Our Mission
Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services, and advocating for a strong national defense.
VFW Post 2075 of Hawthorne, California
Post 2075 has been a standard feature of Hawthorne, California, since April 4, 1931.
In a building converted from what once was a water tank, the Post sits at the top of the highest point in Hawthorne.
VFW History
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4
million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.
Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service,
community service, national security and a strong national defense.
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. 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 is being
constructed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to open in 2010.
In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of
Centennial
Plaza.
Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism
in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to
encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is
there--honoring the dead by helping the living.
VFW Programs & Services
Direct community involvement always has been and will continue to be a VFW priority.
The benevolence of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries extends well beyond the realm of veterans helping veterans.
Annually, VFW and Auxiliaries donate more than 13 million volunteer hours of community service. VFW members are mentoring youth groups, helping in community food kitchens, volunteering in blood drives and visiting hospitalized veterans. Others are helping veterans file compensation claims or are "voicing their vote" with elected officials.
VFW's Community Service programs are designed to encourage community service and increase civic pride, which ultimately enhances education, improves the environment and ensures the availability of health services for our nations veterans.
VFW's Citizenship Education program is designed to stimulate interest in America's history and traditions and to promote citizenship, civic responsibility and patriotism.
VFW's Youth Scholarship programs provide more than $3.5 million in scholarships to our nation's youth. They include Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen youth essay contest and Scout of the Year.
The VFW's partnership with the Boy Scouts of America includes the sponsoring of more than 1,200 Scouting units with 40,000 members across the nation.
VFW's Safety Program encourages VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to conduct programs in home, auto and bicycle safety, as well as programs dealing with drug awareness and substance abuse.
The VFW National Home for Children is a community development in a family like environment that is home to orphaned or single parent children of VFW or Ladies Auxiliary members. The home, which was established in 1925 on 160 acres in Eaton Rapids, Mich., emphasizes the values of education, good work habits and sound moral character.
Whether providing scholarships to the nation's youth or helping veterans receive the entitlements they have earned, the VFW is there to honor the dead by helping the living.
