VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Will Not Stay Silent While America's Heroes are Dragged Through the Mud

   WASHINGTON -The Washington Post has decided that America's veterans, those who have fought, bled and sacrificed for this nation, are the new villains of these last couple of weeks. Their recent reporting, suggesting that veterans are filing "dubious" or "fraudulent" disability claims to milk the VA system, is nothing short of disgraceful. It's a smear campaign against the very people who have given this country everything it has asked for, and more.

   Let's be clear: This isn't investigative journalism. It's character assassination. By cherry-picking anecdotes and twisting statistics, the Post is peddling a dangerous and insulting narrative, insinuating that America's veterans are cheats, hustling for benefits they don't deserve. That lie dishonors every man and woman who has ever raised their right hand and sworn an oath to defend this country "against all enemies, foreign and domestic."

   Here's the truth the Post won't print: Veterans aren't gaming the system. They are the system's victims who are forced to navigate a bureaucratic labyrinth that too often grinds them down, delays their care and treats them with suspicion from day one. Many spend years fighting for recognition of their injuries, only to be met with accusations of deceit by those who have never spent a single day in uniform.

   And let's talk about those injuries. They are not theoretical. They are not "questionable." They are the direct, documented consequences of military service and include blast concussions, toxic exposures, crushed joints, traumatic brain injuries and the invisible wounds of war that follow veterans long after they've come home. To suggest these men and women are exaggerating or fabricating their pain is not just offensive, it's immoral.

   If the Post's reporters had done any honest research, they would understand that the rise in disability claims is not proof of fraud, it is proof that modern warfare has changed. Thanks to advances in battlefield medicine, more soldiers survive their wounds today than ever before. But survival is not the same as recovery. Today's veterans are surviving with prosthetic limbs, chronic pain, PTSD and lungs scarred by burn pits, and somehow, the Post thinks the problem is that too many of them are getting the help they need.

   Even more troubling is how this kind of reporting risks driving a wedge between veterans and the very public they swore to protect. By framing veterans as opportunists, it plants seeds of mistrust making ordinary Americans question the legitimacy of the men and women who fought for their freedoms. That is not just misguided; it is harmful. Veterans and the American people are on the same side. We share the same values, the same communities and the same belief in service and sacrifice. Intentional or not, attempts to pit one against the other only undermine the unity that defines this nation.

   By reintroducing this harmful narrative, veterans who were already reluctant to file a claim for VA benefits will now be less likely to reach out to VA-accredited claims representatives for assistance. Representatives like Cindy Noel, VFW assistant director of field operations and a stalwart pre-discharge claims representative singled out by the Post, work tirelessly to connect transitioning service members around the world with the VA care and benefits they have earned. The Post's assertion of veterans' VA disability claims being "dubious" will cause a whole new generation of veterans to choose suffering in silence over risking being scrutinized, ridiculed and shamed for seeking the help they need and deserve.

   Let me remind the editors of The Washington Post of something they seem to have forgotten: When Americans go to war, they sign a contract with their government. That contract says: You serve. You sacrifice. And when you come home broken - physically, mentally or spiritually - your nation will take care of you. That is not a suggestion. That is a sacred obligation. It is the cost of freedom. Maybe the Post should consider that before scheming to exploit the plight of service men and women to squeeze more paid subscriptions out of their readers.

   To accuse veterans of "milking" the system is to accuse them of betraying that contract. But they are not the ones breaking faith. The Post is. The real betrayal lies in questioning the legitimacy of those who've already paid the highest price imaginable.

   The Veterans of Foreign Wars will not stay silent while America's heroes are dragged through the mud by the suspicion and misinformation of armchair cynics and data manipulators. We will absolutely stand up to anyone who tries to discredit our VA-accredited claims representatives. If The Washington Post wants to expose fraud, it should start with the broken promises and bureaucratic neglect that plague the VA, not with the veterans who depend on it. The problem to fix is not the integrity of our veterans, it's the inefficiency and delay that too often define the system meant to serve them.

   Our veterans do not owe America another thing. America owes them. It is time to stop the slander, stop the suspicion and start honoring the only contract that truly matters - the one written in sacrifice, sealed in blood and signed in service to the United States of America.

   It's time to Honor the Contract.

2. VFW Celebrates Veterans' Enduring Legacy

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Nov. 11, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its 1 million members salute in recognition, gratitude and respect, every American who has bravely put on our nation's uniform in defense of our democracy and freedom.

   For the VFW, Veterans Day is not just any holiday, but a sacred opportunity to pause and honor the extraordinary service, selfless sacrifice and unyielding commitment of generation after generation of our nation's veterans. From the battlefields of World War I to the front lines of today, their vigilance ensures the preservation of the freedoms and country we love so dearly.

   The debt our nation owes extends far beyond the uniform, as we recognize the vital support and immense sacrifice borne by military spouses, children and families. The VFW is continuously awed by their resilience and fortitude, while also lifting up those still missing and unaccounted for. The VFW continues to reiterate its solemn vow to the nearly 81,000 who remain unaccounted for, promising that we will never cease our efforts to bring them home.

   Veterans Day is at its core, a day of celebration and recognition, but this year our nation's veteran and military communities face unprecedented hardships. The government shutdown created significant uncertainty and financial strain, particularly for active-duty service members and our National Guard and Reserve who continue to fulfill their oath without the guarantee of their next paycheck.

   The VFW remains resolved in being the voice for veterans and remains dedicated to doing everything it can to ensure our uniformed heroes and their families receive the timely and equitable pay they earn. Further, VFW Posts around the country continually step up through food bank donations and distributions, financial assistance and providing other means of vital support to military and veteran families difficult and uncertain times.

   For 126 years the VFW's mission hasn't changed, and we will continue to advocate tirelessly for the benefits, health care and rights earned by all who have served. Together with its VFW Auxiliary, we call on all Americans to join us on Veterans Day in honoring our veterans, recognizing their indispensable legacy and ensuring their service is honored not just today, but in the years and decades to come.

3. VFW Salutes the Marine Corps on 250 Years

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Nov. 10, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly joins in with a grateful nation to honor the United States Marine Corps and celebrate its 250th birthday, honoring two and a half centuries of distinguished service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation it serves.

   On this historic milestone, the VFW recognizes the Marine Corps as the world's premier expeditionary fighting force, renowned for its elite readiness and its ability to answer the call in any time and place. Often being the first to stand in defense, the Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress resolution that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the fleet and gave birth to the Continental Marines.

   The Marine Corps 250th birthday is more than a date; it is a celebration of a legacy that has fundamentally shaped the defense of our nation. Respected by our allies, feared by our enemies, and revered by all Americans, the Marines have always embodied the highest standards of courage and devotion.

   For their immense service, sacrifice and dedication, the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary are honored in saying happy 250th birthday and 'thank you' to the chain of brave men and women who proudly earned the title of Marine. Semper Fi!

   Take part in celebrating the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, learn more at homecoming250.org.

4. VFW Honors National Native American Heritage Month

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly recognizes National Native American Heritage Month throughout November, honoring the service members and veterans of Indigenous heritage whose warrior spirit and unwavering commitment have enriched and defended our great nation for generations.

   The first official month celebrating Native American heritage was in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November of that same year as "National American Indian Heritage Month."

   Since the American Revolution, Native Americans have fought and died in our nation's wars. Their service is a testament to the profound patriotism and dedication to the land and the values our nation represents. We would not be able to enjoy the freedoms bestowed upon us today if it were not for their many sacrifices.

   Native American service members have earned every major combat award, demonstrating incredible bravery and skill across all branches of the military. With a deep sense of duty and community, Indigenous service members have provided the military with adaptability, resilience and tactical expertise.

   The VFW encourages all Americans to use National Native American Heritage Month as an opportunity to learn more about the rich 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 the heritage of our fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms from the Tribal Nations, salute their immeasurable contributions and sacrifices to our United States, and remain steadfast in ensuring their legacy of service is never forgotten.

5. VFW Still Serving Campaign Shatters Records

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched Still Serving in March 2020 to highlight how America's veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military. What started as a campaign became a movement as veterans across the world stepped up to share stories of their continued service. In 2022, the organization launched an outgrowth of the initiative, VFW Day of Service - an annual dedicated day of community service projects led by veterans throughout the world. To date, more than 3,700 community service events have taken place. The Still Serving initiative has continued to break records for year-over-year growth. For example, from FY2024 to FY2025, engagements grew 112% and Day of Service events more than tripled.

   "Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off," said Carol Whitmore, VFW national commander. "The Still Serving campaign reminds us that veterans, to include the collective VFW, not only give back to our local communities, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow veterans, helping them navigate their VA benefits, advocating for enhanced quality of life programs and resources and ensuring no one is left behind. Veterans continue to answer the call, proving every day that the spirit of service lasts a lifetime."

   According to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index¹, veterans average nearly 30% more volunteer hours per year and outpace civilians by 15% in charitable donations. Additionally, nearly 40% more veterans belong to a group working on community issues.

   Since its launch, 6.5 million people have engaged with the campaign through the Still Serving website, videos and social channels. Additionally, more than 3,500 veterans have shared their personal stories of sacrifice and service.

   Building on a legacy of service spanning over a century, the Still Serving initiative captures the essence of the VFW and its members, reflecting the ongoing evolution of today's VFW Posts as a place where veterans can seek support, share camaraderie with those who have similar experiences and give back to both fellow veterans and the broader community. The VFW encourages veterans and their families to share stories on social media using #StillServing to showcase how they themselves continue to answer the call to serve or honor a veteran in their lives who believes the spirit of service transcends military life.

   Visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.

   ¹2021 Veterans Civic Health Index