To qualify for membership in the VFW you MUST meet the following TWO requirements
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*
- An authorized campaign medal. see a full 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
*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 contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at (314) 801-0800 to request more information.
VFW Auxiliary
If you are not eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible, then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary. You can learn more at vfwauxiliary.org.