Membership Eligibility

There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our By-Laws.

An individual must meet all three in order to become a member. They are as follows:

1: Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.

2: 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.

3: 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 full list of medals and badges at VFW National Website)
     - 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

*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 online or at 314-801-0800 to request more information.

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More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed at the VFW National Website. 

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