More Facts About The VFW

The VFW has fought for veterans, service members and their families since 1899.

The VFW By the Numbers

1.6 million+

Number of VFW and VFW Auxiliary members.

6,160

Number of VFW Posts worldwide.

Helping Veterans Get Justice

109,000+

Number of veterans the VFW assisted in submitting new VA claims in fiscal year 2018.

15,000

Number of VA claims filed by the VFW’s Pre-Discharge offices in fiscal year 2018 resulting in more than $155 million in disability compensation.

24

Number of VFW Pre-Discharge offices across the nation, including the military district of Washington, D.C., area.

Helping Struggling Military Families

10,169

Number of grants provided to military families facing financial hardship through VFW Unmet Needs since 2004.

$4,968,164

Amount of grants provided through VFW Unmet Needs covering housing for struggling military families since 2004.

3,368

Number of military families who have received assistance with housing needs since 2004.

Improving Life in America

9.4 million

Number of volunteer hours contributed by VFW members annually.

$44.1 million

Amount donated annually to local community service projects by VFW members.

Honoring the Fallen

8.7 million

Number of VFW “Buddy”® Poppies distributed by the VFW last year.

$8 million

Amount raised through the VFW “Buddy”® Poppy program for needy veterans.

Inspiring Young Patriotism in Young People

40,000+

Number of high school students who competed in the 2018-19 VFW Voice of Democracy competition.

111,000+

Number of students who competed in the 2018-19 VFW Patriot’s Pen competition.

Updated September 2019
Demarcus Wells

“Getting this grant put a smile on my face. It was a huge release of stress. I am so thankful and grateful for the help.”

Air Force veteran Demarcus Wells, who struggled with a lower-back injury that compromised his civilian job as a personal trainer. The grant helped buy gas for his car and school clothes for his children.