Want to Join us?
We understand the unique bond you share with other veterans of overseas conflicts because we, too, have been there. Since 1899, the VFW has been the nation’s leading veterans service organization in the fight to better the lives of all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States military. No matter which conflict called you to service, we invite you to join us. Stand strong with the more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary as together, we continue to fight for all that’s good FOR VETERANS.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an individual must meet the following TWO requirements:
1: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. This can be proven by any of the following:
- An authorized campaign medal (see other side for a list of qualifying medals and badges)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/ to request more information.
It is imperative that we verify the eligibility of every member that signs up for the VFW, not only to comply with our Bylaws but also to maintain the integrity of the organization.
Qualifying Campaign Medals
If a veteran’s DD-214 or other military documentation confirms they have been awarded one of these campaign medals and they have served honorably, then they are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
• China Service Medal
• American Defense Service Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
• Army of Occupation Medal
• Navy Occupation Service Medal
• Korean Service Medal
• Navy Expeditionary Medal
• Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal
• Kosovo Campaign Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Combat Medical Badge
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Combat Action Medal1
• Combat Action Badge
• SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia
• Korea Defense Service Medal
• Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
• Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon WITH GOLD BORDER2
• Purple Heart
• Korea Duty (Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days)
• Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay
1 also known as the Air Force Combat Action Medal
2 also known as the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
