VFW ELIGIBILITY
3 Criteria
- Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
- Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. This can be proven by any of the following: – an authorized campaign medal (see other side for a list of qualifying medals and badges) – receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement) – service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
- Recognized Campaign Medal. Am I Eligible?
Where to find out
This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/ to request more information.
Campaign Medals
If a veteran’s DD-214 or other military documentation confirms they have been awarded one of these campaign medals and they have served honorably, then they are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
- China Service Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal
- Navy Occupation Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
- Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Kosovo Campaign Medal
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Combat Medical Badge
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Air Force Combat Action Medal
- Combat Action Badge
- SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon WITH GOLD BORDER
- Korea Duty (Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days)
- Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay
Have other questions?
For any questions regarding VFW eligibility, please contact the Membership Department at membership@vfw.org or by calling 1-888-JOIN-VFW (564-6839) for assistance.
Benefits of Membership
The VFW appreciates your service, and so do patriotic businesses across the country. That's why we've teamed up to offer you -as a VFW member- and your family discounted pricing on valuable merchandise and services. It's just one more way we're able to say, "thank you" for all you've done to protect our freedom!
Life Insurance, Medicare Programs, Life Planning & Annuities
Join our Post 5716
We are excited for you to join us at the Hoeppner-Horn Brothers Post 5716. Stop by and see us!
application is below
Feel free to complete the application below and stop by. We can help you and answer any questions you have. Please make sure you also bring your DD214.
Helpful Guidance
Where did you serve
Have you been around the world and back?
VFW World Map
World Map of VFW Eligibility
Where in world?
Where in the world have you been?