ABOUT US

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.
 
 
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

Post News

Important Info for Post9539 Members

Quilts of Valor

A moving recognition to close out Veteran’s Day 2025

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A small stone in a calm pond

One example of the many small stones of Post 9539.

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District News

Important Info for District Members

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Statewide News

News & Info from your department

Fourth Annual VFW DAy of Service May 3

Are you planning to join us for the fourth annual VFW Day of Service on May 3?

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NVS Update

VA makes several cancers presumptive for Gulf War and Post 9/11 veterans

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National News

Important info from National VFW

Rep. Pfluger Named 2026 VFW Congressional Award Recipient

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly presented its 2026 Congressional Award to Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, to...

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VFW Appalled Major Richard Star Act Vote Blocked for Second Time

WASHINGTON - Today, Ranking Member Blumenthal asked for unanimous consent for passage of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, on t...

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Announcements


 
Due to high flu activity across South Carolina, the Columbia VA Health Care System is implementing immediate visitor restrictions to help protect the health and safety of our Veterans, staff, and community.

Effective immediately:

• Visitors must be 16 years of age or older at all Columbia VA locations, including the Community Living Center (CLC).

• Please only enter a Columbia VA medical center or clinic if you are feeling well and have not been exposed to anyone with a respiratory illness.

• Hand hygiene is required upon entry and exit of all facilities.

• Anyone who develops respiratory symptoms while on-site should promptly leave clinical areas and seek testing and treatment if indicated.

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to keep our Veterans and facilities safe during flu season. 
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OUR MISSION

That the purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational: to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.