History

VFW magazine is the official publication of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with a circulation of 1.3 million.

VFW magazine has been the voice of the overseas war veteran for more than a century. In November 1904, the first issue of the magazine's predecessor publication appeared for members of a fledgling organization called the American Veterans of Foreign Service.

Though only a handful of Americans were aware of it even back then, the nation was engaged in a war with fanatical Moros (Muslims) in the southern Philippines in 1904. Teddy Roosevelt was President, and he was determined that veterans of that war (then in its second year) be treated with respect.

Fatefully, a similar situation exists today. The difference now is that there is a highly respected organization available to meet the needs of veterans returning from the war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. And VFW's magazine is still here more than 110 years later to ensure recognition and respect for them.

From humble beginnings as a four-page newsletter, The American Veteran of Foreign Service evolved into a magazine that is counted among the top 60 publications (in terms of circulation) in the United States. That is something to boast about considering the fact that 19,500 magazines are published in this country each year.

For more than 10 decades--through five lengthy wars and numerous smaller campaigns--VFW magazine and its predecessors have taken up the cudgels on behalf of war veterans. From travel pay to a bonus to the GI Bill to VA health care, the magazine has spoken for the organization on matters of critical importance.

The magazine has strived to keep up with the times, but at the same time preserving the traditions held dear by members. Magazine covers have illustrated contemporary artistic styles and highlighted events reflective of the respective decades.

Circulation flowed with tide of membership. From only 1,000 subscribers in 1910, it peaked at 2,167,788 readers in 1992.

VFW's Publications Department has won more than 120 awards to date for the magazine, Checkpoint newsletter, books and graphic pieces.