A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots to 1899, when veterans returning from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine conflict began forming local organizations to fight for the care, recognition, and benefits they had earned through military service.
Many of these veterans returned home wounded or seriously ill, only to discover that organized medical care, disability compensation, and dependable veterans’ pensions were largely unavailable. Left to face these hardships on their own, they found strength in one another. Veterans in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania established organizations dedicated to fellowship, mutual support, and advocacy. Those early groups eventually united to become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
What began as veterans helping veterans grew into one of America’s most influential veterans service organizations. Throughout its history, the VFW has worked to ensure that the nation keeps its promises to those who served. Its advocacy helped shape the establishment of the Veterans Administration, the development of the national cemetery system, and expanded educational opportunities for generations of veterans.
The VFW has also fought for veterans whose illnesses and injuries were not immediately recognized. Its advocacy contributed to improved compensation and care for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, veterans affected by Gulf War illnesses, and service members exposed to toxic substances during later conflicts. The organization continues working to improve VA health care, including services designed specifically for women veterans.
In 2008, the VFW helped secure passage of a new GI Bill for the 21st century, expanding educational benefits for active-duty service members and members of the National Guard and Reserve. Its continuing legislative advocacy also contributed to the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, and the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022—landmark measures addressing health care, accountability, benefits, and toxic-exposure claims.
The VFW’s commitment to remembrance can also be seen in its support for national memorials honoring those who served. The organization helped fund memorials recognizing veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II, as well as women who served in the United States military. It was also the first veterans organization to contribute to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and an early supporter of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial.
That legacy continues through thousands of VFW Posts serving communities around the world. Today, the VFW and its Auxiliary represent more than 1.3 million members. VFW members contribute millions of volunteer hours each year, invest in local community-service projects, assist veterans with benefit claims, provide emergency support to military families, encourage patriotism among young people, and award scholarships to veterans, service members, and students.
For more than a century, the VFW has remained committed to a simple but powerful mission: fostering camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts, serving veterans and military families, strengthening local communities, and advocating for every American who has worn the uniform.
At VFW Security Service Post 6012, we are proud to carry that mission forward—honoring the sacrifices of the past while serving today’s veterans, military families, and San Antonio community.