V.F.W.
February 13th, 2012
HARVEY C. HUFF POST # 8698, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
Late in the summer of 1919, the veterans of World War I began to talk of organizing a post of the American Legion. After several street corner meetings, it was agreed to meet in the council room of the borough
Believe it was still active up to 1961 and was located at the brick house down in the dale across from the entrance to GlenGery Brick Yard on Eighth Street.
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. In 2008, VFW 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.
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers service for women veterans.
VFW’s mission: To foster camaraderie among US veterans of overseas conflicts. To seve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
VFW’s vision: to 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.
VFW’s core values:
Always put the interests of our members first
Treat donors as partners in our cause
Promote patriotism
Honor military serve
Ensure the care of veterans and their families
Served our communities
Promote a positive image of the VFW
Respect the diversity of veteran opinions
Those serving as Post Commanders are:
Last Modified: 02.14.12