VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Celebrates Veterans' Unyielding Commitment

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Nov. 11, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly salutes every American who has worn our nation's uniform, in war and in peace, at home and abroad, with gratitude, respect and humble thanks.

   Veterans Day is a sacred opportunity to pause and honor the extraordinary service, selfless sacrifice and unyielding commitment of generation after generation of veterans. From the hilly terrain of Bunker Hill to the front lines of today, men and women from every corner of our nation, every background and every walk of life have answered the call, united by the same oath. Their vigilance has preserved the freedoms we cherish and the country we love.

   The debt our nation owes extends far beyond the uniform. Military spouses, children and families serve alongside their loved ones, carrying the weight of long deployments, frequent moves and missed milestones with remarkable strength. The VFW is continually inspired by their resilience, and we will never forget the roughly 81,000 Americans still missing and unaccounted for. We will not stop working to bring them home.

   For 127 years, the VFW's mission has not changed. Day after day, VFW Posts and Auxiliaries prove that those who serve their country continue to serve their communities, and we will keep fighting in Washington and across the country for the benefits, health care and rights that veterans have earned. We will keep standing shoulder to shoulder with every generation of those who served. Together with our Auxiliary, the VFW calls on all Americans to join us on Veterans Day in not just thanking a veteran but also listening to their stories and honoring their service.

2. VFW Salutes the Marine Corps on Its 251st Birthday

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Nov. 10, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly joins a grateful nation in honoring the United States Marine Corps on its 251st birthday, celebrating more than two and a half centuries of distinguished service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the country it defends.

   The Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress resolved that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" to serve as landing forces for the fleet, giving birth to the Continental Marines. After a brief disbanding following the Revolutionary War, the Corps was permanently re-established by Congress in 1798. Ever since, it has been among the first to answer the nation's call.

   Today, the VFW recognizes the Marine Corps as the world's premier expeditionary fighting force, renowned for its elite readiness and its ability to respond in any clime and place. Respected by our allies, feared by our enemies and revered by all Americans, Marines have always embodied the highest standards of courage, discipline and devotion.

   For their immense service, sacrifice and dedication, the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary are honored to say happy birthday and "thank you" to the long line of brave men and women who have earned the title of Marine, past and present. Semper Fi!

   Watch the Marine Corps' official birthday message.

3. VFW Transition Claims Program Receives Grant from Fellow VSO

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to support its Pre-Discharge claims program. Through the program, VFW Accredited Service Officers process Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims for transitioning service members on more than 24 installations across the world. Last fiscal year alone, VFW Accredited Service Officers briefed more than 37,000 service members on their benefits and filed more than 14,500 claims resulting in more than $187 million in disability compensation, all made possible in part by WWP®.

   "Wounded Warrior Project's support of the VFW's Pre-Discharge claims program is invaluable to our mission, ensuring transitioning service members receive the VA benefits they earned," said VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Gregg Orto. "This grant will help us continue providing trusted, personal assistance at five military installations as service members navigate the claims process and transition from active duty. We are grateful for WWP's continued commitment to those who have served our nation."

   This year's grant will support VA benefits education and BDD claims processing at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Fort Hood, Texas. Large volumes of transitioning service members (TSMs) are discharged from the military each year through these installations, necessitating resources that can support consistent, timely and expert VA benefits assistance. In addition to helping TSMs navigate the disability claims process, VFW Pre-Discharge representatives also provide briefings in Transition Assistance Program classes and help service members understand additional VA programs they may be entitled to.

   The VA's BDD claims program is available to most TSMs who are between 180 and 90 days from separation or retirement and aims to grant newly transitioned veterans with their disability ratings as close to discharge as possible. Service members who have less than 90 days before discharge may still submit VA claims, but they are not prioritized in the same way as BDD claims.

   To learn about the VFW Pre-Discharge program or get BDD claim assistance, click here.

4. VFW Action Alert: Tell Congress - Protect veterans' benefits, Pass the Major Richard Star Act

   Protect Veterans' Benefits. Pass the Major Richard Star Act.

   On November 9-10, VFW and VFW Auxiliary advocates will be on Capitol Hill fighting for veterans' earned benefits. Americans across the country can stand with them by sending a message directly to Congress.

   Congress has two important decisions to make: protect future veterans from cuts to VA disability compensation and pass legislation to help combat-injured military retirees receive the full benefits they earned.

   Tell Congress to vote NO on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA) and

   YES to pass the stand-alone CLEAN Major Richard Star Act.

   Stop Cuts to Veterans' Disability Benefits

   The Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA) includes provisions that would help veterans. But Section 108 would change how VA rates certain disabilities, including tinnitus and sleep apnea, resulting in lower disability compensation for some future veterans.

   These cuts would help pay for other provisions in the bill. But Section 108 goes further by putting changes to disability ratings into law instead of allowing VA to make those changes through its normal process. That would make the changes harder to reverse, even if new evidence shows they should be reconsidered.

   It could also set a precedent for Congress to cut compensation for other service-connected disabilities in the future simply to save money.

   Veterans who already receive compensation would be protected from reductions under this provision, but future veterans could receive less for the same disabilities.

   The benefits of the other provisions do not outweigh the long-term consequences of Section 108. Congress should not improve benefits for some veterans by cutting benefits for others.

   Pass the stand-alone CLEAN Major Richard Star Act

   Under current law, some service members who are medically retired because of combat-related injuries cannot receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation at the same time.

   The stand-alone CLEAN Major Richard Star Act would change that, allowing eligible combat-injured military retirees to receive both benefits without having their retirement pay reduced.

   These veterans should not have to give up one earned benefit to receive another.

   Make Your Voice Heard

   As Veterans Day approaches and the 119th Congress draws to a close, make sure your members of Congress know where you stand.

   Tell your members of Congress to:

   Vote NO on TCAVA because Section 108 would cut disability compensation for some future veterans, make those changes harder to reverse, and set a concerning precedent for future cuts.

   Vote YES on the stand-alone CLEAN Major Richard Star Actto help combat-injured military retirees receive their full earned benefits.

   Honor the Contract.

   Send a message to your elected representatives here.

5. VFW Honors National Native American Heritage Month

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month and joins a grateful nation in honoring our Indigenous service members and veterans whose courage, skill and devotion to country have helped to defend the United States for more than two and a half centuries.

   The monthly observance dates back to 1990, when Congress passed Pub. L. No. 101-343 and President George H.W. Bush issued Presidential Proclamation 6230, designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month," paying tribute to the rich history and culture of Native American tribes. Nearly every president since has issued a formal proclamation recognizing the invaluable contributions of Native Americans.

   Native Americans have fought alongside their fellow patriots in every war since the American Revolution, when Indigenous allies stood with the Continental Army. In World War I, approximately 12,000 Native Americans served, many before Congress recognized them as citizens in 1924. During World War II, more than 44,000 answered the call, including the Navajo Code Talkers, who used a language many had been discouraged from speaking as children to create a code our enemies were never able to break.

   They have served with distinction, earning every major combat award, including the Medal of Honor. Depsite returning home to face barriers to full citizenship rights, many continued to serve, and today Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at one of the highest rates per capita of any group in America. Their service has made our military stronger, bringing adaptability, resilience, tactical expertise and a deep sense of duty and community that have strengthened units in every era.

   The VFW encourages all Americans to use National Native American Heritage Month to learn more about the history, culture and contributions of Native American veterans. On behalf of the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we proudly honor our fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms from the tribal nations, salute their immeasurable sacrifices and remain steadfast in ensuring their legacy of service is never forgotten.