coast Guard quietly carries out some of the nation's most demanding missions. Their vigilance protects more than 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways and secures an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning 4.5 million square miles, which is the largest of any nation in the world.

   Please join the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary in wishing every Coast Guardsman - past and present - a happy 236th birthday. Thank you for always standing the watch.

5. VFW Mourns the Loss of Past Commander-in-Chief R.D. 'Bulldog' Smith Jr.

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is saddened by the passing of its oldest living past Commander-in-Chief, R.D. "Bulldog" Smith Jr., whose tenacity and continued advocacy for service members, veterans and their families helped solidify the organization's now renowned grassroots legislative efforts.

   Smith was elected as VFW commander-in-chief at the 77th national convention in New York City on Aug. 20, 1976, and dedicated his life to ensuring veterans had strong support in Washington.

   At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. He was assigned to the 356th Air Engineers Service Group, a unit that maintained B-29 heavy bombers in the 20th Air Force.

   Smith joined the VFW in 1947, at Post 4346 in Toccoa, Georgia, where he maintained his Bronze Legacy Life membership. Following a move to Washington, D.C., where he worked on the staff of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Smith returned to Georgia and resumed his VFW activities. He served as VFW Department of Georgia commander, going on to serve as a member of the National Council of Administration, Southern Conference chairman and as a member of several national committees.

   Smith's greatest legacy rests on his diligent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. During his term as national commander, he worked to preserve the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs at a pivotal moment in history. The VFW had labored for years for the creation of a dedicated committee to ensure the voice and needs of veterans would be heard, and when threatened with its elimination, Smith's leadership ensured VFW leadership from each state was present on Capitol Hill to lobby their senators directly, a first in the organization's history. The VFW's efforts successfully doubled the number of senators supporting the committee, and it is that same legislative advocacy and dedication that fuels the VFW's National Legislative Service today. Smith retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service where he served as the assistant director from the State of Georgia.

   Chief Smith understood that caring for veterans meant more than honoring their service and dedicated his life to the legislative influence the VFW is known for today, ensuring generations of veterans have had a powerful advocate in Washington. His service, vision and unwavering commitment to veterans have left an indelible mark on the organization for generations to come.

   Read his obituary here.