By Dan, Kristen, and Maria

The VFW Assists with benefits for veterans Promotes Veteran Administration medical centers services for women veterans Provides assistance to widows Encourages veterans to volunteer in the community

Formation of the VFW Formed in 1899 by returning Spanish-American War veterans S-A War Veterans weren’t allowed to join Civil War veteran organizations

VFW Membership Membership in 1915 was 5,000 In 1936, membership rose to 200,00 Now - over 2 million members in 1101 posts Membership requirement… ▫ Serve overseas for 30 + days during conflict

VFW Memorials The VFW helped fund creation of: WW II Korean War Vietnam War and Women in the Military service memorials

VFW Helps Injured Vets The VFW fought to secure compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or diagnosed with Golf War Syndrome ▫ Agent Orange was a defoliant used in Vietnam ▫ Gulf War Syndrome refers to soldiers exposed to biochemical warfare

VFW In The Classroom VFW members volunteer to assist teachers The veterans bring war memorabilia, their old uniforms, badges, and photos

VFW in the Community VFW works with boy scouts of America Partners with… ▫ National Rifle Association ▫ U.S. Chamber of Commerce ▫ International Association of Firefighters ▫ Salvation Army VFW works with the Ladies Auxiliary members ▫ 11 million volunteer hours ▫ $64 million given to local charities

VFW Programs Voice of Democracy ▫ Essay/Audio competition that gives away $2.2 million in scholarships/incentives Patriots Pen ▫ Essay competition that takes place each year ▫ Students grades 6-8 can participate Scout of the Year ▫ For boy/girl scouts, sea scouts, and venturing crew ▫ The VFW picks the scout of the year based on hard work, dedication, and commitment to scouts

Programs for Veterans Operation Uplink ▫ Started in 1996 to provide deployed and hospitalized service members with free phone calls to their families. Military Assistance Program Organizes going away and welcome home events. Unmet Needs Designed to help military families who run into financial problems.

Harvey Pierre First Appleton soldier to die in WWI ▫KIA July 15 th,1918 in Champaign, France Served in the 50 th Machine Gun Battalion 42 nd “Rainbow” Division

Post 2778 (Appleton VFW) Sponsor and donate to groups and programs in the Fox Cities Involved in Flag Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day 350 members

Ray Nelson, Post 2778 Commander What Ray does as Post Commander: ▫Carries out meetings ▫Organizes events like Fish Fries ▫Organizes color guard services