10 reasons to join or to renew your VFW membership
VFW's membership is evolving to reflect today's diverse military. Of members who joined last year, 50% were 40 years and younger; 33% were 30 years and younger. Renewing now lets VFW count you amoung the 1.7 million members of this organization. Strong membership allows VFW to act as a strong advocate for veteran issues.
Stay with the ELITE TEAM. If you have not done so, please renew your membership!
10 Reasons to renew your membership:
1. Pride in service - is an important part of your life. You have proudly worn the uniform. You have served when and where your country needed you most. Continue that legacy.
2. Capitol Hill advocacy - guarantees your benefits will be preserved and protected. VFW remains a strong voice for veterans issues throught the strength of its membership. VFW played an important roll in passing the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007. Current legislative priorities include an increased - and realistic - VA budget and benefits, and full funding for a GI Bill for the 21st Century.
3. Compensation and benefits are won as VFW works with VA and veterans service officers. Some 180 VFW-accredited service officers helped more than 97,000 veterans recover $1 billion in compensation and pension benfits from VA in one year. Common claims include Agent Orange and REAP education benefits for our Guard and Reserve members who deployed as a part of the Global War on Terrorism. Call 1-800-VFW-1899 for assistance with VA health care and benefits.
4. Educating today's youth - benefits the whole community. Through VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship programs, 170,000 students received approximately $3.4 million worth of scholarships, savings bonds and other prizes last year alone. For more information, go to www.vfwscholarships.org
5. Remember the sacrifices of your fellow warriors. VFW memorial efforts are visible in virtually every community, but also at the national level. Your membership has allowed us to donate $7.7 million, resulting in the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and other national memorials.
6. Military family assistance - helps fellow veterans and family members in need. VFW's National Military Services has provided over $2 million in grants to veteran and active-duty military families since 2004.
7. Troop support endeavors - allow you to offer direct comfort to America's service members. VFW's National Military Services has provided almost 10 million phone cards to troops overseas and hospitalized veterans since 1996. The VFW's new "Free Call Days" program has made it possible for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to place over 1.1 million calls to loved ones stateside without using phone cards. And the VFW gate out over 230 grants last year to assist VFW Posts with welcome home ceremonies, FRG activities, and other morale-raising events. This year we are on tract to do double that number.
8. VFW magazine - keeps you abreast of current developments regarding veterans issues. Recent issues have focused on the record number of female veterans and the VA expanding services for veterans with traumatic brain injury. VFW magazine has won 32 awards for telling your wartime stories from personal perspectives.
9. Member Benefits - provides you with health and various insurance plans, as well as dicounts on personal products such as cell phones. For members of any age, VFW offeres discounted computers through Dell, job search assistance, vacation packages and insurance programs.
10. Camaraderie - is the essence of VFW. The common experience of war unites all generations of veterans. Stop by the Post to see how you can help our Post and surrounding communities. If you are a member-at-large, we welcome you to join our Post. Remain a part of this elite fraternity.
