YOUTH ACTIVITIES, VOICE OF DEMOCRACY & YOUTH ESSAY
The VFW sponsors a wide range of youth sports and is a major sponsor of Boy Scout Troops. Annually, over 200,000 students compete in the Voice of Democracy Program and Youth Essay Program for Local, District, State and National scholarships.
PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES
Distribution of American Flags to schools and churches, observances of patriotic holidays, parades, and the presentation of patriotic materials to schools are just a few ways in which the VFW promotes patriotism.
AID TO SCHOOLS & CHURCHES
Annually, the VFW Posts provide schools and churches with teaching aids and materials that will assist in molding our nation's youth into outstanding citizens. Posts also assist with fundraisers, donations, and the sponsorship of various competitions and activities with the school.
MEMBERSHIP
Because the VFW is respected as a vital and growing organization with the courage and commitment to speak the truth and represent the interests of all Veterans, Congress knows that the VFW strength can rally members to the cause. The VFW has always met the challenge in the fight for Veterans' Entitlements, National Security and Member Benefits.
Using its 1.9 million member strength, the VFW protects your rights as a Veteran and fights off the efforts of those who constantly undermine veterans' entitlements.
HELP TO OBTAIN BENEFITS
These specialized personnel, through their skill in the highly technical field of service work, can be a big help to you when it is necessary to gather evidence to help support your claim for specific entitlements. Among the entitlements you may have earned are Service Connected Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension, Hospitalization and Medical Treatment, Home Loans. Vocational Rehabilitation - Education and Training. You can contact our VFW Claims Service Office in Minnesota by calling 612-970-5669.
LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
The VFW State and National Legislative Staff works behind the scenes for you on Capitol Hill to accomplish the organization's objectives. This is important to you because the close companionship of Veterans, who have interests or concerns in common with each other, acts as a powerful influence on your behalf. You arc apprised of veterans related legislation through the Gopher Oversea'r. the VFW Magazine, and correspondence with members.
BUDDY POPPY PROMOTION
The annual distribution of VFW 'Buddy Poppy' Poppies has been held continuously since 1922. The sale of an artificial poppy to the public as a means of raising funds to aid the Disabled Veteran, was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" and is conducted by the VFW annually around Memorial Day.
AID TO HOSPITALS, THE ELDERLY & THE HOMELESS
VFW members spend countless hours and dollars in visiting hospitals and the elderly, as well as the less fortunate and those suffering from personal tragedy or illness.
SAFETY, HEALTH & CIVIC PRIDE
Among the Safety projects are Drive to Survive, Lite-A-Bike and Home Security, while Health Projects include