The VFW is so much more than a place to get refreshments. The VFW has a long list of accomplishments that have helped veterans, military personnel, and their families. The VFW reaches out to all veterans—including those who have served in the War on Terror—to serve, represent and support them. Our mission of "honoring the dead by helping the living” is just as vital today to veterans, military troops, and the community as it has ever been. We exist to serve others first and foremost through VFW programs and activities, not just as a social gathering spot. All Posts are urged to follow this mission of impacting lives through service and outreach.
We help veterans, troops and their loved ones learn
about and receive the benefits and services from the government. We represent
them before the VA and will even guide them through the claims appeals process.
PA VFW Service Officers help veterans to recover an average of $30 million in
federal benefits each year. Our State Service Officers are located throughout
Pennsylvania and we even make house visits to serve homebound veterans and
their survivors
Every year, VFW units in PA contribute millions
of dollars in donations and volunteer service to make life better for people
from all walks of life by making communities safer, giving youth positive
programs to participate in, helping needy families, supporting charities and doing
much more. Many Posts donate funds annually to police departments, fire
companies, ambulance services, food pantries, homeless shelters, projects
helping less fortunate and disabled persons, and many more causes.
.VFW posts across the state are preparing today’s students to be future leaders and responsible citizens. We hold annual writing and speech contests for junior high and high school students that focus on patriotism and the role of veterans in keeping most of the world free. These contests provide students with much-needed scholarship money. Last year, our PA VFW Voice of Democracy contest gave away more than $114,000 through contests at 200 posts that involved over 5,000 high school students. Our Patriot’s Pen speech contest for junior high students also puts thousands of dollars into the hands of students each year. We have special award programs that recognize the tremendous role that teachers play in preparing students to lead America forward. Outside of the classroom, many youths benefit from VFW-sponsored sports teams and events held by VFW posts. Children suffering from diseases and from poverty
benefit from VFW donations
Our veterans visit classrooms, perform in patriotic parades, maintain veterans monuments, and do other community services to keep the flame of patriotism burning bright. The VFW is a constant reminder of the role that veterans and freedom have made America
such a wonderful place to live.
