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Patchogue, NY 11772

USA

Eligibility

There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our By-Laws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member. They are as follows:

1: Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.

2: 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.

3: 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 a full 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 online or at 314-801-0800 to request more information.

More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.

Annual Membership

As the largest combat veterans organization around, VFW membership spans the globe. We’re an elite group of combat warriors who have each other’s backs long after the fight is over.

Camaraderie. Empowerment. Access to a vast network of resources. Assistance securing the benefits you’ve earned. Numerous discounts on a number of products and services. With a VFW membership, you’ll find all this and more! Further, your VFW membership establishes your place in the VFW legacy that dates back to our founding in 1899.

Your dues of just $45.00 will cover the cost of your membership for a full calendar year as a Member-At-Large for your state. ($1.98 of your membership dues goes toward your VFW magazine subscription.)

Life Membership

By becoming a VFW Life member, you make a lifetime commitment to serving your fellow service members and veterans. That’s something to take great pride in.

You’ll also enjoy many great benefits of being a Life member! You will:

Avoid annual dues and renewals.
Maintain your membership in any Post you choose, worldwide!
Never pay an increase in dues—Guaranteed!
Receive a 10% discount on exclusive VFW Store merchandise for the first year.

You can become a VFW Life member by making a one-time payment, or you can pay for your Life membership through our installment plan with an initial $45 payment and the Life membership amount billed over an 11-month period.

Legacy Life Membership

Legacy Life membership enables VFW Life members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization.

Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members. Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the national organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today’s veterans but the veterans of tomorrow.

You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Life member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions.

Campaign Medal Eligibility for the VFW

If a veteran’s DD-214 or other military documentation con rms 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-Paci c 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
Air Force Combat Action Medal
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 Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon WITH GOLD BORDER
Korea Duty (Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days)
Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay

For any questions regarding VFW eligibility, please contact the Membership Department at membership@vfw.org or by calling 1-888-JOIN-VFW (564-6839) for assistance.