Our Mission
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Our Vision
Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
Core Values
-
Always put the interest of our members first
-
Treat donors as partners in our cause
-
Promote patriotism
-
Honor military service
-
Ensure the care of veterans and their families
-
Serve our communities
-
Promote a positive image of the VFW
-
Respect the diversity of veteran opinions
History of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
We trace our 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 that would eventually band together and 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. Today, membership stands at more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans. The VFW's legislative advocacy efforts were also the driving force behind the passage of the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veteran Act, and the passage of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, which the VFW considers one of the most significant pieces of veterans legislation in history.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial which broke ground in July of 2022.
Post Namesake John R Simpson
John R. Simpson was a decorated veteran of WWI who fought in the St. Mihiel and Meusse-Argonne battles in France.
He was born on March 14, 1891 in the newly established small town of Chillicothe, Texas. In 1914 John’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Simpson decided to move to Escondido, he followed them a year after. When the United States declared war against Germany, John immediately registered for service and received registration certificate #1, ten days later he enlisted in Company F, 7th Texas Regiment. He was stationed at Linda Vista until Camp Kearny (present-day MCAS Miramar) was established and transferred to Company D, 160th Infantry, 40th Army Division known as the “Sunshine Division” commanded by General Frederick S. Strong.
Private Simpson was among 20,000 men ordered to France sailing out from Hoboken, New Jersey on June 3, 1918. Upon his arrival in France, he was transferred to Company H, 103rd Infantry, 26th Army Division where he fought in the St. Mihiel and Meusse-Argonne battles surviving both conflicts without injury. Afterwards, Private Simpson sent a letter home stating he felt well and looked forward to coming home. Simpson’s parents received this letter shortly after Armistice Day, fifteen days later they received a telegram from Washington, D.C. informing them of their son’s death from bronchial pneumonia. Private Simpson passed away in Hospital #53 Langres, France on December 19, 1918. He was 27 years old.
John R. Simpson’s life, service, and character are an inspiration to the members of Post 1513, named in his honor. His march may be over, but his brave spirit lives on in the heroes who have followed his footsteps in service to our great country.