ABOUT US

The 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.
 
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In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Day of Service Sets New Record with Nearly 2,700 Events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announced today that its fifth annual VFW Day of Service reached a new miles...

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VFW Celebrates 250 Years of Freedom and Democracy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This Independence Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) calls upon all Americans to pause and reflect on the ...

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Announcements

The Hedrick-Rhodes Post 5206 VFW building is now a Henderson County facility.  For information on reserving meeting or event space, please contact Brooklyn Bishop (bbishop@hendersoncountync.gov).

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Happy 250th Birthday USA! 

Thanks to Ace Hardware for donating hundreds of 8x12 American stick flags in celebration of the 4th of July, our country's 250th birthday! 
 

August 28th: Cheer on the Charlotte Knights! Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit of the VFW. Mark your calendars for August 28, 2026, and prepare for an evening filled with cheers, good company, and grand slam moments! And stay for an exhilarating post-game fireworks show! http://www.gofevo.com/event/Vfwamerican2
 
 
August 29th, the Veterans Healing Farm hosts the 2026 Women Warriors’ Keynote Luncheon and welcomes CWO4 Natasha Ryan, a Black Hawk MEDEVAC pilot with missions in Afghanistan, delivering lifesaving care under fire and exemplifying courage, leadership, and service. Special Guest Speaker, Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, USAF Veteran and the Secretary of Military and Veteran Affairs, NC. Veterans use Promo Code VETS2026. http://www.veteranshealingfarm.org/
 

WWII Marine PFC Luther Rhodes laid to rest:
 

Marine PFC Luther Rhodes MIA from WWII to return home:
http://wlos.com/news/local/hendersonville-world-war-two-marine-private-first-class-guadalcanal-edneyville-methodist-church-north-carolina-d-day-british-solomon-islands-jackson-funeral-home-luther-leru-rhodes-buried-history
 

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OUR MISSION

That the purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational: to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.