Veterans of Foreign Wars

Last updated

Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States
AbbreviationVFW
EstablishedSeptember 29, 1899
(125 years ago)
 (1899-09-29) [1]
FounderJames C. Putnam [2]
Founded at Columbus, Ohio, U.S. [2]
Merger ofAmerican Veterans of Foreign Service (organized on September 29, 1899, at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) and the Army of the Philippines (organized on December 12, 1899, at Denver, Colorado, U.S., as the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines) [3]
Type 501(c)(19), war veterans' organization [4]
44-0474290
Purpose Fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational [5]
Headquarters406 West 34th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Coordinates 39°04′01″N94°35′27″W / 39.06694°N 94.59083°W / 39.06694; -94.59083
Area served
Worldwide
Membership (2018)
1,159,428
Official language
English [6]
Duane Sarmiento (NJ)
Since July 27, 2023
Alfred J. Lipphardt (GA)
Since July 27, 2023
Carol Whitmore (IA)
Since July 27, 2023
National Council of Administration
63 voting members
  • 8 elected officers
  • 3 appointed officers
  • 52 elected members
Main organ
VFW National Convention
Subsidiaries
Affiliations Student Veterans of America
Revenue (2015)
US$98,724,340 [4]
Expenses (2015)US$89,099,521 [4]
Employees (2014)
224 [4]
Volunteers (2014)
3,000 [4]
Website www.vfw.org
Formerly called
Army of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico [3]

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), formally the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, is an organization of United States war veterans who fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace as military service members. [5] [7] Established on September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio, [8] the VFW is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. [2] [1] It was federally chartered in 1936. [9]

Contents

History

75th Anniversary 10c postage stamp (1974) Veterans of Foreign Wars 10c 1974 issue U.S. stamp.jpg
75th Anniversary 10c postage stamp (1974)

The VFW resulted from the amalgamation of several societies formed immediately following the Spanish–American War. In 1899, little groups of veterans returning from campaigning in Cuba and the Philippine Islands, founded local societies upon a spirit of comradeship known only to those who faced the dangers of that war side by side. Similar experiences and a common language drew them together. [2] The American Veterans of Foreign Service (predecessor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) was established in Columbus, Ohio, September 29, 1899, by Spanish‑American War veteran James C. Putnam. [10] The Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines, was organized in Denver, Colorado, on December 12, 1899, by General Irving Hale of Denver, Colorado. [11] Shortly thereafter, a society known as the Foreign Service Veterans was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 1901. The Ohio-based group and the Pittsburgh-based group held a joint convention in 1905, where the two groups merged. Merging the final two groups was talked about as early as 1908 but was not accomplished until 1913. [12] In August 1913 an encampment was held in Denver and they merged their interests and identities in a national organization now known as the VFW. [2]

Purpose

The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc." [7]

Redesigned in November 2018, the official logo of the VFW includes an artistic representation of service stripes, easily recognizable insignia indicative of military service. Worn on most service uniforms, they denote length of service. As such, the first and leaner of the two service stripes represents the VFW's entry into its second century of service to America's veterans, service members and their families. The second, broader stripe represents its first century of service, spanning back to 1899.

Great Seal

The Cross of Malta is the VFW's official emblem. [13] The cross, radiating rays, and Great Seal of the United States together symbolize the character, vows and purposes distinguishing VFW as an order of warriors who have traveled far from home to defend sacred principles. Its eight points represent the beatitudes prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers; blessed are they who mourn, seek righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The eight-pointed Cross of Malta harks back to the Crusades, launched during the 12th century. [14]

Eligibility

Membership in the VFW is restricted to any active or honorably discharged officer or enlisted person who is a citizen of the United States and who has served in its armed forces "in any foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service shall be recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States military campaign medal." [7]

The following is a list of U.S. campaign medals, ribbons, and badges used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to determine membership eligibility. [15]

Eligibility guide
Campaign medalStart dateEnd date
Navy Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Navy Expeditionary February 12, 1874Open
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Marine Corps Expeditionary February 12, 1874Open
Spanish Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Spanish Campaign April 20, 1898December 10, 1898
Army of Cuban Occupation ribbon.svg Army of Cuban Occupation July 18, 1898May 20, 1902
Army of Puerto Rican Occupation ribbon.svg Army of Puerto Rican Occupation August 14, 1898December 10, 1898
Philippine Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Philippine Campaign February 4, 1899December 31, 1913
China Campaign Medal ribbon.svg China Relief Expedition April 5, 1900May 27, 1901
Army of Cuban Pacification ribbon.svg Cuban Pacification September 12, 1906April 1, 1909
Mexican Service Medal ribbon.svg Mexican Service April 12, 1911June 16, 1919
Nicaraguan Campaign ribbon 1912.svg First Nicaraguan Campaign July 29, 1912November 14, 1912
Haitian Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Haitian Campaign April 9, 1915June 15, 1920
Dominican Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Dominican Campaign May 4, 1916December 5, 1916
World War I Victory Medal ribbon.svg World War I Victory (with battle or service clasp – including Siberia and European Russia)April 6, 1917April 1, 1920
Army of Occupation of Germany ribbon.svg Army of Occupation of Germany November 12, 1918July 11, 1923
Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal ribbon.png Second Nicaraguan Campaign August 27, 1926January 2, 1933
Yangtze Service Medal ribbon.svg Yangtze Service September 3, 1926December 31, 1932
China Service Medal ribbon.svg China Service July 7, 1937April 1, 1957
American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg American Defense Service (with foreign service clasp)September 8, 1939December 7, 1941
Combat Infantry Badge.svg Combat Infantryman Badge December 6, 1941Open
Combat Medical Badge, 1st award.svg Combat Medical Badge December 6, 1941Open
Combat Action Ribbon.svg Navy Combat Action December 6, 1941Open
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon.svg European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign December 7, 1941November 8, 1945
American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg American Campaign (30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty outside continental limits of the U.S.)December 7, 1941March 2, 1946
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Asiatic–Pacific Campaign December 7, 1941March 2, 1946
Army of Occupation ribbon.svg Navy Occupation Service May 8, 1945October 25, 1955
Army of Occupation ribbon.svg Army of Occupation (30 consecutive days of duty)May 9, 1945October 2, 1990
Korean Service Medal ribbon.svg Korean Service June 27, 1950July 27, 1954
Korea Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg Korea Defense Service July 28, 1954Open
Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg Vietnam Service July 1, 1958April 30, 1975
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Armed Forces Expeditionary July 1, 1958Open
Silver Navy Submarine Patrol Insignia.jpg
SubGoldPatrol.jpg SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia, in silver and gold
January 21, 1961Open
United States Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon.svg Coast Guard Combat Action May 1, 1975Open
Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon.svg Southwest Asia Service August 2, 1990November 30, 1995
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame.png Air Force Expeditionary Service (with gold border)October 1, 1999Open
Kosovo Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Kosovo Campaign March 24, 1999December 31, 2013
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary September 11, 2001Open
Afghanistan Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Afghanistan Campaign September 11, 2001Open [16]
Air Force Combat Action ribbon.svg Air Force Combat Action September 11, 2001Open
Combat Action Badge.svg Combat Action Badge September 18, 2001Open
Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Iraq Campaign March 19, 2003December 31, 2011
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Inherent Resolve Campaign June 15, 2014Open

Refusal to admit WWII Japanese American veterans

Despite their distinguished record, many posts and departments refused Japanese-American veterans entry into the VFW. In Chicago, white officers from the 442nd RCT advocated for a group's charter to form a segregated American Legion post in 1946. In Sacramento, California, another group found Alva Fleming, a sympathetic member in VFW district leadership who approved the charter of Nisei VFW Post 8985 on 7 February 1947. Fleming would go on to become State Commander for the Department of California, and considered to be the driving force in the founding of a total of 14 Nisei VFW posts throughout California, posts 8985 in Sacramento, Monterey post 1629, Gardena post 1961, Garden Grove post 3670, San Fernando post 4140, San Diego post 4851, Hanford post 5869, Oceanside post 6945, Fresno post 8499, Watsonville post 9446, San Francisco post 9879, East Los Angeles post 9902, Los Angeles post 9938, and San Jose post 9970, all still active today. Nisei veterans in the Pacific Northwest were not so lucky, unable to find anyone willing to do the same there despite letters of support from Colonel Virgil R. Miller and General Lucian Truscott. Although VFW national commanders Jean Brunner and Joseph Stack condemned the actions of local posts, their bylaws at the time promoted autonomy in individual posts and were powerless to prevent the discrimination. They could only offer them membership as members-at-large. Unwilling to be treated as a second class members, the PNW Nisei decided to form their own independent veterans organization when neither the VFW or the American Legion would accept them as members nor grant them charters for a segregated post. [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]

Vietnam veterans membership controversy

The VFW initially refused membership for Vietnam War veterans. [23] [24] [25] [26] At the time, most incumbent VFW members were World War II and Korean War veterans. Many of these WWII veterans were of the opinion that the conflict in Vietnam was a "police action" and in their minds did not qualify as a war, despite the Korean War also being a "police action" with no formal declaration of war. This rationale was used to deny membership to many Vietnam War veterans across the country. Many of these WWII veterans blamed Vietnam War veterans for losing the war. In the years since, many veterans of the Vietnam War have refused to join the VFW due to this, and many older posts now find themselves struggling to survive as WWII and Korea vets have either died or are no longer active, and younger Iraq and Afghanistan veterans do not feel comfortable joining a dying post.

Membership and structure

As of 2020 the VFW has 1.6 million members and Auxiliary members, forming 6,000 local chapters known as Posts, grouped into 52 Departments covering the 50 states, the Asia-Pacific area, and Europe. [27]

Support and assistance programs

The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation. This includes providing free, professional help filing or appealing a VA claim, offering scholarships for post-secondary education or providing emergency financial relief.

VA claims and separation assistance

The VFW's National Veterans Service program consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and pre-discharge representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. The VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped $8.3 billion in earned benefits, including $1.4 billion in new claims in 2018 alone. [28]

Pre-discharge

With offices located on or near major military installations across the country, VFW Pre-Discharge representatives guide military personnel through the veterans claims process and conduct physical examinations prior to their separation from active duty. They are also ready to answer questions about education and medical benefits, as well as VA home loans. [29]

Student veteran support

M60 Main Battle Tank on display in front of C. Robert Arvin Post No. 2408, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at Ypsilanti, Michigan (2010) VFW post 2408 Ypsilanti 2.JPG
M60 Main Battle Tank on display in front of C. Robert Arvin Post No. 2408, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at Ypsilanti, Michigan (2010)

Help A Hero Scholarship

Established in 2014, the VFW's Help A Hero Scholarship provides service members and veterans with financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive U.S. student loan debt. [30]  

1 Student Veteran

To help ensure student veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner and have a place to turn to if they need help, the VFW, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America (SVA), have developed the 1 Student Veteran program. 1 Student Veteran offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits. [30]

VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship grants ten exemplary student veterans (fellows) the chance to join the VFW legislative team on Capitol Hill during the VFW Legislative Conference. The fellows will walk the halls of Congress, educating their legislators on the issues facing today's student veterans and have the opportunity to meet with policy-makers from federal agencies responsible for implementing veterans' policy. [31]

Veterans and Military Support Programs

The VFW's Veterans & Military Support Programs is the umbrella for three successful, long-standing programs; Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, and the Military Assistance Program (MAP). These initiatives focus on troop support. [32]

Military Assistance Program

MAP is the link between the VFW and the community. MAP is designed to promote VFW interaction within the local military community through the Adopt-A-Unit Program. MAP Grants are available to posts, districts, and departments who participate in a variety of morale boosting functions such as farewell and welcome home events. [32]

Operation Uplink keeps military members in contact with their loved ones by allowing deployed troops to call home at no charge from MWR internet cafés in Afghanistan, Kuwait and other locations all around the world. Operation Uplink also distributes "virtual pins" which enable wounded warriors and veterans in Veterans Affairs facilities to call from home at no cost. [32]

Unmet Needs

Unmet Needs assists military service members and their families who run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other hardships directly related to military service. Assistance is in the form of a grant of up to US$1,500. Unmet Needs assists with basic life needs such as: mortgage and rent, home and auto repairs, insurance, utilities, food and clothing. [32]

Programs

The VFW promotes civic responsibility, patriotism, and supports youth and local programs in communities across America.

Voice of Democracy

Voice of Democracy logo Voice of Democracy Logo.svg
Voice of Democracy logo

Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the US$2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW's Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. [33] The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.

Patriot's Pen

Patriot's Pen challenges students from grades 6-8, to enter to win one of 46 national awards totaling US$55,000, as well as $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the national first-place winner. Students draft a 300-400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic, annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander in Chief. [33]

Scout of the Year

Scout of the Year selects three young people – of the Boy or Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew – who have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives a US$5,000 award, the second-place winner receives a US$3,000 award and the third-place winner receives US$1,000. [33]

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW recognizes the nation's top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics – at least half of the school day in a classroom environment – and promote America's history, traditions and institutions effectively. [33]

Community service

The VFW host events across America, as well as giving grants and helping at large-scale volunteer events. [33]

Publications

The VFW has published the monthly VFW Magazine since January 1951. It was known as Foreign Service from 1914 to 50.

Notable commanders

Notable national commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have included: [34]

Notable members

Notable members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States include: [35] [36]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese-American service in World War II</span> Japanese Americans serving the United States in World War II

During the early years of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes on the West Coast because military leaders and public opinion combined to fan unproven fears of sabotage. As the war progressed, many of the young Nisei, Japanese immigrants' children who were born with American citizenship, volunteered or were drafted to serve in the United States military. Japanese Americans served in all the branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Merchant Marine. An estimated 33,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II, of which 20,000 joined the Army. Approximately 800 were killed in action.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterans Day</span> Federal holiday in the United States

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It began, and now coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Legion</span> Organization of U.S. war veterans

The American Legion, commonly known as the Legion, is an organization of U.S. war veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It comprises state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, in turn made up of local posts. It was established in March 1919 in Paris, France, by officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.). It was subsequently chartered by the 66th U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Hagel</span> American veteran and politician (born 1946)

Charles Timothy Hagel is an American military veteran and former politician who served as the 24th United States secretary of defense from 2013 to 2015 in the administration of Barack Obama. He previously served as chairman of the president's Intelligence Advisory Board from 2009 to 2013 and as a United States senator representing Nebraska from 1997 to 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)</span> Infantry regiment of the United States Army

The 442nd Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army. The regiment including the 100th Infantry Battalion is best known as the most decorated in U.S. military history, and as a fighting unit composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry (Nisei) who fought in World War II. Beginning in 1944, the regiment fought primarily in the European Theatre, in particular Italy, southern France, and Germany. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) was organized on March 23, 1943, in response to the War Department's call for volunteers to form the segregated Japanese American army combat unit. More than 12,000 Nisei volunteers answered the call. Ultimately 2,686 from Hawaii and 1,500 from mainland U.S. internment camps assembled at Camp Shelby, Mississippi in April 1943 for a year of infantry training. Many of the soldiers from the continental U.S. had families in internment camps while they fought abroad. Meaning to risk everything in order to win, the unit's motto was "Go For Broke". Before they left Mississippi, the 100th was given permission to use the slogan it wanted, "Go For Broke," the crapshooters' cry to "shoot the works."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterans of Future Wars</span> US satirical political organization (1936)

Veterans of Future Wars (VFW) was a satirical political organization initially created as a prank by Princeton University students in 1936. The group was conceived as a parody of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the movement for early payment of a bonus to veterans of World War I that had been originally scheduled for disbursement in 1945 when the World War Adjusted Compensation Act was passed in 1924. The group jokingly advocated the payment of a similar $1,000 "bonus" to future veterans of a coming European conflagration while the recipients were young enough—and alive—to enjoy it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMVETS</span> American military veterans organization

American Veterans (AMVETS) is a non-partisan, volunteer-led organization formed by World War II veterans of the United States military. It advocates for its members as well as for causes that its members deem helpful to the nation at large. The group holds a Federal charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. It is a 501(c)19 organization.

A veterans' organization, also known as an ex-service organization, is an organization composed of persons who served in a country's armed forces, especially those who served in the armed forces during a period of war. The organization's concerns include benefits for spouses and children, veterans' claims, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) issues, and other topics related to veterans and to their families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everett Alvarez Jr.</span> American Navy officer

Everett Alvarez Jr. is a retired United States Navy officer who endured one of the longest periods as a prisoner of war (POW) in U.S. military history. Alvarez was the first U.S. pilot to be shot down and detained during the Vietnam War and spent over eight years in captivity, making him the second longest-held U.S. POW, after U.S. Army Colonel Floyd James Thompson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go for Broke Monument</span> Monument in Los Angeles, California, United States

The Go for Broke Monument in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, commemorates Japanese Americans who served in the United States Army during World War II. It was created by Los Angeles architect Roger M. Yanagita whose winning design was selected over 138 other submissions from around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruppert L. Sargent</span>

Ruppert Leon Sargent was a United States Army officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Intelligence Service (United States)</span> Military unit

The Military Intelligence Service was a World War II U.S. military unit consisting of two branches, the Japanese American unit and the German-Austrian unit based at Camp Ritchie, best known as the "Ritchie Boys". The unit described here was primarily composed of Nisei who were trained as linguists. Graduates of the MIS language school (MISLS) were attached to other military units to provide translation, interpretation, and interrogation services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008</span> United States law

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 is Title V of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008, Pub. L.Tooltip Act of Congress#Public law, private law, designation 110–252 (text)(PDF), H.R. 2642, an Act of Congress which became law on June 30, 2008. The act amended Part III of Title 38, United States Code to include a new Chapter 33, which expands the educational benefits for military veterans who have served since September 11, 2001. At various times the new education benefits have been referred to as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the 21st Century G.I. Bill of Rights, or the Webb G.I. Bill, with many current references calling it simply the new G.I. Bill. President George W. Bush signed H.R. 2642 into law on June 30, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America</span> Veterans organization

Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is an American Jewish veterans' organization created in 1896 by American Civil War veterans to raise awareness of contributions made by Jewish service members.

Robert Nimmo was an American military officer and politician who served as the Administrator of Veterans Affairs from 1981 to 1983. He previously served in both chambers of the California State Legislature.

The United States military formerly excluded gay men, bisexuals, and lesbians from service. In 1993, the United States Congress passed, and President Bill Clinton signed, a law instituting the policy commonly referred to as "Don't ask, don't tell" (DADT), which allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to serve as long as they did not reveal their sexual orientation. Although there were isolated instances in which service personnel were met with limited success through lawsuits, efforts to end the ban on openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people serving either legislatively or through the courts initially proved unsuccessful.

A veterans' court is a "special court" which is charged with trying cases of minor offenses which involve veterans, particularly those diagnosed with service-related illnesses. The first veterans' court was established in 2008 in Buffalo, New York, and has been used as a model for establishments of other veterans' courts in other parts of the United States. There are questions, however, about the judicial system allowing a "special class." Although the court only deals with misdemeanors, the prosecutors and judges can choose to allow defendants to agree to plead guilty to a misdemeanor, thus reducing the charges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Order of the Cootie</span> Organization of U.S. war veterans

The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States is a national honor degree membership association separately constituted as a subordinate and as an auxiliary order chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). The organization's services include supporting the VFW National Home and veterans hospitals. Founded in 1920, it became a subsidiary of the VFW in 1923.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Wilson (pilot)</span> US Air Force officer and pilot

Charles Paul Wilson II is a retired United States Air Force colonel who is notable for his work in political-military affairs, national security policy, defense acquisition, and business development. He commanded four different military units at the squadron and wing organizational levels. Wilson performed operational testing of the prototype S1034 pressure suit and flew the first operational mission of the Lockheed U-2S spy plane. He is a rated US Air Force command pilot with over 3,800 flight hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nisei VFW Post 8985</span> Historic building in California, United States

Nisei Memorial VFW Post 8985 was founded in 1947 by Japanese-American World War II veterans of the 442nd RCT and the Military Intelligence Service in Sacramento, California. Its members would form the first of 14 segregated Nisei VFW posts chartered in California. The post's clubhouse, originally built as a restaurant, was purchased with assistance from the local JACL in 1955, and is now the last remaining property associated with what was once Sacramento's historic Japantown.

References

  1. 1 2 Mason, Herbert Molloy Jr. (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp.  29, 39, 92. ISBN   1-88611072-7. LCCN   99-24943. OCLC   777720483 via Addax Publishing Group.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Proceedings of the 34th National Encampment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (Report). Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Veteran. 1933. pp. 5, 31 via Internet Archive.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. 1 2 Mason, Herbert Molloy Jr. (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. p.  225. ISBN   1-88611072-7. LCCN   99-24943. OCLC   777720483 via Addax Publishing Group.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 " "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income" (PDF). Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  5. 1 2 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 7.
  6. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 42.
  7. 1 2 3 "Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)". Encyclopædia Britannica . 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  8. "The First Post - Denver". Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  9. "VFW to Update Congressional Charter". VFW: Veterans of Foreign Wars. Veterans of Foreign Wars. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  10. Mason, Herbert Molloy Jr. (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp.  29, 38–40. ISBN   1-88611072-7. LCCN   99-24943. OCLC   777720483 via Addax Publishing Group.
  11. "VFW Post 1/About" . Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  12. "OHJ Archive".
  13. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. p. 44.
  14. Mason, Herbert Molloy Jr. (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. p.  15. ISBN   1-88611072-7. LCCN   99-24943. OCLC   777720483 via Addax Publishing Group.
  15. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Congressional Charter, National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual (2018 Podium ed.). Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 2017. pp. 56–61.
  16. "Afghanistan Campaign Medal for Operation Freedom's Sentinel". Archived from the original on January 6, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  17. Wu, Ellen (October 8, 2020). "Resettlement in Chicago". Desho Encyclopedia.
  18. Studio, Kuroko (February 7, 1947). "Institution ceremony and installation of officers, Sacramento Nisei VFW Post No. 8985". CSUS Digital Collections.
  19. "Alva J Fleming - Sacramento, CA". waymarking.com. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  20. "Paratroop Leader Condemns Post 51's Discrimination Against Japanese Americans" (PDF). Pacific Citizen. May 25, 1946.
  21. "VFW commanders remembered" (PDF). Pacific Citizen. August 8, 1986.
  22. "Our Mission, Vision, & Principles". Nisei Veterans Committee. Archived from the original on July 22, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  23. "Vietnam War vets were once rejected by VFW". December 15, 2009.
  24. "Aging Peace Where Once They Stood Apart, Vietnam's Veterans Are Now Standing with Fighters of Earlier Wars. Why Has It Taken 15 Years?". November 12, 1989.
  25. "Rejection of Vietnam Vets Hurts". January 30, 1997.
  26. "Why Vietnam veterans don't join". July 20, 2019.
  27. "VFW at a Glance" (PDF). VFW. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  28. "VA Claims & Separation Benefits". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  29. "VA Claims & Separation Benefits". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  30. 1 2 "Student Veteran Support". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  31. "Student Fellowship". www.vfw.org. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  32. 1 2 3 4 "National Military Services". Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure]. Kansas City, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars. January 2014.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 "Programs". Recruiter Success Pocket Guide [Brochure]. Kansas City, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars. January 2014.
  34. "Past Commanders in Chiefs" (PDF). Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  35. Mason, Herbert Molloy Jr. (1999). VFW: Our First Century. Foreword by Senator Chuck Hagel. Lenexa, Kansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp.  9, 16, 47, 90–91, 118, 104, 132, 204. ISBN   1-88611072-7. LCCN   99-24943. OCLC   777720483 via Addax Publishing Group.
  36. Ford, Gerald R. (1979). A Time To Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford (1st ed.). New York: Harper & Row. p. 62. ISBN   0-06-011297-2. LCCN   78020162. OCLC   4835213. OL   4731652M.

Further reading