Get VFW Eligibility Information

Military service documentation that reflects service in a combat theater, or • receipt of combat service medals, and/or Page 1 of 3 • receipt of imminent danger or hostile fire pay or tax benefits. Cost-free care and medications provided for conditions potentially related to combat service.

What is the difference between the VFW and the American Legion? Simply put, the American Legion generally accepts Veterans of the US Military no matter where they served. The VFW however, only accepts Veterans of the US Military who served overseas in a combat zone or received hostile fire pay.

Medals. Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (does not include Global War on Terrorism Medal); Kosovo Campaign Medal; Southwest Asia Campaign Medal; and other DOD authorized combat related medals.

If you served on active duty during the time frames listed below you have wartime Veteran status: WWII: Dec 7, 1941 through Dec 31, 1946. Korean War: Jun 27, 1950, through Jan 31, 1955. Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 (Feb 28, 1961 for Veterans who served “in country” before Aug 5, 1964), through M ay 7, 1975.

Of course, any veteran can go into a VFW Hall or facility. To Become of member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization, the Veteran needed to have served active duty in a foreign war theatre and been discharged other than dishonorable.

Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge qualifies for preference. Medal holders must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. medals should submit official documentation showing the award of the appropriate medal to their Human Resources Office.

Typically, the “proof of service to establish eligibility for membership” is available through a veteran's DD-214. ing the the VFW National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure, “Proof of service to establish eligibility for membership rests with the applicant.

Protected Veterans. Veterans who earned an Armed Forces Service Medal “pursuant to Executive Order 12985.” Those who served on active duty in the US Military during an expedition, campaign, or war on the ground, naval, or air service.