Citizens or nationals of the United States serving honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces in a foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal, in Korea after June 30, 1949, and recipients of hostile-fire or imminent danger pay. Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and other smaller expeditionary campaigns, as well as occupation duty, qualify. 

Those eligible for membership in the VFW are those that have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay.  Please feel free to come into the VFW Post and ask questions and become part of our family.

The financial hardship must be a direct result of your military service. 

Unmet Needs is there to help America's military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid grants of up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant - not a loan - so no repayment is required. 

For additional information, and to see if you or someone you know qualifies for a grant through the Unmet Needs program, please review the Unmet Needs eligibility criteria. 

Legacy Life membership enables VFW Life Members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization. Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members. Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the national organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today's veterans but the veterans of tomorrow. You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions. Take pride in knowing you're not only helping today's veterans, but the veterans of tomorrow. Join the prestigious ranks of VFW Legacy Life Members. 

By becoming a VFW Life member, you make a lifetime commitment to serving your fellow service members and veterans. That's something to take great pride in.

You'll also enjoy many great benefits of being a Life member! You will:

• Avoid annual dues and renewals.
• Maintain your membership in any Post you choose, worldwide!
• Never pay an increase in dues—Guaranteed!
• Receive a 10% discount on exclusive VFW Store merchandise for the first year.

You can become a VFW Life member by making a one-time payment, or you can pay for your Life membership through our installment plan with an initial $45 payment and the Life membership amount billed over an 11-month period.

Participants receive:

• The VFW Action Corps Weekly, an easy-to-read electronic newsletter that highlights the VFW’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
• Immediate access to a nationwide database of contact information for all elected officials, a congressional directory.
• Regular VFW “Action Alerts” on how to get involved when our nation’s veterans, service members and their families need their voices heard on Capitol Hill. 

Thanks to the generosity of caring Americans like you, VFW National Legislative Service is a tireless watchdog and advocate for veterans on Capitol Hill. No other veterans' organization maintains the presence — and prestige — of the VFW.

To date, the VFW has played an instrumental role in nearly every major piece of veterans' legislation in the 20th and 21st centuries. We’ll continue for another century with the power of a grateful nation at our side.

National Legislation Veterans First