About Us

Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 1 of California is part of the oldest major veterans group in the United States.  In 1899, 13 former Spanish-American War soldiers formed the forerunner of the VFW in Columbus, Ohio.  Membership in the VFW is the most exclusive of all U.S. veterans’ organizations because it demands service overseas in time of war or international crisis to qualify.

The VFW, District 1 was chartered June 20, 1949.  The District is headquartered in San Diego County and currently services 32 VFW Posts.  The District’s organization is structured to be operationally efficient while maintaining the highest degree of membership control over its activities.

The efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California are directed by an elected State Commander and administered by an appointed State Adjutant and staff.  A new State Commander is elected each year at the VFW's annual State Convention. Because no State Commander is allowed to succeed himself in office, the State Adjutant, acting as the Department chief executive officer, provides continuity in the leadership of the professional staff.

The governing board of the Department is the Council of Administration.  The Council is comprised of the VFW State Commander, immediate Past State Commander, State Senior and Junior Vice Commanders, State Quartermaster, State Inspector, State Chaplain, State Judge Advocate and State Surgeon, The council also includes 25 elected members representing the 25 geographical districts.  The Council members are elected at the State Convention and hold office for one year.