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.

Americanism (Citizenship Education)
Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to posterity and ourselves. Today Americanism is still around, but not everywhere. That is why the Veterans of Foreign Wars must continue to promote Americanism wherever and whenever we can. The VFW's citizenship education program is designed to stimulate an interest in America's history, its traditions and institutions, as well as promote patriotism.

Community Service, Safety & Public Recognition
Community service is an important priority in our country and a founding VFW tenet. The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service. Working closely with other national organizations, the VFW annually reports over 14 million volunteer hours. Member volunteerism benefits education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects. 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.


Veterans Service
The members of the VFW and our Ladies Auxiliary have a long time commitment to Community and Veterans Service. The Department of California, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States maintains a Service Department that is second to none. Veterans Service Officers are used to assist our veterans and their families in receiving their entitlements by filing claims and representing during hearings and or appeals.

Military Assistance
From adopting military units to “Operation Uplink” telephone cards to donating TV-VCR units for American soldiers in Bosnia, the Veterans of Foreign Wars strives to enhance the quality of life for members of the armed forces and their families worldwide by identifying critical needs and providing emergency financial aid. Established more than three years ago, the VFW's Military Assistance Program (MAP) is a quality of life initiative that focuses on easing the financial emergencies of deploying service members and supporting them and their family through the hardships of deployment. MAP also provides one-time grants up to $500 to service members needing emergency financial assistance. In addition, MAP has forged partnership with various service providers, aimed at providing the transitioning service member with relocation and employment assistance

Youth Development
Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. In 2004, a new scholarship program --the VFW Veterans Tribute Scholarship-- was established for children and grandchildren of all veterans and active-duty military personnel. In addition to VFW's outstanding scholarship programs, Posts and Auxiliaries across the nation work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of America's young adults to higher ideals and greater personal achievement.