The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

The Ladies Auxiliary VFW was founded in 1914 to help veterans and their families. This is still the primary goal of the organization. We have achieved our own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to VFW.

In 2015, the VFW National Convention voted to change the Auxiliary to an organization that included both men and women. This action recognized the fact that many women veterans wanted their male family members to be eligible to join the Auxiliary just as the female family members had done for so many years.

Like the VFW, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community. The Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. It is solidly behind America today as it was when it was founded. The Auxiliary is an integral part of the VFW and supports a host of programs which pursue issues of national importance to veterans. These programs are designed to preserve veterans rights, advocate a strong national defense, promote patriotism and offer community service.

Today, the Auxiliary is involved in a wide range of activities. The Auxiliary has programs for veterans, their families, young people and the community at large. Many programs have been expanded and now are commonly accepted institutions within the community and nation. Although these programs are run locally, they are also a part of a larger nationwide effort, administered through the Auxiliary National Headquarters. So deeply ingrained are such programs that the subtle guiding hand of the Auxiliary is often not seen or recognized.

While continuing to support the VFW and its causes, the Auxiliary has developed a social conscience of its own. With the paramount goal of helping families in distress, its members perform community service, fund cancer research, fight drug abuse and illiteracy, advocate for the rights of the elderly, and support the VFW National Home, Special Olympics, and other worthy causes.

VFW AUXILIARY OBJECTIVE

The Auxiliary is a fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational affiliate of one of the Posts of the VFW. It’s objectives are:

• Provide assistance to the VFW Post and its members whenever possible

• Provide assistance to the Auxiliary members whenever possible

• Maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America

• Maintain fidelity to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America

• Foster true Patriotism

• Maintain and extend the Institutions of American Freedom, Equal Rights and Justice to all men and women

• Preserve and Defend the United States of America from all her enemies whomsoever