Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Wisconsin

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Wisconsin is part of the broader Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, which was established on September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio. The VFW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans who have fought in wars on foreign soil.

History

The VFW National Auxiliary was founded in 1914 to support veterans and their families, as well as serve their communities. The Department of Wisconsin was formed in 1925, with significant contributions from local posts such as Burns Post 388 Auxiliary in Wausau. This marked a significant milestone as the department began to organize state-level efforts to assist veterans and their families.

Purpose

The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, including its Wisconsin Department, focuses on several key areas:

• Assistance for Veterans: Providing aid to veterans, particularly those who are disabled or needy, and their dependents.
• Promotion of Americanism: Educating the public about patriotism and civic responsibility through various community service projects.
• Advocacy: Acting as an advocate for legislative actions that benefit veterans and their families.

Activities

In Wisconsin, VFW posts engage in numerous activities, including community service, support for veterans' facilities, and participation in commemorative events. The organization also works closely with other veterans' groups and state agencies like the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure comprehensive support for veterans.

Structure

The VFW operates under a hierarchical structure with local posts, districts, and a state department that reports to the national headquarters. The Wisconsin Department oversees multiple local posts across the state, each contributing to the overall mission of the organization.

Impact

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Wisconsin Department have played a significant role in shaping veterans' support networks in the state. By advocating for veterans' rights, providing community services, and fostering patriotism, the organization continues to be a vital part of Wisconsin's social fabric.

[1] https://sites.google.com/view/vfw388/auxiliary/auxiliary-early-history [2] https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/aboutWdva/WDVAHistory.aspx [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_of_Foreign_Wars [4] https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/aboutWdva/BOVA_Biographies.aspx [5] https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM90158