There are three membership qualifiers established by VFW By-Laws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member.
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 (list of qualifying medals and badges below) - 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 (https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel) or at 314-801-0800 to request more information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QUALIFYING MEDALS AND BADGES: If a veteran’s DD-214 or other military documentation confirms 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. (for specific award criteria and dates, cut and paste the medal's name into any search engine). Wikipedia has an accurate and extensive visual presentation of qualifying military medals and date ranges. Go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_of_Foreign_Wars#Eligibility • China Service Medal • American Defense Service Medal • European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal • American Campaign Medal • Asiatic-Pacific 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 questions regarding VFW eligibility, contact the Membership Department at [email protected] or by calling 1-888-JOIN-VFW (564-6839) for assistance.